Elevating Your Reloading Experience: Speer .38 Caliber 158 gr Lead Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point Bullets

For dedicated handgun enthusiasts, competitive shooters, and economical plinkers, the pursuit of reliable, cost-effective, and consistent ammunition is a continuous journey. At the heart of this quest lies the choice of high-quality reloading components. Among the myriad options available, Speer has long stood as a beacon of innovation and reliability in the reloading world. Their Speer 4628 Handgun 38 Cal .358 158 grain Lead Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point bullets, available in bulk 500-count boxes, represent a cornerstone for anyone looking to optimize their .38 caliber reloading endeavors.

But what makes these bullets stand out, and why should they be your go-to choice for a wide range of shooting applications? Let's delve deep into the unique attributes and compelling benefits of this exceptional offering from Speer, readily available through trusted sources like DEGuns.com.

Solving the Reloading Riddle: Performance, Precision, and Purity

One of the most persistent challenges reloaders face when working with lead bullets is the dreaded issue of "leading." This occurs when tiny particles of lead scrape off the bullet and deposit inside the barrel’s rifling as the bullet travels through it. Over time, this buildup can diminish accuracy, increase bore fouling, and necessitate frequent, arduous cleaning. For many, the risk of leading has made them shy away from lead bullets, despite their inherent advantages in cost and reduced wear on reloading dies.

This is precisely where Speer's advanced engineering shines. The Speer 4628 bullets feature a revolutionary, high-tech, multi-layer lubrication system. Unlike traditional bullet lubes that can burn off or be stripped away during firing, Speer's proprietary lubrication is designed to adhere tenaciously to the bullet's surface. This innovative approach ensures that the lube stays precisely where it's needed, creating a consistent barrier between the lead bullet and the barrel. The direct result? A virtual elimination of the gas cutting that is the primary culprit behind most leading problems. This means more shots between cleanings, a cleaner bore, and ultimately, a more enjoyable and productive shooting experience.

Who Can Benefit from Speer 4628 Lead Bullets?

These bullets are an ideal choice for a diverse range of shooters and reloaders:

• Economical Plinkers: Looking to maximize range time without breaking the bank? Reloading with lead bullets is inherently more cost-effective than purchasing jacketed bullets or factory-loaded ammunition. The 500-count box ensures you have a substantial supply for extended plinking sessions.
• Dedicated Target Shooters: Whether you're practicing for an upcoming competition or simply striving for tighter groups, the Semi-Wadcutter (SWC) design is renowned for punching clean, crisp, full-diameter holes in paper targets. This feature is invaluable for accurate scoring, making it a favorite among those serious about their marksmanship.
• Handgun Enthusiasts and Reloaders: For those who cherish the craft of reloading, these bullets offer consistent quality and predictable performance, making the reloading process more satisfying and reliable.
• Shooters Focused on Barrel Health: The advanced lubrication system directly addresses barrel leading, extending the life of your firearm's bore and reducing the need for aggressive cleaning routines.

Understanding the Design: Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point

The designation "Lead Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point" (LSWCHP) for the Speer 4628 bullet is a testament to its versatile design.

• Semi-Wadcutter (SWC): This bullet profile features a truncated cone with a sharp, distinct shoulder. The primary benefit of the SWC design, especially in target shooting, is its ability to "cut" a clean, full-caliber hole in paper targets. Unlike round nose bullets that can tear paper, the SWC leaves a precise, easily scoreable hole, which is crucial in many competitive shooting disciplines. This design also contributes to excellent stability in flight.
• Hollow Point (HP): While the "Target Shooting" application suggests the primary purpose isn't terminal expansion, the hollow point cavity still contributes to the bullet's overall balance and weight distribution. For lead bullets used in plinking or general range use, the hollow point may offer a slight, though not aggressive, expansion capability upon impact with soft targets, or simply be part of the classic design that has proven effective for accuracy and consistency over time. It’s a design that offers versatility for various training scenarios.

When combined, the LSWCHP offers the best of both worlds for the modern reloader: the clean-punching capability of a wadcutter for scoring and a hollow point for general versatility and weight distribution.

Deep Dive into Specifications and Their Significance

Let's break down the critical specifications of the Speer 4628 bullets and what they mean for your reloading and shooting experience:

• Caliber: .38 Cal (.358"): This indicates the bullet's intended use for firearms chambered in .38 Special, .357 Magnum, and other compatible .38 caliber cartridges. The .358-inch diameter is the standard for these popular handgun calibers, ensuring proper fit and performance in a wide array of revolvers and some pistol platforms.
• Weight: 158 grains (gr): The 158-grain bullet is a classic and highly effective weight for the .38 Special cartridge. It strikes an excellent balance between manageable recoil, good velocity, and ballistic stability. This weight is widely recognized for its accuracy potential and is often chosen for general purpose shooting and target practice.
• Overall Length (OAL): .680": While OAL can vary slightly based on the specific load data and firearm, the bullet's inherent OAL is a critical dimension for consistent seating and overall cartridge length. Reloaders must always consult reliable reloading manuals for specific charge weights and cartridge overall length (COL) when assembling their ammunition to ensure safety and optimal performance.
• Ballistic Coefficient (BC): .123: The ballistic coefficient is a measure of a bullet's ability to overcome air resistance in flight. A higher BC indicates less drag and better retention of velocity and energy downrange. For handgun bullets, especially those intended for shorter-range target shooting and plinking, a BC of .123 is perfectly adequate, reflecting its stable flight characteristics within typical handgun ranges.
• Sectional Density (SD): .176: Sectional density is a measure of a bullet's mass relative to its cross-sectional area. A higher sectional density generally indicates better penetration for a given bullet material and velocity. For a 158-grain .38 caliber bullet, an SD of .176 is typical and contributes to its reliable performance.

