I think if you were to put a 38spl only cylinder in a 357 frame it would drastically change the barrel to cylinder gap for the worse.
A true 38 cylinder is shorter than a 357.
Why don't you want to shoot heavy 38's from the 357 cylinder?
I've always had good luck with Tucker.Rob is very easy to talk with and I have never had to wait longer than specified.
I can't always order a Tucker because of budget issues but they are execellent holsters.
Would the Winchester 145gr Silvertips be better than the Federal 158gr semi-jacketed HP's.I have a partial box of the Federal,don't shoot them that much as it's a real handfull from the 640-1.
Mine was bought used and I love it.I usually carry 38spl,Speer 135gr SB HP +P.The Hornaday 125gr Critical Defense seems to be the best 357 for this revolver.
Called S&W today to order 2 round head side plate screws.S&W is shipping at no cost to me.
I have a set of old stag half grips and I'm going to replace the flathead screw with a round one and the other is replacing a buggered screw(my fault)
Go to www.ammunitiontogo.com they sell the Federal 125gr non +P Nyclads HP's in 50rd boxes and the Speer 135gr short barrel +P HP's.
Their prices are great.
When I hunt deer in the fall I carry a side arm,I curious as to the heaviest 357 load I could carry in my 640-1 357 that would be effective should I need it.