So, what's the deal with 38 special vs. 357 mag chamber pressures? How come modern 38 special revolvers are rated (or are they??) for much lower pressure when a gun of the same vintage, with the same exact same frame size, and a cylinder of the same exact diameter and chamber-to-chamber web thickness for a .357 Mag is rated for much more pressure?

FYI: SAMMI max average pressures are 20,000 for 38 special +P, and 35,000 for 357 Magnum.

If I have a modern +P rated (made in the past 40 years or so) .38 special revolver like a S&W model 15, I cannot see why it shouldn't be safe to use 38 special cartridges loaded to 357 mag pressures - just like a S&W model 19.

What's up with that?