Can All.357 Revolvers Shoot.38?
Contents
Introduction
The.357 Magnum is a popular handgun cartridge known for its reliability, accuracy, and power. Many revolver manufacturers offer.357 Magnum models, which are often chambered to fire both.357 Magnum and.38 Special cartridges. But can all.357 revolvers shoot.38? In this article, we’ll dive into the details and answer this question.
What is the Difference Between.357 Magnum and.38 Special?
Before we discuss the compatibility of.357 revolvers with.38 Special cartridges, let’s quickly review the differences between the two cartridges.
• Case length: The.357 Magnum has a longer case length (1.29 inches) than the.38 Special (0.85 inches).
• Case capacity: The.357 Magnum has a larger case capacity than the.38 Special, which allows it to handle more propellant and resulting in higher velocities.
• Bullet diameter: The.357 Magnum uses a.357-inch diameter bullet, while the.38 Special uses a.36-inch diameter bullet.
• Pressure: The.357 Magnum is designed to operate at higher pressures than the.38 Special, which makes it more potent and accurate.
Can All.357 Revolvers Shoot.38?
The Short Answer: Yes, most.357 revolvers can shoot.38 Special cartridges. However, there are some exceptions to consider.
The Exceptions:
- Some.357 Magnum revolvers may not be specifically designed to handle the larger case capacity and higher pressure of the.38 Special+. These revolvers might be marked as "rimless" or "can only fire.357 Magnum" and should not be loaded with.38 Special+ cartridges.
- Some.357 Magnum revolvers may have tighter chamber tolerances or internal dimensions that can cause feeding issues or misfires with.38 Special cartridges. In these cases, it’s best to load the revolver with.357 Magnum cartridges to ensure reliability.
- A few.357 Magnum revolvers may have a restricted chamber length or a conical-shaped chamber that won’t allow.38 Special cartridges to be seated properly. In these cases, it’s best to check the manufacturer’s recommendations or consult with a professional gunsmith.
Table:.357 Magnum Revolver Compatibility with.38 Special Cartridges
| Manufacturer | Model | Compatibility with.38 Special |
|---|---|---|
| Smith & Wesson | Model 10/11 | Yes |
| Ruger | SP101 | Yes |
| S&W | Model 17/18 | Yes, but check chamber length |
| Ruger | GP100 | Yes, but check internal dimensions |
| Taurus | Raging Bull | No, only.357 Magnum |
| Colt | Python | No, only.357 Magnum |
Note: This table is not exhaustive, and it’s always best to check the manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations for your specific.357 revolver model.
Conclusion
In conclusion, most.357 revolvers can shoot.38 Special cartridges, but there are exceptions to consider. It’s essential to check the manufacturer’s specifications, chamber tolerances, and internal dimensions to ensure compatibility. By doing so, you’ll be able to enjoy reliable performance and accuracy with either.357 Magnum or.38 Special cartridges. Always remember to follow proper reloading and shooting practices to get the most out of your.357 revolver.
