HSM Ammunition Cowboy Action .38 Special 148 Grain Lead Semi-Wadcutter (MPN: 38-3N)
Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) competitors, Western action shooters, and traditional wheelgun enthusiasts require ammunition engineered to balance reliable staging with ultra-mild recoil. The Hunting Shack Ammunition (HSM) developed their Cowboy Action line specifically to meet the strict power factor requirements of competitive Western shooting sports while preserving classic revolver actions. This 148-grain Lead Semi-Wadcutter (LSWC) round delivers exceptionally soft cycling for single-action revolvers and lever-action rifles, giving competitive shooters an immediate edge in sight recovery and stage times.
Every batch of HSM Cowboy Action ammunition is loaded with meticulous attention to case uniformity and bullet seating. Featuring a cast lead 148-grain semi-wadcutter projectile with a precise shoulder, this round punches distinct, clean edges in paper target scoring rings and transfers energy efficiently against steel gongs without dangerous splash-back. HSM pairs these soft lead alloy bullets with premium, reform-drawn brass cases, clean-burning low-velocity propellants, and non-corrosive boxer primers to ensure smooth indexing and reduced fouling in traditional revolver cylinders.
Out on the range, shooters will notice an exceptionally light impulse that makes rapid-fire single-action cocking effortless. Leaving the muzzle at a mild ~800 FPS, this load operates well under standard maximum pressure ceilings, protecting fine vintage firearms, replica single-actions, and tubular magazine lever-actions from unnecessary wear. Cylinder extraction remains buttery-smooth even after long stages, ensuring fast gate reloads when every fraction of a second counts.
Armorer Bench Notes & Technical Maintenance Guidance
Shipping Restrictions: Ammunition sales are strictly regulated. Check all state and local laws prior to ordering. Cannot ship to PO Boxes, APO/FPO addresses, or internationally. Must ship via ORM-D / Hazardous Ground transport.
Armorer Tip: Low-velocity lead ammunition leaves soft lead residue near the forcing cone and cylinder gaps after extended stages. Use a quality copper/brass cleaning brush and a dedicated lead-dissolving solvent after match sessions to keep cylinder gap tolerances tight. When running LSWC rounds in tubular-magazine lever guns, verify that your elevator feeds smoothly, as the sharp shoulder of a wadcutter profile can occasionally catch on worn feed ramps.
Key Features
- SASS-Optimized Recoil: Specially formulated low-velocity loading engineered for rapid target transitions and soft felt recoil.
- Clean-Cutting SWC Bullet: Sharp semi-wadcutter profile leaves crisp circular holes in paper and minimizes steel plate splash.
- Match-Quality Brass Cases: Premium boxer-primed reloadable brass ensures effortless indexing and smooth ejector-rod extraction.
- Firearm-Friendly Pressures: Formulated to cycle safely through both modern replicas and delicate vintage firearms without excess wear.
- American-Made Quality: Manufactured in Stevensville, Montana under rigorous commercial quality inspection standards.
Product Specifications
- Brand: HSM Ammunition (The Hunting Shack)
- Product Line: Cowboy Action Cartridges
- MPN: 383N (38-3N)
- UPC: 837306005862
- Caliber / Gauge: .38 Special (.38 SPL)
- Bullet Weight: 148 Grain
- Bullet Type: Lead Semi-Wadcutter (LSWC)
- Muzzle Velocity: ~800 FPS
- Muzzle Energy: ~210 ft-lbs
- Casing Material: Brass (Reloadable)
- Primer Type: Boxer (Non-Corrosive)
- Box Quantity: 50 Rounds per Box
- Case Quantity: 500 Rounds (10 Boxes)
