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Old 08-29-2018, 07:42 PM
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Default MagTech 38 SPL "short"

Looks like fun. Anyone shoot any of this stuff? OAL is comparable to a 124gr 9mm (I left my micrometer at work), at 650FPS.

And no, this is not .38 S&W Short. It is 38 Special Short.
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Old 08-29-2018, 08:28 PM
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Interesting – I have to assume that the case is the same as .38 Short Colt. I have about 150 .38SC cases and enjoy loading them since there is a greatly reduced danger of an overcharge. A wee bit off-topic but I have vacillated between using .38 SW data and 380 ACP data (for lighter bullets) since there is so little .38SC data.

Last edited by GeoJelly; 08-29-2018 at 08:30 PM.
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Old 08-29-2018, 08:44 PM
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Originally Posted by GeoJelly View Post
Interesting – I have to assume that the case is the same as .38 Short Colt. I have about 150 .38SC cases and enjoy loading them since there is a greatly reduced danger of an overcharge. A wee bit off-topic but I have vacillated between using .38 SW data and 380 ACP data (for lighter bullets) since there is so little .38SC data.
I'm far from an expert, but isn't .38 Short Colt the same diameter as .38 SPL just trimmed down?
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Old 08-29-2018, 09:51 PM
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Originally Posted by ctxcummins View Post
I'm far from an expert, but isn't .38 Short Colt the same diameter as .38 SPL just trimmed down?
That's an interesting name and concept, like the short 12 ga. shells.
The 357 Mag (1935) is a longer 38 Spl (1902), which is a longer 38 Long Colt (1875), which is a longer 38 Short Colt (1870). All have the same diameter bullet.

If the recoil is like a 38 SC, it would be a good round to step up a new shooter from a smaller caliber to 38 Spl. and larger.
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Old 08-29-2018, 10:49 PM
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Would it work in a 38 S&W chambered revolver?
Jim
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Old 08-30-2018, 01:07 AM
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Would it work in a 38 S&W chambered revolver?
Jim
It would probably fit, but the brass would bulge. The .38 S&W case and bullet are larger diameter than the .38 Special or .38 Colt rounds.
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Old 08-30-2018, 11:00 AM
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shorter bullets equal faster reloads in the action games. Guys been running short colt with moonclips for years in 627's
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Old 08-30-2018, 11:34 AM
silverstateS&W silverstateS&W is offline
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I have shot this load and am a big fan of it.
Its terrific for starting a new shooter(especially a lady).
I start with a j frame 22 with CB caps, then long rifles.
Then this load in a 3" model 60 and on to regular 38ammo.
It is worth the extra cost over regular ammo and most pupils progress rapidly to the "Real thing" and rarely shoot over 1/2 a box.
My understanding is 38S&W is a tapered case so they are not compatible.
Larry in Reno
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Old 08-30-2018, 12:59 PM
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.38 S&W is not tapered (9x19 is) it's just .004 inches larger in diameter. SC cases will expand when fired in a S&W, but the bullets will be undersized and prone to leading if not jacketed. S&W cases can be sized down to load .357 projectiles, and fit in Special chambers.
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Old 08-30-2018, 05:06 PM
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With proper bullets and loaded to standard velocity, it would make a great defensive round for revolvers with short ejector rounds that do not carry the full length of a standard case from the cylinder.
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Old 08-30-2018, 05:31 PM
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Would it work in a 38 S&W chambered revolver?
Jim
It will. .38 SC can be fired in any .38 S&W revolver. Case expands in the chamber.
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Old 08-30-2018, 05:37 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GeoJelly View Post
Interesting – I have to assume that the case is the same as .38 Short Colt. I have about 150 .38SC cases and enjoy loading them since there is a greatly reduced danger of an overcharge. A wee bit off-topic but I have vacillated between using .38 SW data and 380 ACP data (for lighter bullets) since there is so little .38SC data.
Any .38 S&W reloading data is okay for reloading the .38 SC. I generally load .38 SC with 3.5 grains of Unique and a 125 grain .357-.358 truncated cone bullet. I'd think .380 data would also be suitable, except that .380 data usually uses bullets of 100 grains or lighter. .38 SC is superb for use in snubby revolvers with short extractor rods. It can be loaded fairly hot (up to 9mm levels if need be), but I don't do that.
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Old 08-30-2018, 10:57 PM
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I have seen this Magtech ammo discussed before but never seen it. I'm wondering why Magtech bothers to produce it?

I'm guessing under 700fps is desirable by some but the same could be done with a standard length .38 Special case.
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Old 08-31-2018, 01:12 AM
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I have seen this Magtech ammo discussed before but never seen it. I'm wondering why Magtech bothers to produce it?

I'm guessing under 700fps is desirable by some but the same could be done with a standard length .38 Special case.
.38 SC is popular among ICORE shooters due to its short case and quicker fired case ejection. That's a benefit in rapid fire events. There are also a few old Colt revolvers chambered for it still in circulation. It's an interesting round. I have about 200 cases which I have reloaded numerous times, but with lighter loads. I think Remington may still load it. Not highly recommended, but it can also be fired in any revolver chambered in .38 S&W.
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Old 08-31-2018, 08:30 AM
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Originally Posted by ArchAngelCD View Post
I have seen this Magtech ammo discussed before but never seen it. I'm wondering why Magtech bothers to produce it?

I'm guessing under 700fps is desirable by some but the same could be done with a standard length .38 Special case.
Because the vast majority of shooters (myself included) do not reload their own ammo. This gives us a fun plinking round.
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Old 08-31-2018, 08:31 AM
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.38 SC is popular among ICORE shooters due to its short case and quicker fired case ejection. That's a benefit in rapid fire events. There are also a few old Colt revolvers chambered for it still in circulation. It's an interesting round. I have about 200 cases which I have reloaded numerous times, but with lighter loads. I think Remington may still load it. Not highly recommended, but it can also be fired in any revolver chambered in .38 S&W.
This thread is not about the .38 Short Colt nor .38S&W.
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