· top picks · 11 min read
Top 19 Revolvers Chambered in 38 Special Brass: A Comprehensive Guide
A detailed comparison of 38 Special brass cartridges, examining their ballistics, reliability, and value as a versatile self-defense and target shooting option.
When it comes to handgun ammunition, the 38 Special cartridge stands out for its versatility and reliability. This article compares the most popular brands of 38 Special brass, examining their quality, accuracy, and value to help you choose the right ammunition for your firearm.
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Reviews
K&S Round Brass Tube .029x3/8x36 (4) 9213
These round brass tubes, available in packs of four, have an outer diameter of 3/8 inch and a length of 36 inches. They’re only. 029 inches thick, making them extremely flexible - you can easily bend them into custom shapes. The tubes also cut easily to shorten them for specific applications, whether you’re building models, crafting, or working in a machine shop. With a 5-star rating based on user reviews, these brass tubes have proven their worth for holding together wooden lamp elements or any project that needs precise metal pieces.
3/8” Brass Compression Ferrule
Crafted from forged brass, this durable 3/8” compression ferrule connects aluminum, copper, and plastic tubing with a simple slide-on design that eliminates the need for flaring or sealant. While it excels in potable water and hydraulic systems, careful attention is needed during installation to achieve that perfect balance of tightness – just enough pressure to create a secure seal without damaging the threads.
K&S Brass Metal Strip
K&S Engineering’s brass strips combine precise dimensions with exceptional malleability, making them ideal for both model building projects and functional applications where material flexibility is crucial. The brass easily bends, cuts, and shapes into custom pieces while maintaining its decorative yellow-gold luster. With corrosion resistance and a protective patina that prevents rust, these versatile strips excel in environments where durability and precision are essential.
Playtex 18 Hour Bra
The Playtex 18 Hour Ultimate Lift bra combines smooth nylon fabric with lightweight support panels for a natural-looking lift. Wide, padded straps prevent slipping and ensure all-day comfort, while the adjustable back provides a secure fit. The soft-cup design encloses the bust without the bulk of traditional underwire, making it suitable for both C and D cup sizes.
38/DDD Wirefree Bra
This wirefree bra combines full-coverage with gentle lift support through strategic paneling and cushioned straps. The adjustable design ensures a customized fit, while the hook-and-eye closure provides secure wear throughout the day. Most customers love how it maintains its shape after washing and keeps their breasts looking natural without the heaviness of traditional underwire options.
Everflow C61-38 Brass Compression Nut
The 3/8” O. D. brass compression nut plays a crucial role in creating secure pipe connections. When screwed onto the pipe, it applies pressure to the compression sleeve, causing it to conform and form a tight seal. Made from quality brass, this nut is a reliable component for compression fitting systems.
3/8” x 3/8MIP Brass Hose Barbs
Think of these brass hose barbs as clever little connectors that make it a breeze to attach flexible tubes. They’re made for quick, secure attachments where regular fittings might be too complicated. The brass construction gives them a durable edge, though when it comes to exact specifications, there’s not much to say beyond their basic 3/8” size.
Western Enterprises We 38 Splicer
This special order brass fitting connects barb ends and handles up to 200 psi, making it a reliable choice for high-pressure applications. The straight design keeps things simple and efficient, while the 3/16-inch hose size makes it versatile enough for a wide range of projects.
Brass 3/8”x3/8” Flare x FIP Union
This forged brass union provides a robust connection for high-pressure applications involving gases and liquids, featuring durable flare and iron pipe size connections specifically designed for professional use in fuel, air, and gas systems. The union’s reliable forged construction allows for repeated assembly and disassembly while ensuring proper installation requires careful attention to recommended pressure-tightening specifications to prevent damage.
Bali 3463 Comfort Revolution Wirefree Bra
This wirefree bra combines comfort with subtle contouring through light foam padding that shapes without being overly restrictive. The soft fabrics move smoothly against the skin, while the wider band at the back helps prevent spillage and smoothing any potential gaps under clothing. The stretch foam cups offer both support and flexibility, adjusting to different body types with their built-in compression and subtle shaping.
K & S 8271 Precision Hexagon Brass
Brass tube combines exceptional machinability with remarkable corrosion resistance, making it a preferred choice in industries ranging from musical instruments to plumbing. This precision metal forms a protective oxide layer that prevents rust, maintaining its lustrous finish over time. Its strength and versatility have established brass tube as the benchmark for copper alloy machining.
K & S Rectangular Brass Tube
Engineered by a company with 60 years of experience, these brass tubes combine durability with versatility. The seamless construction and mill finish make them suitable for both practical applications and creative projects. Whether you’re building something special or just tinkering around, they’re a dependable choice.
SuperDi Brass Flat Bar Stock
This sturdy brass flat bar stock combines exceptional durability with a classic copper finish. At 3/8” by 1” by 6’, it’s designed for projects that demand both precision and strength. The extruded rectangle metal construction ensures straight edges and uniform thickness throughout the length of the bar.
LTWFITTING 3/8-Inch Brass Compression Fitting
The brass compression sleeve fits 3/8-inch tubing and is great for connecting water, oil, and air lines. At just 1.2 grams per piece, these lightweight fittings install easily without flaring tools. The pack of 50 ensures you’ve got plenty for your project.
