38 Spl loads in 357 Mag cases?

If you use a .38 SPl. load in a .357 Mag. case, the pressure should be lower then in the .38 spl. case, making the load lighter. It could be so light that it may even stick in the barrel(esp. jacketed). If you are using .357 mag. cases i would just look through the manuals/on line for light loads for the .357 Mag. Most of my manuals show .357 Mag. loads down to 800 fps or so.
 
If you want 38 Special loads, just load them in 38 Special cases. That will give you fewer problems but don't forget to cllean the lead ring from the chambers. A 38 caliber Tornado brush works extremely well for this.
 
There must be some data out there.

I say this because there are cowboy action 357 loads, made in lower pressure, souly to make a longer cartridge. Just to more easily fit into the loading gate of lever action rifles,

IE- longer purchase for fingers busy loading through gate..
 
There are probably more 357 Mag loads published than any other handgun cartridge (possibly after the 38 Spl and 9mm). Just pick a 357 Mag starting load, which you will notice is usually just below a 38 Spl max load.
 
I've loaded thousands and thousands of 38SPL loads using .357 brass over the last 23 years. No issues at all and I don't have to clean out that $@#%^&@& fouling ring you get shooting .38's out of a .357. Same goes for .44 special /Mag loads

Auggie D.
 
Auggie Doggie said:
I've loaded thousands and thousands of 38SPL loads using .357 brass over the last 23 years. No issues at all and I don't have to clean out that $@#%^&@& fouling ring you get shooting .38's out of a .357. Same goes for .44 special /Mag loads

Auggie D.
Click to expand...

Thank you - Thank you - Thank you !!!!!!

And, thank you for reading my question.....

This is the no-BS advice I was seeking.

You nailed it! Especially the point about not having to clean the @#$#%&%^^@#$ lead/fouling ring.....

This is mostly the reason for asking the question - thanks for for your straight answer.

Now everyone can benefit from this tidbit of practical information ! ! !

Well done - SD
 
.38 spl. loads in .357 cases

Have also fired thousands of 158 gr lead and copper bullets at the 750-850 fpsecond velocity commonly associated with .38 specials.... useing .357 mag cases.

At 750-850 fps there is no concern of sticking a copper or lead bullet in the bore whatsoever....it always exits the brl. in all .38 s'..why would anyone think it won't just because it was fired in a .357 case.

Have taken a 500 gr 45/70 cast bullet down from 5.0 gr. Bullseye at 560 fps 3 shot avg to 1.7 gr Bullseye 177 fps 3shot avg. out of a ....22 inch brl. !
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom