|
04-26-2017, 04:03 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Mercer County, PA, USA
Posts: 1,661
Likes: 19,302
Liked 1,781 Times in 897 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by franzas
This is what I don't understand. Maybe someone can enlighten me.
Folks tend to say that .38-44 should only be used in N frame revolvers or .357 -chambered guns, including K and J frames. This may have been true before S&W changed the heat treatment in the '30s, but in modern revolvers, I can't figure.
Now from what I've read the .38-44 is on the order of 25,000 psi (+P+ pressure) while the .357 is 35,000 psi. Also, I have read that the metallurgy and heat treatment is the same between the magnum and non-magnum frames, simply, the K frame is just the frame. the only difference is the cylinder, i.e. chambers.
So, my question is- how do people recommend shooting .357 in K frames or .38-44 in .357 K frames but not in a modern (model-numbered) .38 special revolver?
If the frame is exactly the same, how is a .38 special +P+ somehow more damaging and/or dangerous to a model 10 than .357 is to a model 13?
|
There's part of your answer - putting that pressure level thru a non-magnum K frame will wear it a lot faster than sticking to standard (or even +P) loads. That does not mean the gun will "blow up". I have seen a few cylinders split from hot loads in both non magnum K frames & J frames - but the most likely product will be a gun that gets "loose" and needs rebuilt.
|