Hot 38 spl loads

caperbound

caperbound

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Nova Scotia
Just curious if anyone plays around with hotter loads for 38 spl (beyond +P). I've read where in the past there were people loading 357 loads with "Keith" style bullets in 38 spl cases for use in large frame 38 pistols or 357 pistols. I know many are opposed to doing this and with the somewhat easy availability of obtaining 357 brass there is no need to tinker with the 38 spl stuff but none the less reloading is all about load development. I've experimented a little bit with no pressure signs (generally min 357 loads in 38 spl case with bullet seated in the grove and some raised as well with Keith style bullets). My guinea pig is a H&R Handi Rifle where the wall around the chamber is about 3/8" thick.
 
As long as you NEVER give any of your hot reloads to someone who might be tempted to use them in a pistol rated only for NORMAL 38 special you should be OK. We all know that 38 cases can be loaded to 357 levels and fired in a 357 pistol without a problem but most of us don't do it because memories are not perfect and mistakes happen. I don't want to dampen your spirit of adventure or your desire to experiment with different loads because that is what this part of the forum is all about, but be careful.
 
"...beyond +P..." Not safe. The 'P' is about pressure, not velocity. Mind you, there is no SAAMI standard for +P or +P+ handgun ammo for a rifle. Your limitations will be the relative weakness of a break action.
Why bother mucking around with .38 brass in a .357 rifle?
 
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