HSM Cowboy Action .38 Special 158gr RNFP Ammo Ballistics
Brass Case • LRN
HSM Cowboy Action .38 Special 158gr RNFP Ammo Ballistics
Brass Case • LRN
Trajectory @ 25yd Zero
| Range | Velocity | Energy | Drop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muzzle | 840 fps | 247 ft-lb | — |
| 5 yds | 836 fps | 245 ft-lb | -0.1" |
| 10 yds | 832 fps | 243 ft-lb | +0.1" |
| 15 yds | 828 fps | 241 ft-lb | +0.2" |
| 20 yds | 825 fps | 238 ft-lb | +0.2" |
| 25 yds ⊕ | 821 fps | 236 ft-lb | +0.0" |
| 30 yds | 818 fps | 234 ft-lb | -0.3" |
| 35 yds | 814 fps | 232 ft-lb | -0.7" |
| 40 yds | 811 fps | 230 ft-lb | -1.2" |
| 45 yds | 807 fps | 228 ft-lb | -1.9" |
| 50 yds | 804 fps | 226 ft-lb | -2.7" |
| 55 yds | 800 fps | 225 ft-lb | -3.7" |
| 60 yds | 797 fps | 223 ft-lb | -4.7" |
| 65 yds | 794 fps | 221 ft-lb | -6.0" |
| 70 yds | 790 fps | 219 ft-lb | -7.3" |
| 75 yds | 787 fps | 217 ft-lb | -8.8" |
| 80 yds | 784 fps | 215 ft-lb | -10.4" |
| 85 yds | 780 fps | 214 ft-lb | -12.2" |
| 90 yds | 777 fps | 212 ft-lb | -14.1" |
| 95 yds | 774 fps | 210 ft-lb | -16.2" |
| 100 yds | 771 fps | 208 ft-lb | -18.4" |
Product Overview
HSM's Cowboy Action 158gr RNFP is purpose-built for Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS) competitions. The 158-grain round nose flat point bullet at 840 fps meets the velocity and power requirements for SASS-sanctioned matches. CAS competitors need ammunition that reliably knocks down steel targets without excessive velocity, and this load hits that sweet spot. It works in single-action revolvers, double-action revolvers, and lever-action rifles chambered in .38 Special.
HSM manufactures this load in Stevensville, Montana, and the Cowboy Action line is one of their core product families. The round nose flat point profile feeds smoothly through lever-action loading gates and revolver cylinders. At 248 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, it carries enough authority to reliably topple steel knockdown plates at match distances. Brass cases are new production and suitable for reloading, which matters to CAS competitors who often reload to save money on the high round counts these matches demand.
Compared to Federal's American Eagle 158gr LRN at 770 fps and 208 ft-lbs, the HSM load runs faster and hits harder. Remington's UMC 158gr LRN at 755 fps and 200 ft-lbs is even softer. The HSM Cowboy Action load sits at the top of the 158-grain .38 Special range for velocity and energy. Shooters who aren't into cowboy matches can still use this as a general-purpose range load, though the flat point nose profile is specifically optimized for the steel target knockdowns common in CAS competition.
- Designed specifically for SASS Cowboy Action Shooting with appropriate velocity and power factor
- 840 fps and 248 ft-lbs make it the hardest-hitting 158-grain .38 Special range load available
- Flat point nose profile transfers energy efficiently to steel knockdown targets
- Works in revolvers and lever-action rifles, covering both stages of CAS matches
- New brass cases are reloadable for competitors who shoot high volumes
- Lead projectile will foul the barrel and is banned at many indoor ranges
- Higher velocity than other 158gr loads means slightly more recoil in lightweight revolvers
- HSM is a smaller manufacturer with limited retail distribution compared to Federal or Remington
- Cowboy Action branding and pricing may not appeal to shooters who just want basic range ammo
All HSM Cowboy Action .38 Special 158gr RNFP Ammo Prices
| DEALER | QTY | PRICE | SHIPPING | TOTAL | PRICE/RD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Basin Outdoors | 500 | $319.90 | $0.00 | $319.90 | $0.64 |
| Fast Ammo | 500 | $296.40 | $39.99 | $336.39 | $0.67 |
| Sentry Ammo | 500 | $318.67 | $17.99 | $336.66 | $0.67 |
| Fast Ammo | 50 | $26.85 | $15.99 | $42.84 | $0.86 |
| Sentry Ammo | 50 | $33.62 | $11.99 | $45.61 | $0.91 |
Firearms Chambered in .38 Special
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