[FSmall]

I have had this wheel gun for awhile. It shoots just fine.I trust it. What I am wondering is,Can I shoot smokeless .38s in it. Smokeless powder came out about that time. I have heard that it was one of the first able to use the smokeless.I have been using Black powder,soft lead. Which is a safe way to go,but dirty and expensive. Please give me your input.

[trip286]

Hang in there. I'm sure c3 will be along shortly, that guy knows EVERYTHING!

[LUBrowningBoy]

Smokeless is going to generate alot more pressure....so it really is a question of engineering. Is the gun strong enough to shoot em? I don't know.

There are many guns that can or cannot handle the pressuresmof modern rounds....Most m1-garands need a quick fix before shooting some modern .30-06....

I would suggest taking it to a gunsmith or doing a bit more research.

[c3shooter]

DANGER WILL ROBINSON DANGER

Better check- I do not believe you have a .38 Special. It was a .38 Colt Long. Originally made for a 150 gr lead bullet, and 19 grains of black powder, It is a shorter cartridge, and a shorter case than .38 Special.

You MAY find some modern ammo, or you can trim .38 Special brass back. Suydam's US Cartridges and Their Handguns lists 3.0 grains of Bullseye with a 150 gr bullet.

Would have a smith check before shooting ANYTHING, and DO NOT shoot .38 Special.


BTW, this was the cartridge and gun that did a dismal job of stopping the Moros in the Phillipines, and brought about the .45 ACP.

[FSmall]

Thanks for the input. I am going to stick with the black powder,soft lead ammo,and be safe. The gun will last a lot longer aswell.