Sources/advise factory .38 ammo for new 1873...?

[2bigfeet]

Just picked up an Uberti 1873 in .38/357. I tried searching this without any real direct answer coming back. I'm looking for a source for "light" factory load ammo. What I did find is it ranges in price from $20 a box of 50 on up to $30 and more. Walmart has Winchester FMJ but I'm guessing I want to stay with lead... correct? This is basically just for plinking needs so I'd rather stay on the low side of cost. Quick schooling (or reference) on pros and cons of bullet weights etc would be helpful. For some reason the lighter loads I did find cost more than the heavier weight bullets (?). Cowboy Action shooting is a possibility in the future... would I still stay with a light loads or are the heavier weights needed.

Thanks for any or all help. 

[wildman1]

If you shoot CAS you will probably start reloading if cost is an issue. In a typical match you will use 60-75 rounds for pistol and the same for rifle then probably 25-35 rounds for shotgun. Yes you will have to use lead for CAS. Go to a couple of shoots and you will learn more than you will learn here. Most places other shooters are more than willing to let new shooters try their guns. Good Luck. WM

[2bigfeet]

Wildman thanks for the reply.

I won't be reloading. Did that decades ago and have no desire to revisit that sinkhole of precious time again. At this point in time, its much easier to plunk down the credit card...

I'm trying to figure out the pros and cons of the different cowboy action loads offered in factory ammo.

Somebody mentioned Cabelas. I'm actually going by one tomorrow so I'll see what they have in the way of Cowboy Action ammo.

[wildman1]

There is a guy that loads CAS ammo somewhere on this site at a reasonable price, if ya do a search ya might find it.  WM

[2bigfeet]

Found a couple of retailers who have Magtech Cowboy Action loads at reasonable prices. Both same price, both LFP:

158 grain, 800fps, 225 ft-lbs at muzzle
125 grain, 920 fps, 234 ft-lbs at muzzle

Why is there two options? Is one better for pistol or rifle over the other? Or does it matter?

[wildman1]

Warthog, BP, I don't know about that other stuff.    WM

[Harleyx2]

You would use the 158 grain for knock down targets. The 125 grain round nose flat point will be fine for most of your shooting. Check out Georgia Arms website. I think they have 38 special cowboy loads for about 12.00 for 50 rounds.

[2bigfeet]

You would use the 158 grain for knock down targets. The 125 grain round nose flat point will be fine for most of your shooting. Check out Georgia Arms website. I think they have 38 special cowboy loads for about 12.00 for 50 rounds.

Thank you Sir. Just placed an order.

[Camille Eonich]

Actually the .125s would be a good all around load and should take down any knock down target that you run into.  With the FPS difference in the two loads it's likely that they are using the same amount of powder in both loads.

[2bigfeet]

I ordered a couple hundred the 125's figuring I'm just plinking right now. If they shoot and feed well I'll probably order in bulk.

Thanks