Can You Use 38 Special Ammo in a 357?
Contents
The Short Answer: Yes, but with Restrictions
For many handgun enthusiasts, the question of whether they can use.38 Special ammo in a.357 Magnum revolver is a common and contentious one. The short answer is yes, you can use.38 Special ammo in a.357 Magnum revolver, but with some important restrictions and caveats.
.38 Special vs..357 Magnum: What’s the Difference?
Before we dive into the details, let’s quickly review the basics of these two cartridges..38 Special and.357 Magnum are both revolver cartridges, but they differ in their case length, shoulder design, and chamber pressures.
Table 1: Key differences between.38 Special and.357 Magnum
| .38 Special | .357 Magnum | |
|---|---|---|
| Case Length | 1.15 in | 1.29 in |
| Shoulder Design | No shoulder | Raked shoulder |
| Chamber Pressure | 14,000-17,000 PSI | 35,000-40,000 PSI |
| Bullet Weight | Varies | Varies |
| Muzzle Energy | 250-500 ft-lbs | 600-1,000 ft-lbs |
The.38 Special is an older cartridge, introduced in the 1890s, with a shorter case and lower chamber pressures. The.357 Magnum, on the other hand, is a more powerful cartridge, introduced in the 1930s, with a longer case and higher chamber pressures.
Using.38 Special Ammo in a.357 Magnum Revolver
While you can use.38 Special ammo in a.357 Magnum revolver, there are some important considerations to keep in mind:
• Lubrication: The.38 Special cartridge uses a lubricated case to reduce friction and prevent jams. However, some.357 Magnum revolvers may not be designed to handle this lubrication, which could lead to misfires or jamming. Always check your revolver’s manual or manufacturer’s instructions before using.38 Special ammo.
• Case hardness:.38 Special cases are typically softer than.357 Magnum cases, which means they may be more prone to expansion or bulging when fired. This could lead to jamming or other issues. If your revolver is not designed to handle the softer.38 Special cases, you may experience problems.
• Chamber pressures: The.357 Magnum cartridge is designed to handle much higher chamber pressures than the.38 Special. Using.38 Special ammo in a.357 Magnum revolver may not take full advantage of the revolver’s chamber design, which could lead to reduced accuracy or performance.
• Muzzle energy: The.38 Special cartridge produces less muzzle energy than the.357 Magnum, which could result in reduced stopping power or penetration.
Bullet Types and Weight
When using.38 Special ammo in a.357 Magnum revolver, it’s essential to choose the right bullet type and weight. Here are some options to consider:
• Full wadcutters: These are a type of.38 Special cartridge designed specifically for use in.357 Magnum revolvers. They are lubricated and have a softer bullet that won’t cause the same issues as full-power.357 Magnum rounds.
• Short magnum: These are.38 Special cartridges with a rebated rim, which allows them to be chambered in.357 Magnum revolvers. They produce more muzzle energy than standard.38 Special cartridges but are still less powerful than.357 Magnum rounds.
• Light.38 Special: These cartridges have lighter bullets than standard.38 Special cartridges, which reduces recoil and may be suitable for target shooting or personal defense.
Table 2: Popular.38 Special bullet types and weights
| Weight (gr) | Bullet Type | Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Wadcutters | 148-200 | Lubricated, soft bullet | 250-400 |
| Short Magnum | 115-140 | Re-bated rim, higher muzzle energy | 500-650 |
| Light.38 Special | 100-125 | Lighter bullets, reduced recoil | 200-300 |
Conclusion
In summary, you can use.38 Special ammo in a.357 Magnum revolver, but it’s crucial to understand the potential issues and restrictions involved. Choose the right bullet type and weight, and ensure your revolver is designed to handle the lubrication and softer cases. Always follow your revolver’s manual and manufacturer’s instructions for using.38 Special ammo. With proper consideration and precautions, you can safely and effectively use.38 Special ammo in your.357 Magnum revolver.
