DR ammuniton

A couple weeks ago I sent an email to the NRA, asking for clarification on .38 bullets. I wanted to know about lead/jacketed/hollow point/flat nose.

I just received a reply from Beth Martin, NRA Pistol Programs Specialist. She says they are updating the rule books and will post changes on the Pistol Programs website. The following is from the pistol rules committee:

Any 158gr Round nose or SWC Lead or jacketed would be acceptable as long as 158 and above types.  The flat nosed does not meet the rules.
It is neither a round nose nor a SWC.  Hollow point also does not meet the acceptable standard.

sounds reasonable.

I have searched the web and have never found a jacketed 158gr RN or SWC bullet. So word it however they want, it still boils down to lead bullets. You might have better luck then me finding a jacketed bullet. Good hunting.

Len

I wasn't really concerned about a jacketed bullet. What I wanted to try was the Zero 158 grain lead SWC hollow point.

Plus, I wanted the clarification. I like specifics. 

Ric

interesting that they don't want HP's in distinguished revolver but their ok in distinguished pistol...

James,
Don't forget that Distinguished Revolver is NRA sanctioned and EIC Distinguished Pistol is sanctioned by CMP.

I forgot.

OldMaster65 wrote:I have searched the web and have never found a jacketed 158gr RN or SWC bullet. So word it however they want, it still boils down to lead bullets. You might have better luck then me finding a jacketed bullet. Good hunting.

Len

Armscor makes a 158gr FMJRN.
All I could find.

Clarence

These are the best lead 158gr swc that I have ever shot to date (also only the third brand I have ever shot so maybe I don't have the most thorough cross-section, but they do shoot well).

http://www.cjncasting.com/38-Special-Semi-Wad-Cutter-358-Diameter-158-Grain-p/38swc158.htm

Rich

Rich,

How do they do at 50 yards--and in what gun?

Rob,

2-inch groups spewed out of a S&W model 14 revolver. Was looking for some pics but I'll try to take some tonight or at the DR match next weekend.

Heck, for some reason I was thinking I could use my 147-gr SWCs. With my alloy they are coming in at 150 gr... Sounds like that's not close enough. I'll start looking at moulds again.

In CAST bullets, is everyone getting best results with LRN? I seem to remember that the BE community is getting more consistently good accuracy with RN, though great accuracy with SWC is plenty attainable.

Personally, I'd prefer to use SWC.

I'd prefer the swc if I could get it to shoot = lrn...

I use the 158 grain SWC from CJN Casting. Shoot great for me.

bogierich wrote:I use the 158 grain SWC from CJN Casting. Shoot great for me.

How good is "great"?
 Do you have any group size data?
I could never get anywhere near factory loads with my handloads with a SWC. I finally gave up the quest.

How good is "great"?
 Do you have any group size data?
I could never get anywhere near factory loads with my handloads with a SWC. I finally gave up the quest.

Davekp- Unfortunately I don't have anything as scientific as ransom rest or crono data, but if it's worth anything at all--I shot consistent 3" groups at the long line and 1.5" groups at the short last night at our league match. All in practice for our DR match this coming weekend. It is my firm believe that once my skills improve, those groups will tighten up as well.

If you are unsure about the investment, I know that Carl offers sample packs of any and all of his bullets--25 per pack for ten bucks, free shipping. 

http://www.cjncasting.com/Sample-Bullet-Packs-p/samplepack.htm

Tell us more about your load bogierich.

powder, crimp, oal, brass, brass length...all of that.

.38 special, 158 gr SWC
3.0 grains of 700x powder
Mixed brass 
1.483 OAL
.373 roll crimp
federal primers

On this subject, what's the suggested available factory ammo for DR?

Bogi, Thanks.

I went distinguished only using Federal/American Eagle 158g LRN out of my Python.
Stuff is readily available and inexpensive.
Found it plenty accurate to get the job done.

Clarence

Look at my thread about DR ammo that doesn't suck.
Remington out performed everything else. Test targets are included in the other thread.