Moon Tree wrote:I've been telling my friends that the .357 was the "new .22" for the last couple of years. Heck, I can reload plinking load for about the cost of a .22 lr's these days.
There's a lot of truth in what you guys are saying. As I've mentioned before, the 38/.357 has long been my "family gathering" plinking round. Many manufacturers already offer a huge selection of 38/357 guns in all different configurations as well (small pistols, large pistols, rifles, etc...). They just don't work for the ultra small "pocket pistols", although the Ruger LCR comes close.mr surveyor wrote:My Son and I spent a couple of years thinking of "the replacement" for .22lr plinkers .... and when the .22's hit their all time high price and unavailability, we realized we already had the replacement in .38 spl with bulk cast bullets (and plenty of .38 spl brass)
I guess that my point wasn't so much "which is better" (38 vs 380 vs 32 vs 25, etc...). I'm sure that there are advantages to all the different cartridges. It was more the thought of these little and often discounted acp rounds taking on a whole different role if gun manufactures start making quality carbines and larger pistols for them. I just think that the 380 is the most likely candidate being the more popular round of the bunch.
As far as price goes for 380 ammo, the largest cost per round for me is the primer at about $0.03 each. The lead was free. It just took some time and being friendly with the local tire store guys. The brass is free too. I can always keep a supply just by asking friends that don't reload to save theirs for me, and by looking/asking at the local range. Powder is $0.01 to $0.02 per round. So I'm paying $0.04 to $0.05 per 380 round. Last I looked, 22lr were about $0.17 each around here and they were MUCH higher than that a while back.
Reloading does take time and equipment. To me though, that is a hobby and I find it enjoyable. My dad, brothers and now my son all reload and it makes for some good times together. It's also a good indoors hobby in the winter.
Just my thoughts and ramblings.....