Over the years, SAAMI specs have changed for some cartridges. Partly, because the method of measurement (crusher vs electronic) has changed, and partly because of actual reductions in some maximums.

Can someone give me a link to the CURRENT numbers? Googleing SAAMI Pressures gives me a paper from 1993, and I think that's out of date. Looking at other sources, many provide numbers but they often disagree and I don't know which ones are current.

I've seen .38 Spl as 17k, but +P as 18.5k and 20k.
+P+ was never an official spec, but I've seen 22k and 30k (wow!) listed as actual loadings.

.357 Mag as 35k and 45k.

Thanks!

Max Chamber Pressure - SAAMI Specs

SAAMI pressure specs

Do not know if this info is any more up to date then what you have??

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Still Running Against the Wind

The current standards for handguns were last published in 1993 and are available on the SAAMI website:

SAAMI

There are no standards for +P+; never were.

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Science plus Art

Just remember not to mix up CUP and PSI. For the .357 Magnum you may see 35K PSI or 45K CUP and both are correct.

CPU and PSI are not calculated the same way and there's really no way to convert one to the other. Make sure you are paying attention to what you are reading.

*EDIT*
When all else fails, go directly to SAAMI and see what they say.
http://www.saami.org/specifications_...fm?page=pubs#1
Their current data lists the standard .38 Special @ 17,000 CUP, the .38 Special +P @ 20,000 CUP and the .357 Magnum @ 45,000 CUP (remember, CUP is not PSI)

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Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437

Thanks for the replies.
Going through the SAAMI sheet from 1993, and comparing it to some of the tables published on the "errornet", I see the problem. Some sources are using the old copper crusher numbers and others are using the electronic sensor numbers. Most sources don't mention which set of specs they are using, and one table had the CUPs for one cartridge and electronic PSI for another, all mixed together in the same table.

I printed out the SAAMI specs for BOTH measuring systems, and will keep them in my file.