Thread: Light 357 Magnum handload in 38 Speciall brass for 357 Magnum revolver?
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Old 03-08-2016, 09:04 PM
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rwsmith rwsmith is offline
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Default The ONLY difference between .38 and .357 magnum
The only difference between .38 special and .357 brass is the .135" that they add to the case to prevent .357 ammo to be loaded into a .38 special.

It has nothing to do with internal pressure due to seating depth. The reason is that both cases are based on the .38 special that was loaded with black powder that when replaced with smokeless powder, left a large empty volume in the case. This volume acts as a buffer and the extra length of the case accounts for minuscule volume compared to the rest of the case.

NOW....Modern cartridges designed with smokeless from the beginning, such as the 9mm are VERY sensitive to seating depth and internal volume.
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