K&S Brass Strip
These brass strips, available individually, offer exceptional formability thanks to their high ductility. Coming in at 1/2 inch wide by 12 inches long with a thin 0.032-inch thickness, they’re ideal for crafting detailed projects like stained glass sconces or intricate metalwork. The 260 brass alloy resists corrosion and forms a protective patina, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
K&S Round Tube Stock, Brass, .014” x 3/8” x 12
These durable brass tubes, with their easy-to-use design, provide an essential building block for both professional and DIY projects. The 3/8-inch diameter tubing combines precision with versatility, making it a reliable choice for everything from model building to home decoration. With immediate access through reliable shipping, these K&S tubes have become a staple for anyone working with brass materials.
VERNUOS 38 Special Brass Flat Bar
This durable brass flat bar, with its solid. 4 mill thickness, makes an ideal material for DIY craft projects, machining, and crafting custom engraved plates. Its 6-inch length provides plenty of usable material for various applications, from knife making to lathe work. The C360 brass offers excellent quality for hobbyists and makers looking to work with a versatile, long-lasting metal stock.
Metal Magery 44 Special Brass Flat BarStock Knife Making
Made from 360 Brass with a copper-zinc alloy composition, this flat bar stock has a pleasing gold-like appearance that makes it ideal for decorative projects. Its dimensions of 3/8” tall by 1” wide by 6” long provide just the right balance of size for crafting knife guards, bolsters, or handles. The brass material’s high malleability and low melting point make it exceptionally easy to work with, whether you’re fashioning functional pieces or adding decorative elements to your projects.
K & S 3/8” x 36” Brass Rod
Made in the USA from pure brass alloy 260 1/4 hard ASTM B134, this 3/8-inch diameter rod has a neat 36-inch length. The bagged package makes it easy to store until you’re ready to cut and solder it for your hobby or model building project. The rod lives up to its 5.0 rating, with users praising its perfect fit for their applications.
Buyer’s Guide
The 38 Special brass case is a crucial component of this popular cartridge, offering several advantages for shooters and reloaders. Understanding its properties and applications helps in selecting the right brass for specific shooting needs.
Core Properties of 38 Special Brass
38 Special brass combines moderate strength with good case reliability, making it suitable for both target shooting and light-duty hunting. The copper-nickel-zinc alloy provides excellent fatigue resistance compared to some softer brass types, while maintaining sufficient malleability for reliable extraction from chambers.
Its moderate case wall thickness offers decent velocity consistency with reloadable precision while being thin enough to reduce case weight and potential pressure issues when pushing the performance envelope.
Selecting the Right Brass Mill Run
When purchasing 38 Special brass, the “mill run” designation indicates the sorting process. In-run brass is factory sorted for consistent performance, while post-run brass undergoes additional sorting for even tighter specifications. Premium grade brass goes through extra sorting steps for the most consistent cases.
For most applications, in-run or premium-grade brass provides adequate performance and longevity. However, competitive shooters and reloaders who prioritize every last bit of consistency may prefer post-run brass.
Corrosion Resistance and Cleaning Requirements
38 Special brass typically exhibits good corrosion resistance, particularly when compared to some softer brass alloys. However, exposure to moisture or corrosive elements still requires regular cleaning and proper storage.
The copper content makes the brass more susceptible to corrosion when fired in humid environments or exposure to saltwater. Proper cleaning after each use and storage in a cool, dry place helps extend case life.
Case Modifications and Preparation
Most 38 Special cases can be used multiple times without modification, though neck turning or rebelling may be necessary for extended use. The standard case length of 1.475 inches allows for typical neck sizing operations.
Cracked cases must be discarded as they can pose safety hazards. Signs of fatigue include visible cracks, stretched case necks, or thinning wall areas. Regular inspection and proper storage help identify potential issues before further use.
FAQ
What is 38 Special brass?
38 Special brass refers to the copper alloy case that holds the powder and primer for centerfire cartridges of the. 38 Special firearm caliber. The brass casing is distinguished by its specific dimensions and wall thickness, designed to safely contain the pressures generated during firing.
The brass itself is typically a mixture of copper and zinc, with small amounts of other metals for specific properties. It’s recyclable and reusable, making it a popular choice in reloading ammunition.
What makes 38 Special brass different from other cartridge cases?
38 Special brass adheres to specific dimensions set by the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturer’s Institute (SAAMI). These standards ensure compatibility with. 38 Special firearms while allowing for various bullet weights and styles.
Compared to other calibers, 38 Special brass typically has a shorter case length and lighter overall weight. This design balances performance with the need for reliability in revolvers and pistols.
How is 38 Special brass recycled?
Brass cases are cleaned and sorted based on their condition. Reloading shops and manufacturers use specialized equipment to remove primer residues and inspect for damage.
Undamaged cases are often reused without further annealing, while cases with visible stress fractures or other damage are typically recycled into new brass products rather than reloading stock.
What are the benefits of using quality 38 Special brass?
Quality brass provides consistent performance and reduces the risk of malfunctions in firearms. Properly annealed brass can also extend the lifespan of reloading equipment and tools.
Brass cases are reusable, making them a cost-effective alternative to buying new cartridges for training and target practice.
How should 38 Special brass be stored?
Brass cases should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent corrosion. Humidity and temperature extremes can degrade the metal’s quality over time.
Organize cases in trays or boxes with proper ventilation to allow air circulation, which helps prevent moisture accumulation and rust formation.
Can 38 Special brass be reused multiple times?
Yes, 38 Special brass can be reused multiple times through the reloading process. Most cases can be fired between 15-20 times before showing significant signs of wear.
Regular inspection for signs of stress cracks or thinning walls is essential to maintaining safe reloading practices. Cases showing excessive wear should be discarded to prevent potential malfunctions.
As an Amazon Affiliate™, I receive compensation from qualified purchases.