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I have a Ruger Security Six revolver and notice that .38 Speical seems to come in a wider spectrum of ammo than most... 110-158 grains. I am more concerned about target accuracy with it, and not self defense. I can only assume that lower grain would let me get back on target more quickly... Has anyone found a particular grain that is best purely for target use?

148gr WadCutter (Hollow base or double ended etc) seems to be the ubiquitous target load. However 158gr LRN is the most prevalant .38 load. wadcutters and sem-iwadcutters will leave a nice clean hole. If you got a good gun, it should shoot just about everything quite well. I personally prefer the heavier stuff, however I handload so i can pick and choose my combinations quite easily. so just pick a couple of whatever is the most affordable and sample those. however don't expect to try and speed load those in a hurry as it will be a futile exercise. That is what round noses are for.

Wadcutter and semi-wadcutter bullets are best for target practice. Lower bullet weight means less recoil for you.

Wadcutters also have a special advantage for training. If you are seeing keyhole type holes in your target, that generally indicates you are having a problem with muzzle flip,and need to work on follow through. "Generally" beng the operative word. Some revolvers just tend to throw the bullets out there sideways, no matter what you do.

That is just my personal experience, from observation, and I am no revolver expert.

Yep, 148 is a target load if you can find them in a local store. I would also recommend you go to Wal-Mart and get a 100 round box 130 grain Winchester white box. This is about the cheapest you will find in a local store and see how you like it. There are also a few companies that make match ammo for the .38 but it is expensive. Federal, Winchester and Corbon all make Match ammo in 147 and 148 grain. It is expensive but you can give it a try if you want. Midway sells all three but I am sure you could also find them some place else.

I buy most of my .38spl ammo from Collins Cartridge Company in Conroe, TX. They are usually at most of the gun shows and they sell high quality reloaded ammo. I usually buy 140grn hollow points loaded with Hornaday bullets. Good quality components make quality ammo.

http://georgia-arms.com/38special.aspx?page=2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

148grWC @ 750fps
$11.50/50
$22.50/100
$220/1000

158gr lead semi-wadcutter @ 775fps is same pricing.

Just picked up 500 rounds of 138 gr Federal Eagle at $11.99 a box at CDNN. After taking the gun to the Smith to lighten the trigger, we'll see how it does. I found rubber grips for it that should also help on recoil. These old pistols used to be common, hadn't realized they are getting hard to find.

One in good to great condition is hard to find. Beater guns are available but people think they are worth gold sometimes.

wgoforth,
You mentioned you were having the trigger worked on. Lighter springs in a revolver mean less on the firing pin. Many (including myself) have found with the lighter springs in my revolvers, one needs "softer" primers for consistant firing. That is the reason most have gone to Federal primers.

Garry N

Smith worked on it today...he said it already had a trigger package in it, so he smoothed and polished all parts to make it smoother and crisper. Helped, not great, but will have to get used to a revolver feel I suppose.

RECIT wrote:One in good to great condition is hard to find. Beater guns are available but people think they are worth gold sometimes.

This one looks new, even the smith commented on it, for $270.

wgoforth wrote:Smith worked on it today...he said it already had a trigger package in it, so he smoothed and polished all parts to make it smoother and crisper. Helped, not great, but will have to get used to a revolver feel I suppose.

...when he's done, have him coat the innards in Gun Butter...smoothes it up real nicely...

speedsix wrote:

wgoforth wrote:Smith worked on it today...he said it already had a trigger package in it, so he smoothed and polished all parts to make it smoother and crisper. Helped, not great, but will have to get used to a revolver feel I suppose.

...when he's done, have him coat the innards in Gun Butter...smoothes it up real nicely...

Oh he did it while I waited actually, and on his own he slathered it up nicely, so based on your suggestion, I would take it he is a good smith! Pigeon Rd Shooting range in Stephenville. He is a certified Glock and Beretta armorer...maybe more but that's what I saw signs for. BTW, he only charged $10.

That is a killer deal on the gun and sounds like a great smith to do business with. Great to hear, lets see it and see some targets