38 special loads for 357

[JasonYuke]

Ok I will ask it anyway?
I understand they are universal, I understand the 357 case is longer by a specific measurment,
But can you use hotter 38 sp loads in the 357 will the 38 case take it?
Or should you stay with in the reccomended 38 sp load data.
Just want to bump them up a bit, so the point of aim is closer to the 357 impact point?

 

[Rod B]

Stay within the guidelines that the loading manuals provide. The .38 Special was originally a black powder round. I was never meant to handle the pressure that the .357 produces.

If you want to shoot hot loads, use .357 cases. Play it safe, both for yourself & your gun.


Rod.

 

[VICIOUS]

HOWDY ; The 38 cases are thinner than 357 so they split (38) cases when hot loaded. been there done that!

 

[JasonYuke]

Thanks guys, I will use the Mag cases for my hot loads!

 

[SandRoad]

Just for your reference the pressures (in psi) the cartidges are designed to work at, and are reflected in the design of the brass:

9mm Luger - 35,000
9mm Luger +P - 38,500
38 S&W - 14,500
38 Special -17,000
38 Special +P - 20,000
38 Super +P - 36,500
357 Magnum - 35,000
357 Maximum - 40,000
40 S&W - 35,000

 

[RePete]

I'm loading 4.4gr/Bullseye and the 158gr LSWC in 38Sp cases, then shooting them out of my 6 L-frames.

This is my IPSC revolver load.

RePete.