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Can You shoot 38 special in 357 magnum revolver?

Can You Shoot 38 Special in a 357 Magnum Revolver?

When it comes to revolvers, one of the most common questions shooters ask is whether they can shoot a specific caliber in their firearm. In this article, we’ll focus on the question: Can You Shoot 38 Special in a 357 Magnum Revolver?

Direct Answer: Yes, You Can

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In short, yes, you can shoot 38 Special in a 357 Magnum revolver. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind before doing so.

Why 38 Special in a 357 Magnum Revolver?

There are several reasons why someone might want to shoot 38 Special in a 357 Magnum revolver:

  • Cost: 38 Special ammunition is generally cheaper than 357 Magnum ammunition.
  • Availability: 38 Special ammunition is widely available, while 357 Magnum ammunition might be harder to find in certain areas.
  • Practice: Shooting 38 Special in a 357 Magnum revolver can be a great way to practice and develop your shooting skills without breaking the bank.
  • Competition: Some competitive shooters use 38 Special in 357 Magnum revolvers to save money and reduce recoil.

What You Need to Know

Before shooting 38 Special in a 357 Magnum revolver, there are a few things you should know:

  • Chamber Pressure: 38 Special has a lower chamber pressure than 357 Magnum. This means that the 38 Special round might not be able to generate the same level of pressure as the 357 Magnum round, which could affect accuracy and reliability.
  • Case Length: 38 Special cases are shorter than 357 Magnum cases. This means that the 38 Special round might not be able to be seated properly in the 357 Magnum chamber, which could cause issues with feeding and extraction.
  • Bullet Size: 38 Special bullets are generally smaller than 357 Magnum bullets. This means that the 38 Special round might not be able to generate the same level of expansion and penetration as the 357 Magnum round.

Pros and Cons

Here are some pros and cons to consider when shooting 38 Special in a 357 Magnum revolver:

Pros:

  • Cost-effective: 38 Special ammunition is generally cheaper than 357 Magnum ammunition.
  • Wider availability: 38 Special ammunition is widely available, while 357 Magnum ammunition might be harder to find in certain areas.
  • Practice: Shooting 38 Special in a 357 Magnum revolver can be a great way to practice and develop your shooting skills without breaking the bank.

Cons:

  • Reduced accuracy: 38 Special has a lower chamber pressure than 357 Magnum, which could affect accuracy.
  • Reduced reliability: 38 Special might not be able to generate the same level of pressure as 357 Magnum, which could affect reliability.
  • Potential for issues: 38 Special cases are shorter than 357 Magnum cases, which could cause issues with feeding and extraction.

Table: 38 Special vs 357 Magnum

38 Special357 Magnum
Chamber PressureLowerHigher
Case LengthShorterLonger
Bullet SizeSmallerLarger
AvailabilityWidely availableLess widely available
CostGenerally cheaperGenerally more expensive

Conclusion

In conclusion, yes, you can shoot 38 Special in a 357 Magnum revolver. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind, including chamber pressure, case length, and bullet size. While shooting 38 Special in a 357 Magnum revolver can be a cost-effective and practical way to practice and develop your shooting skills, it’s important to be aware of the potential drawbacks and limitations.

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when shooting 38 Special in a 357 Magnum revolver:

  • Use a quality 38 Special load: Make sure to use a high-quality 38 Special load that is designed for use in a 357 Magnum revolver.
  • Check your revolver: Before shooting 38 Special in your 357 Magnum revolver, make sure to check your revolver to ensure that it is in good working condition and that all parts are properly aligned.
  • Practice safely: Always practice safely and follow proper shooting techniques when shooting 38 Special in your 357 Magnum revolver.

By following these tips and being aware of the potential drawbacks and limitations, you can safely and effectively shoot 38 Special in your 357 Magnum revolver.

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