Point of the .38?
- Thread starter mr00jimbo
- Start date
mr00jimbo said:Pardon my ignorance, but what's the significance of a .38-chambered pistol when a .357 will fire both rounds but not vise vera. I'm probably missing a big point.
In truth most people with a .357 spend the vast majority of their time shooting .38 special ammo. Back when you could shoot .357 for major in IPSC, it made more sense. For guys shooting metalic plates at a distance, the extra horsepower comes in handy. Same applies for those that actually shoot at things with teeth and fur.
For target shooting, there is no real downside to a .38 special only cylinder. The extra weight of the "L" frame's is nice, but you can get buy without it nicely.
- Location
- Southeastern Michigan
Go to a gunshop and pickup a K-frame S&W 38 Special and then pick up a L-frame 357 Mag. Generally, the 38s will be leaner machines than the 357s. My favorite revolver is a 4" Model 15 38 special, nothing feels better in my hand. In Canada where you can't carry/hunt with a handgun I would opt for the 38 Special for range work. Regards, Richard
Canuck223 said:
You could always shoot .357 Mag 'major' in OPEN DIVISION. In fact, I know a couple of IPSC BC shooters that do just that with 8 round Taurus wheel guns and Optima red dot sights. They in fact load .38 Spl + P brass to .357 Mag velocities & pressures.
Secondly, with the advent of REVOLVER STANDARD DIVISION a couple of rule books ago, there is no minimum calibre for 'major'. .357 Mag is therefore a viable calibre option in that division.
richardoldfield said:Go to a gunshop and pickup a K-frame S&W 38 Special and then pick up a L-frame 357 Mag. Generally, the 38s will be leaner machines than the 357s. My favorite revolver is a 4" Model 15 38 special, nothing feels better in my hand. In Canada where you can't carry/hunt with a handgun I would opt for the 38 Special for range work. Regards, Richard
Love my S&W Model 14 .38 Special wheelgun!
Pure Energy
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- A river runs through it.
mr00jimbo said:Pardon my ignorance, but what's the significance of a .38-chambered pistol when a .357 will fire both rounds but not vise vera. I'm probably missing a big point.
I would like to know too. Judging by the replies, is it because the cylinder of a .38 Special cannot handle the pressures of a .357 round?
- Location
- Somewhere on the Hudson Bay Coast
A .38 super is a high velocity auto pistol cartridge with near .357 magnum velocity, where as a .38 special is a revolver cartridge normally loaded to milder pressures. If I am not mistaken, a .38 super makes major in IPSC.
- Location
- Southeastern Michigan
I guess I read too fast and responded faster. The 38 Special has a very large case and it can be loaded to pressures exceeding SAAMI specs. To avoid frame and cylinder failures a new longer case was designed for these hotter loads. The longer cases will only work in 357 Mag revolvers but 38 Special cases will work in 357 Mag cylinders. Regards, Richard
PS some 357 Mag revolvers are more accurate with 38 Special loads than with magnum loads.
PS some 357 Mag revolvers are more accurate with 38 Special loads than with magnum loads.
I believe most .38 supers in IPSC are in open where the power factor is 160 .
38 special is a great round for plinking . 357 is awsome when you need more power .
I have both , given the choise , I usually shoot the 38 spec.
I think most people buy used revolvers and 38 specials are cheaper to buy and shoot plus there are more available .
Just my 2 cents .
38 special is a great round for plinking . 357 is awsome when you need more power .
I have both , given the choise , I usually shoot the 38 spec.
I think most people buy used revolvers and 38 specials are cheaper to buy and shoot plus there are more available .
Just my 2 cents .
