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Old 04-05-2018, 08:38 AM
stansdds stansdds is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by crstrode View Post
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?
I expect that S&W applies a different heat treatment to 38 Special and 357 Magnum cylinders and/or frames. I certainly would not try to turn a firearm chambered in 38 Special into a 357 Magnum nor would I try to hotrod reload 38 Special brass to 357 Magnum pressure levels. Guns are expensive, life is short, doctor/hospital visits are expensive, no need in trying to prove just how short life can be nor how expensive firearms or doctor/hospital visits can get.