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i have heard that a .357 mag can safely shoot a .38 special ammo? is this true, or do i risk damaging my gun or worse, ****ing myself up loading .38 ammo in a . 357?
.357 & .38
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.357 Magnum Vs .38 Spcl
HELLO ALL
Ron L Here = SERESURPLUS
Yes, I have to agree with my British Friend Boris, you can shoot the .38 SPCL, in a 357 Magnum, but not the other way around, without disaster? In fact the difference between 38 Spcl in +P or P+P is so close to .357 Magnum, it's really not worth bothing yourself to get a Magnum? Best o leave the +P and +P+ loads to a revolver what is in good condition, steel frame and checked out to operate with them by a gunsmith!
HELLO ALL
Ron L Here = SERESURPLUS
Yes, I have to agree with my British Friend Boris, you can shoot the .38 SPCL, in a 357 Magnum, but not the other way around, without disaster? In fact the difference between 38 Spcl in +P or P+P is so close to .357 Magnum, it's really not worth bothing yourself to get a Magnum? Best o leave the +P and +P+ loads to a revolver what is in good condition, steel frame and checked out to operate with them by a gunsmith!
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186 Posts
This is absolutely correct, and in the world of guns, it's not even unusual.
Many chamberings are capable of firing different cartridges.
In fact, most .357 owners (like myself) probably shoot far more .38's through them than genuine .357 magnum rounds.
Here are a few more examples of this:
A .44 Magnum can also chamber and fire .44 Special.
A gun chambered in .327 Federal can also fire .32 Colt and .32 H&R Magnum.
.45LC and .454 Casull can be used in the new S&W .460, and if you happen to find a .357 Maximum, that'll also shoot .38 Special and .357 Mag.
The list goes on, but it's always best to ask if you're not sure.
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thank you for the input. this makes shooting my .357 much cheaper.
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yes thats true as I cant shoot a .357, but I shot a .38 in my dads .357 the other day.
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Take care to thoroughly clean the cylinder after firing .38's in a .357. The 1/8th inch difference in length will cause carbon and lead build up that may eventually prevent .357's from chambering. I use a good solvent (Shooter's Choice) and gently turn the brush in the chamber near the front. Never turn the brush in the barrel and don't use a drill to spin the brush.
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Not a problem. .38 is way cheaper too!
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i went to the range earlier and tried some .38 special through my mag. all the kick from the mag disappeared. makes me wonder, whats the point of a .357 mag at the range, over a good .38?
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441 Posts
In a word mate...options, I still have my old late service revolver a S&W M581,
I can't remember when I last put a few 357's through it, but you never know I might get the opportunity to shoot plates at over 50 metres or something....Practice for the times you may need to defend yourself with the weapon
At one of the classes I took, they had us load .38s and shoot, then .357s and shoot: big difference, but they say the .357 does much more damage. The instructor's point was to be aware of the difference and be ready for whatever you're going to use in defending yourself.
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441 Posts
If we talk self defence in the senerio of one's own home, or in defence of life and property in the US in a domestic context you will find 38 special a good choice, there is a variety of good ammunition, low recoil and furthermore you enjoy shooting the revolver, if you enjoy shooting it, it follows that you will practice more. Once your basics are established you then can more toward the odd practice session with 357.
You can do enough 'damage' trust me with a 38 special in order to defend yourself, the arguement and myth of 'stopping power' will rage on. But there are other factors just as important, training, accurancy and confidence. You have made a good choice...............
You can do enough 'damage' trust me with a 38 special in order to defend yourself, the arguement and myth of 'stopping power' will rage on. But there are other factors just as important, training, accurancy and confidence. You have made a good choice...............
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