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Can You shoot 38 special in a 357 magnum revolver?

Can You Shoot 38 Special in a 357 Magnum Revolver?

When it comes to choosing the right ammunition for your firearm, there are many factors to consider. One common question among gun enthusiasts is whether you can shoot 38 Special in a 357 Magnum revolver. In this article, we’ll delve into the details and provide a direct answer to this question.

What is 38 Special?

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Before we dive into the specifics, let’s take a look at what 38 Special is. 38 Special is a type of handgun cartridge that was introduced in the late 19th century. It is a rimmed cartridge, meaning that the rim of the cartridge is thicker than the case, and is designed to be used in revolvers. The cartridge has a diameter of .357 inches (9.0 mm) and a length of .860 inches (21.8 mm). The 38 Special is known for its moderate recoil and is often used for target shooting, self-defense, and hunting small game.

What is 357 Magnum?

On the other hand, 357 Magnum is a type of handgun cartridge that was introduced in the 1930s. It is also a rimmed cartridge, but it has a slightly larger diameter of .357 inches (9.0 mm) and a length of .898 inches (22.7 mm). The 357 Magnum is known for its higher velocity and more significant recoil compared to the 38 Special. It is often used for hunting larger game, self-defense, and competitive shooting.

Can You Shoot 38 Special in a 357 Magnum Revolver?

Now that we’ve covered the basics of both cartridges, let’s get to the question at hand: can you shoot 38 Special in a 357 Magnum revolver? The answer is yes, but with some important caveats.

Here are some key points to consider:

  • Pressure: The 38 Special has a lower pressure rating than the 357 Magnum. The 38 Special is designed to operate at a maximum pressure of 17,000 psi (1170 bar), while the 357 Magnum is designed to operate at a maximum pressure of 35,000 psi (2410 bar). This means that shooting 38 Special in a 357 Magnum revolver may not be as safe as shooting 357 Magnum ammunition, as the lower pressure may not be sufficient to ensure reliable function.
  • Case length: The 38 Special has a shorter case length than the 357 Magnum. This means that the 38 Special may not fit properly in the cylinder of a 357 Magnum revolver, which could lead to issues with feeding and extraction.
  • Rim thickness: The 38 Special has a thicker rim than the 357 Magnum. This means that the 38 Special may not fit properly in the cylinder of a 357 Magnum revolver, which could lead to issues with feeding and extraction.

When to Shoot 38 Special in a 357 Magnum Revolver

Despite the potential issues mentioned above, there are some situations where shooting 38 Special in a 357 Magnum revolver may be acceptable:

  • For target shooting: If you’re shooting for target practice, the 38 Special may be a good choice for a 357 Magnum revolver. The lower recoil and cost of 38 Special ammunition make it a popular choice for target shooting.
  • For hunting small game: If you’re hunting small game, such as rabbits or squirrels, the 38 Special may be a good choice for a 357 Magnum revolver. The lower recoil and cost of 38 Special ammunition make it a popular choice for hunting small game.
  • For self-defense: If you’re using your 357 Magnum revolver for self-defense, it’s generally recommended to use 357 Magnum ammunition. However, if you’re unable to find 357 Magnum ammunition or if you’re experiencing issues with your revolver, shooting 38 Special may be a viable option.

When Not to Shoot 38 Special in a 357 Magnum Revolver

There are some situations where shooting 38 Special in a 357 Magnum revolver is not recommended:

  • For hunting large game: If you’re hunting larger game, such as deer or wild boar, it’s generally recommended to use 357 Magnum ammunition. The higher velocity and more significant recoil of 357 Magnum ammunition make it better suited for hunting larger game.
  • For competitive shooting: If you’re competing in shooting competitions, it’s generally recommended to use 357 Magnum ammunition. The higher velocity and more significant recoil of 357 Magnum ammunition make it better suited for competitive shooting.
  • For self-defense in extreme situations: If you’re facing an extreme self-defense situation, such as a home invasion or a life-threatening attack, it’s generally recommended to use 357 Magnum ammunition. The higher velocity and more significant recoil of 357 Magnum ammunition make it better suited for extreme self-defense situations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is possible to shoot 38 Special in a 357 Magnum revolver, but it’s important to consider the potential issues mentioned above. The 38 Special has a lower pressure rating and a shorter case length than the 357 Magnum, which could lead to issues with feeding and extraction. Additionally, the 38 Special has a thicker rim than the 357 Magnum, which could lead to issues with feeding and extraction.

However, there are some situations where shooting 38 Special in a 357 Magnum revolver may be acceptable, such as for target shooting, hunting small game, or self-defense in non-extreme situations. It’s important to consider the specific situation and the potential risks and benefits before deciding whether to shoot 38 Special in a 357 Magnum revolver.

Table: Comparison of 38 Special and 357 Magnum

38 Special357 Magnum
Diameter.357 inches (9.0 mm).357 inches (9.0 mm)
Length.860 inches (21.8 mm).898 inches (22.7 mm)
Pressure17,000 psi (1170 bar)35,000 psi (2410 bar)
Case lengthShorterLonger
Rim thicknessThickerThinner

Bullets:

• Always check your revolver’s manual to see if it’s designed to fire 38 Special ammunition.
• If you’re unsure about the compatibility of 38 Special ammunition with your revolver, consult with a firearms expert or the manufacturer.
• When shooting 38 Special in a 357 Magnum revolver, always use caution and follow proper safety protocols.
• If you’re experiencing issues with feeding or extraction when shooting 38 Special in a 357 Magnum revolver, consult with a firearms expert or the manufacturer.

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