[Josh Smith]

Hello All,

I was at the gunstore looking for 000 buck (they're out) when I ran across some 3D ammunition. This stuff is SJHP, and the box is not labeled as "+P". However, some of the caseheads are.

It was interesting, so I bought it. Now I just need to know what it is - is it remanufactured, or did 3D buy a bunch of brass from different sources? Except for the headstamps, they all look uniform - that is, they all have the same bullet and the same bright nickel case.

Does anyone know how old these are, and how hot? Is it safe for non- +P 38 revolvers? What the heck did I buy?

Here is the top of the box... police cartidges? Maybe that explains the lack of headstamp consistency?

The front of the box...

Some headstamp samples. Notice one says "+P". That's confusing.

The back of the box says this:

3 - D POLICE CARTRIDGES are manufactured to rigid specifications, utilizing American-made, specially selected components, non-corrosive priming and modern smokeless powder. Bullets are specially designed for minimum leading and superior accuracy. Automatic production machinery is used exclusively throughout loading operation. Carbide dies and taper crimp provide maximum case life. These cartridges are adapted to all standard arms chambered for .38 special caliber and are guaranteed to perform satisfactorily.

Any ideas, gents?

Thanks,

Josh <><

 

[oberstlt]

Josh - back in the day (when I could see my feet standing), I was authorized one 500 round box of 3D Reloads in 38 Special per week by my Department for practice. We used to buy it for qualification by the boxcar load. They were the only commercial reloads I remember back in 77-78. 148 grain wadcutters as mild as you could make them. As I recall to hit at 60 yards, you aimed at the top of the head. Wow that is a blast from the past!

 

[Josh Smith]

I was born in '77...

Maybe I'll start collecting this stuff after all!

Thank you!

Josh <><

 

[Josh Smith]

P.S. This is 158gr semi-jacketed hollowpoint. Thanks, J.S.

 

[Chris Stephens]

Hello Josh,

Yes, it's remanufactured ammunition and I used to shoot it back when it came in a Red/White box. As I recall, it was pretty anemic ammo and of course since I reload now, I can pretty much get what I want in terms of bullet weight profile/velocity/energy.

Chris

 

[twoguns]

Howdy folks,

My department at one point used a lot of 3-D in .38 spc WC target loads, as has already been noted. This was like 30+ years ago or so now. I was not aware they had begun to offer HP loads, and I have no idea what level they are loaded to. I suspect they are not super hot anyway, but that is just my guess. But since they normally use fired brass they tumble to appear "new", I suspect they tend to keep the loads on the milder end to avoid ruptured cases, etc.

As to the mixed headstamps, that one I can probably explain. They were when I dealt with them strictly a company that remanufactured (the professional or business name for reloaded) ammo. The company would quote my department two different prices - one for a straight purchase, and one if we shipped them the equivalent amount of brass to be reloaded. As I held a class 6 (ammo manufacture) license for nearly 20 years, I understand what the regs were back in that time frame. If I sold you "my old brass" or "new brass" then I was manufacturing and had to charge you Federal Excise Tax included in the sale price, and would send that collected tax to the IRS. If I reloaded "your bass" I was remanufacturing/reloading your ammo for you, and the FET did not apply at that point.

I won't speculate on whether or not they actually reloaded the brass I shipped them when they filled my departmental orders. But unless they have stopped the practice of accepting customer brass, I strongly suspect that is the reason you are seeing mixed headstamps in your box of ammo.

twoguns

 

[Josh Smith]

Thank you gents.

What good are reman HP loadings? I don't know that I'd like them for defense - maybe a woods load?

Josh <><

 

[oberstlt]

Baby Brother - me and ole Twoguns was thug wrestling in 77. Youth being wasted on the young is a shame but I think he would agree with me that reloads for self defense could be a problem. However, to shoot at critter, why not? If the old ammo is well cared for, it should go bang every time. Remember in 1975? a Japanese soldier emerged from the Phillipine jungle to laydown arms. His ammo still worked as he carefully stored it! I hope the Emperor was worthy of such devotion.