Why Can't I shoot...

[John6185]

I bought an 1898 H&A .38 revolver and it's for black powder loads, what will happen to me if I have to use it in an emergency with modern .38 rounds-not the"P" variety? I bought i because I didn't have atop break revolver and now I have one...

 

[Annie]

But it's for black powder loads, not modern ammunition. The best you could hope for mal-functionwise would be a jam. However, I've seen a gun blow up in a shooter's hand. It was not pretty.

 

[adamsredlines]

They werent meant to handle the pressure of modern loads. Better to be safe than sorry IMO.
Time to roll your own or find some light loads that match the pressures recommended to your particular firearm.

 

[Defcon Shooter]

Wouldnt that be chambered in 38 S&W which will not accept 38 Special cartridege? 38 sw is shorter and bigger diameter isn't it?

 

[MacFromOK]

I bought an 1898 H&A .38 revolver and it's for black powder loads, what will happen to me if I have to use it in an emergency with modern .38 rounds-not the"P" variety?

Ah dude, why would you even put yourself in that situation?

 

[mtnboomer]

According to Lyman #49:
.38 S&W is .775 in. long case and has a .361 in. diameter bullet.
.38 Spl. is 1.155 in. long case with a .357 in. diameter bullet.

 

[D. Hargrove]

Nope, not me. black powder is a different animal for sure. Over pressure scares the bejeebers out of me, roll your own like Adams said or simply have a CCW on ya IMHO.

 

[druryj]

Might wanna post up where to send flowers/condolences now ... just in case you think you should shoot it and find out.

 

[swampratt]

some manufacturers sell cowboy loads these loads are loaded down and I have read of people shooting these in the H&A and they stated shoots like a 22 and leaves unburnt powder on the table.
If it was mine I would down load it with Bullseye powder.
Slug the barrel and see what you get. measure everything etc etc.

 

[cal7.62x39]

Tie it to a tree. Tie a string around the trigger and let it rip tater chip! Record it so we can see that pipe bomb blow! Sorry, it is not worth the risk. The top latch/lock is where I would foresee the fail happen.