View Single Post
 
Old 11-25-2012, 10:21 PM
Steve C Steve C is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 727
Likes: 1
Liked 133 Times in 93 Posts
Default

There is significant pressure differences between the .38 super auto now usually called the .38 super auto +P to distinguish ist from the older .38 auto which was the same cartridge dimensions but for earlier guns chambered for the lower pressure cartridge.

SAAMI maximum pressures for the cartridges in PSI are as follows:
38 Auto 26,500
38 Special 17,000
38 Special +P 18,500
38 Super Auto +P 36,500
357 Mag 35,000

As can be seen the maximum pressure of the .38 auto is a full 7,500 psi higher than the .38 spl +P. The .38 Super Auto +P is 1,500 psi greater than the .357 mag.

While the .38 Super Auto +P will fire from your .357 mag revolver it is a higher pressure round though not likely to cause a catastrophic failure in a magnum hangun.

None of the .38 "auto" cartridges should be shot out of a .38 special standard or +P as the pressure difference is too much for assured safety.
Reply With Quote