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Anyone have any recommendations for brand of bullet for 38 long colt

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2A in the CA

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Hello, I got 4 C&R pistols in an auction on Tuesday. One of them is an US Colt Army Model 1901, the pistol was manufactuered in 1903. The auction listed as 38, from what I read it's chambered in 38 long colt. That is a new one for me, I do load 38 S&W and 38 spc. I was looking for a bullet that is lead, lubed and flat point or round nose. I believe the diameter is .357 and .358. I am still reading and learning what I can about this cartridge new to me. I did get some brass, I just need to figure out what bullets to use.

Thank you,

Jay
 
2A in the CA said:
Hello, I got 4 C&R pistols in an auction on Tuesday. One of them is an US Colt Army Model 1901, the pistol was manufactuered in 1903. The auction listed as 38, from what I read it's chambered in 38 long colt. That is a new one for me, I do load 38 S&W and 38 spc. I was looking for a bullet that is lead, lubed and flat point or round nose. I believe the diameter is .357 and .358. I am still reading and learning what I can about this cartridge new to me. I did get some brass, I just need to figure out what bullets to use.

Thank you,

Jay
Click to expand...

You can call Bear Creek to order the bullets you need, but I think you’re going to have to figure out for sure whether the guns you bought require .375” bullets (like the really old 1800s Colt revolvers did) or the .358” bullets required by later guns. A good gunsmith can help you out if you’re not sure, or give Bear Creek a call and see if they can help you determine exactly what you’ll need.

https://www.bearcreeksupplybullets.com/38colt

IMG_2688.webp
 
2A in the CA said:
Hello, I got 4 C&R pistols in an auction on Tuesday. One of them is an US Colt Army Model 1901, the pistol was manufactuered in 1903. The auction listed as 38, from what I read it's chambered in 38 long colt. That is a new one for me, I do load 38 S&W and 38 spc. I was looking for a bullet that is lead, lubed and flat point or round nose. I believe the diameter is .357 and .358. I am still reading and learning what I can about this cartridge new to me. I did get some brass, I just need to figure out what bullets to use.

Thank you,

Jay
Click to expand...
Can you post a picture of your US Colt Army Model 1901? I purchased a Mitchell Arms Single Action Army yesterday. It's a reproduction from 1989 of the Colt Single Action Army.
 
Funjeff said:
Looks like some are doing Glue molds before getting into lead.
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Click to expand...
I do appreciate the information. I have not got into making my own bullets yet. Now, that I am retired I probably should look into starting that. I would just have to figure out where to do it, and put all the equipment. I have to figure out what I need as I have zero equipment for making bullets. I have to put this plan on the back burner for a while. I bought 3 other firearms with the one mentioned here. I need to save up for shotgun reloading equipment as I now shoot skeet every other week with friends. This is in my plans down the road for sure.
Thank you,

Jay
 
Hit Factor said:
You can call Bear Creek to order the bullets you need, but I think you’re going to have to figure out for sure whether the guns you bought require .375” bullets (like the really old 1800s Colt revolvers did) or the .358” bullets required by later guns. A good gunsmith can help you out if you’re not sure, or give Bear Creek a call and see if they can help you determine exactly what you’ll need.

https://www.bearcreeksupplybullets.com/38colt
Click to expand...
Thank you, I do not have the firearm as of yet, I just wired the money Thursday and I sent my documents to them today for shipping. I have all the gauges and range rods to check it out. I do think I will give these folks a call tomorrow as I am curious what information they may have. I appreciate the information.
Thank you,

Jay
 
Colt Collector said:
Can you post a picture of your US Colt Army Model 1901? I purchased a Mitchell Arms Single Action Army yesterday. It's a reproduction from 1989 of the Colt Single Action Army.
Click to expand...
I do not have the firearm yet, its paid for and I sent them my documents for shipping today. Once I get it, I can send you some pics of the firearm here. Don't feel bad to remind me in a week or two in case I forget. You can PM me or post here. This is the picture from the site, if it does not open, I apologize I do not know how to covert to something that works
Thank you,
J
Jay
 

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Slug the barrel when you get it, then call Bear Creek. They'great bullets at a great price from a great guy. I shoot a lot of them with smokeless or APP.
 
I will second the recommendation of slugging your barrel and going with bear creek. They have a .361 190g rn a 86g rn i think they have a 140g wc. If you decide to cast your own let me know I have several mould options, lead pots, lead of all types and other casting equipment. Any knowledge I can pass on is free
 
Quick Update. I have been doing a lot of research and finally narrowed it down to a bullet I can use. I wanted to thank everyone for their help and advice. I would really like to thank the folks at Bear Creek Supply for their help and patients. I probably made 4 calls to them before ordering. I have several projects going on and I don't remeber the exact bullet I ordered. I believe it was 125gr RNFP. I would be albe to load both my 38 long colt and my 2 old 38 S&W's.
I appreciate all the help.

Jay
 
Bear Creek is fantastic.

One thing to remember, these are polymer/moly coated bullets. I forget how the website describes them, but they are not bare lead. They are grey, and your fingers will be covered in grey/black gunk after loading; but you're not actually touching any lead
 
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