Ammo quandry

[jrdudas]

OK, here's the situation.  I am new to CAS; got my Marlin, my Rugers, and my Stoeger; now finding out that getting appropriate ammo (.38 cal) is a problem.  I have checked several (maybe 4 or 5) gun stores in my area (Central Ohio) and the only one that carries Cowboy ammo has it priced at $14.99 for a box of 50.  Another store stocks Federal round head lead, 158 grain, for $6.99 for a box of 50.  That's more reasonable.  This ammo works fine for my pistols, but I'm not sure the round head ammo is safe in my Marlin loading tube.    At a recent shoot another shooter traded me enough flat point ammo for my rifle shots and I used the round head stuff for my pistols.

It seems like most folks load their own and have no trouble getting the supplies.  I really doubt that I will ever get into loading since time is an issue.  I have read as much as I can find about the safety of round head and pointed ammo in loading tubes, and there really are different views held by many shooters.  While most recommend avoiding any pointed ammo, some say that using round head offers so little risk that it's not worth worrying about.  Others say they know of cases where there have been significant injuries caused by the bullets in the loading tube going off chain reaction style.  I know that there are some internet vendors offering flat point bullets and their price seems right until you add on the shipping, which seems to be about $2.00 for every box of 50 shells.  That changes the price quite a bit and encourages me to look more for a local supplier.

Anyone out there have some thoughts about the safety issue, and why the local stores don't seem to be getting in on the CAS stuff.  Also, is there any way to make the round head ammo safer.  Any wisdom offerred is appreciated.

JR
 

[Micheal Fortune]

jrdudas,

Round nosed or pointed bullets should be avoided in your rifle as you pointed out for safety issues.  The primer could be set off with the point of another bullet either while under recoil of a fired round or while being dropped on the ground causing the magazine to be set off.  It is not safe.

You also state that there are many different views, maybe you are just looking for a second opinion that will say that it's safe to load your rifle this way.

I hope no one replies this way but if they do, then do what you want to.  Seems you already know the answer the the questions that you are asking but are looking for a little easing of your mind.

If you are going to shoot much, you will sooner or later look into reloading, where you can reload for around $3.00 a box

Be glad you are not shooting .45Colt ammo, it locally retails for $20.00 a box.

[Jax Orebetter]

Howdy Pard!

You might try Ammo Direct 

http://www.ammodirect.com/product%20directory/products/cowboy%20ammunition/modern%20smokeless%20powder%20ammunition/cowboy%2038%20special%20ammunition%20lever%20rifle%20round%20.htm

With UPS ground shipping it comes out to about $7.35 per box if you buy 1000 round.
Hope this helps!

[jrdudas]

Thanks for the info guys.

Micheal:

I know you are correct and I intend to use only the flat point ammo in my rifle.  With all the cowboy ammo being used today I'm really surprised that the local gun stores and sporting goods stores do not stock it.  Seems like there's a ready market for the stuff and they're missing the boat.  I probably will buy from AmmoDirect for use in my rifle and buy the cheaper round point locally for use in my pistols.  One of the reasons I decided on .38 caliber instead of .45 is the cost of ammo.  I'm sure that reloading is the best way to go, but I doubt that I will do that.  Of course, one of the positive things about loading your own is that you have complete control over your load and can make sure you have ammo that is always consistent.  For now I'm going to try to stick to the store bought stuff.

Thanks,  JR


   

[Jax Orebetter]

JR,
I know earlier you mentioned time as a factor for not reloading. One thing to consider is in the time it takes you to get ready, get in the car, drive to your local ammo supplier, go in, look around, pay, and drive home, you could have probably reloaded 3-400 rounds of ammo with a Dillon Square Deal B. They say 4-500 rounds an hour, but I think that is being a little generous. If you shot one match a month and didn't do any other practicing, it would pay for itself in savings over store bought ammo in 28 matches.    (That's figuring a savings of $3.50 a box) Just somrthing else to think about.

[jrdudas]

Just out of curiosity:  Do you have to keep your reloading supplies in a climate controlled space?  If I ever get in to reloading I would probably center my operation in my work shop room in the barn.  At this time that space is not heated or cooled.  Is that a problem?

JR

[Jax Orebetter]

As far as the reloading equipment, I know more than one guy who has a simmilar set up as you are talking about. About the only thing I would have any concern about would be the powder. But, as long as the lids are on tight I wouldn't think that would be an issue either.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

Jax is right in his calculations. I bought a Dillon 550B and can load 300-400 rounds/hr. Certainly a time savings. Especially considering you only shoot 100-120 rounds in a match. Add a little practice shooting and you still only need to load for a couple hours in the evening every 3-4 months. It's also a dollar savings because with my wife and I both shooting at matches, the Dillon and the dies were paid for in about 9 months. Dillon 550B is about $350 and the dies are another $55 or so. Oh, yeah, you need a tumbler to clean your brass, too, maybe another $50 or so. The longer you wait, the more it will cost in the long run when you're buying factory ammo.

[gryffon2004]

Reloading is a good way to go.  Besides, It can be kinda relaxing.  I have just the opposite problem.  The only thing anybody in my area carries for 45 colt is cowboy loads.  Not much good for huntin, or so Id think.

[jrdudas]

I ordered some ammo from AmmoDirect; probably enough to get me through the next few months.  It is true that running around the countryside looking for a vendor that sells the correct ammo takes time, and also is costly with the price of gas today.  Considering those two factors the shipping charge will only buy a few gallons of gas.

The AmmoDirect website says that there is no additional documentation necessary when you order on the internet, but this morning I received an E-mail from them requesting a copy of my driver's license and a signed BATF form.  I don't have a problem doing this but, in this day of identity theft, I don't like to give out my driver's license information unless it is truly necessary.  I have responded to their E-mail asking for a clarification.

With regard to reloading; the little bit of research I have done indicates that the Dillon 550B is probably the reloader for my needs.  I found a website that sells them and makes recommendations based on your needs.  By the time you add on the accessories that they recommend however, you are up to about $575.  My checkbook is still in shock from the gun purchases, so any potential reloader purchase will have to wait for now.

JR

[Four-Eyed Buck]

JR, Watch the classifieds here and on the main SASS Wire, loading equipment pops up from time to time. Also E-Bay, I got an SDB with strong mount, bullet tray, extra primer tubes, repair kit, and 500 pieces of primed .45Colt brass for what the press itself cost plus shipping. deals are out there to be had, even a turret press to start with should be enough to keep up with needs until you really get going or have an SO start shooting with you. I started on a single stage doing rifle rounds and what pistol calibers I needed until my wife started shooting as well. Went to a LEE PRO 1000 which I did four calibers with until I picked up the SDB to augment it. Here's what the set up looks like now.......Buck

[jrdudas]

Nice looking setup Four-Eyed Buck.  One of my local gun shops told me that there's a gun shop in New Albany (NE of Columbus) that has all the Dillon presses set up on permanent display so you can eyeball them.  Looks like my local shops don't sell Dillon, but they do recommend them.  The next time I'm in the New Albany area I'll try to remember to check them out.  I read on a website (not Dillon's) that Dillon will not distribute to any vendor that undercuts the price they  publish on their website.  I guess that means that WalMart won't be selling them anytime soon. 

JR