In order to participate in the GunBroker Member forums, you must be logged in with your GunBroker.com account. Click the sign-in button at the top right of the forums page to get connected.

Modern all copper C.F. pistol cases?????

modocmodoc Member Posts: 474 ✭✭✭
edited April 2002 in Ask the Experts
Got blown away yesterday when A friend showed up with four boxes of Remington 38 S&W cases that are made for centerfire.They were in the priginal boxes and on the end panel read; REMINGTON 38 SMITH&WESSON [copper] primed casesHave you ever heard of them??I guess I have not been paying very close attention,but is a first to me.Next question,WHY??They will look good with my single action Smiths.
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • v35v35 Member Posts: 12,710 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Copper was used in early cartridges because it is very malleable and easy to form, first into a deep cup and then a primer pocket and a rim, all without cracking. It stood up to black powder pressures but being soft it took the chamber form with little springback, causing difficult extraction especially with dirty or rusty chambers. Cartridge brass is both stronger and has good springback for easy extraction. The trapdoor Springfield had a reputation for bad extraction perhaps due to soft cartridge cases. Maybe today's ammo would have given Custer a better chance.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • modocmodoc Member Posts: 474 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Found a feller who told me the copper cases were used in practice ammo with wax bullets. Rather than useing brass cases with a larger flash hole the coppers could be identified on sight as haveing the large hole and not to load regular ammo in them.Any thoughts on this???It does appear that the flash hole is much larger.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • v35v35 Member Posts: 12,710 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I believe these were intended for black powder use which could be confirmed by the vintage of the boxes. Smokeless cases would be expected to have smaller flash holes because of higher pressures. Since the boxes do not indicate the cases were intended for blank or reduced target loads, I would not presume they were. Smokeless .38 S&W ammo is low pressure so I wouldnt expect problems with light loads except that you will probably have to modify a shell holder. If they have been fired with black powder and are corroded and stained, I wouldn't use them.Try a few and wear glasses and leather gloves.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • S&W ManS&W Man Member Posts: 208 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The copper case 38 S&W from Remington were mainly sold as empty cases for loaders. They are fine with normal or light loads. I have a box of factory loaded ones. They are 146gn with a normal target loading. They are not as durable or reloadable as brass, but they do work fine. Can't get as many reloads from them as a brass case. Also, they are not pure copper, I had one analized as I wasn't sure of the stregenth of them,and they are a combination of copper with some brass and some zinc.
    The second admendment GUARANTEES the other nine and the Constitution![This message has been edited by S&W Man (edited 04-02-2002).]
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Sign In or Register to comment.