Why Speer? A Legacy of Trust and Innovation

Speer has been a cornerstone of the reloading community for decades, earning a reputation for meticulous quality control and pioneering innovation. When you choose Speer bullets, you're not just buying components; you're investing in a legacy of trust.

Their commitment to advancing bullet technology, exemplified by the multi-layer lubrication system in these lead bullets, ensures that reloaders have access to cutting-edge solutions for common challenges. This dedication translates directly into:

• Consistent Performance: Every bullet is manufactured to precise tolerances, ensuring reliable feeding, consistent velocities, and predictable accuracy shot after shot.
• Reduced Equipment Wear: The specialized lubrication helps protect your firearm's bore and reduces wear on reloading dies, contributing to the longevity of your valuable equipment.
• Enhanced Safety: By mitigating leading, Speer helps maintain barrel integrity and promotes safer shooting conditions.
• Value for Money: The combination of advanced technology, bulk packaging (500 per box), and the inherent cost-effectiveness of lead bullets offers an outstanding value proposition for serious shooters.

Reloading Tips for Speer 4628 Lead Bullets

When working with lead bullets, a few best practices can further enhance your results and ensure safety:

• Consult Reloading Manuals: Always begin with a reputable, up-to-date reloading manual. Start with recommended starting loads and work your way up cautiously while observing for pressure signs.
• Proper Crimp: A proper roll crimp is generally recommended for revolvers to prevent bullets from pulling forward under recoil. Ensure you apply just enough crimp to hold the bullet firmly without deforming the case mouth or bullet.
• Powder Selection: Choose powders specifically suited for the .38 Special or .357 Magnum, particularly those known for clean burning.
• Ventilation: Always reload in a well-ventilated area, especially when seating lead bullets, to minimize exposure to lead dust.
• Barrel Cleaning: While Speer's lubrication greatly reduces leading, regular, appropriate barrel cleaning is still good practice to maintain accuracy and firearm longevity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reloading with Lead Bullets

• "Are lead bullets safe to shoot?"
  Yes, when properly manufactured and used in appropriate firearms, lead bullets are safe. The primary concern is typically leading in the barrel, which Speer's unique lubrication system effectively mitigates. Always ensure good ventilation in your shooting area.
• "How do I prevent leading in my handgun barrel?"
  The Speer 4628 bullets are specifically engineered with a multi-layer lubrication system that virtually eliminates gas cutting, the main cause of leading. Using a bullet like this is your first and best defense. Additionally, ensuring your bullet diameter is appropriate for your bore and not exceeding safe velocities can help.
• "Can I use these .358" bullets in a .357 Magnum?"
  Absolutely. Bullets with a .358-inch diameter are standard for both .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges. Many reloaders use these exact bullets for economical .357 Magnum loads for target practice.
• "What are the benefits of a Semi-Wadcutter design?"
  Semi-Wadcutters (SWC) are highly favored for target shooting because their sharp shoulder punches clean, round holes in paper targets, making scoring much easier and more precise. They also tend to be very stable in flight.
• "Is reloading with lead bullets worth the effort?"
  For many shooters, the cost savings, ability to customize loads for specific firearms, and the satisfaction of crafting your own ammunition make reloading with lead bullets highly worthwhile. Speer’s innovations further enhance the experience by addressing common lead bullet drawbacks.

When it comes to sourcing these high-performance reloading components, look no further than DEGuns.com. As a reputable supplier, DEGuns provides a consistent and reliable channel for acquiring Speer 4628 bullets, ensuring that your reloading bench is always stocked with the components you need to achieve your shooting goals. Whether you’re a seasoned reloader or just starting, the Speer 4628 LSWCHP offers a compelling blend of technology, performance, and value that will enhance every shot.

Product Specifications Table

Feature	Detail
Brand	Speer
Model	Handgun
Caliber	.38 Cal
Bullet Diameter	.358"
Bullet Type	Lead Semi-Wad Cutter Hollow Point
Weight	158 gr
Overall Length (OAL)	.680"
Rounds Per Box	500
Boxes Per Case	1
Application	Target Shooting
Ballistic Coefficient	.123
Sectional Density	.176
Core Material	Lead Solid
Jacket Material	Lead Solid
SKU	30512
UPC	076683046284
MPN	4628