.38 Special velocities in 357 magnum cases?

[Kiwi cop]

I have always fired .38 special loads/cases in my 686-4 on the range, but I am now considering trying some similar level loads in 357 magnum cases to see what effect, if any, will result in accuracy.

Has anyone ever tried this? If so what were the results?

The load will be a 158 gn JSWC using, preferably, either W231 or Tightgroup powder (as this is what I have on hand) at around 700-750 fps and on targets out to 50 yards.

 

[Hang-Fire Hank]

PLEASE/ACCURATE LOADS

Kiwi: I switched from 38 to 357 cases years ago, so I wouldn't leave short carbon rings in the chambers. I load mine way down. Just paper/steel punchers. Shoot as accurately as I can hold the gun (i.e. 65-5, 66-4, 66-1, 640-1, 686-0, Ruger BH (3-screw). I cast a 158gr. SWC & use fast powders. Don't want to beat up my hand/wrist anymore.
Hank M.

 

[RodD]

Anywhere between max .38 load and .357 starting load. Same powder of course.

 

[Nevada Ed]

Lots of loads out there that do well for light target loads.....

In my 686 6" , here is a picture of one of my light target loads that I am happy with, with the longer .357 case.

 

[OKFC05]

Simplest thing in the world. Just use the same load as you are using for .38, and add 10% if you want to keep the same approx MV. 3gr of HP38 in .38pl becomes 3.3gr in .357, or skip the increase if the MV does not matter.
I prefer HP38 with lead target loads, and for PPC load for comfort with no significant loss in accuracy.

 

[Scharfschuetzer]

As noted above, it's easy peezy and I've done it for years. On the other hand, I've never found it to increase accuracy to any degree, at least what can be observed when firing at PPC matches.

The recommendation of 10% over your 38 Special load is well given.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

With a 357 magnum case and a 158gr lswc give 4.5gr to 5.0gr a try.

 

[oysterer]

Carbon rings in a 357 revolver shooting 38 special loads are a less likely problem than spontaneous human combustion....

 

[glenwolde]

Don't assume that the .357 case has a greater volume capacity than the .38 case. It is slightly longer but the .357 has a thicker head and thicker walls. I've measured some and the .357's actually had less capacity.

 

[Skyhunter]

Have been doing this for years. It's the "standard" for practice ammo for my wife. She enjoys the .38 loads in her .357, but always finishes up with a cylinder full of factory equivalent loads. That eliminates the .38 carbon ring in the chambers, maintains her proficiency, and still provides an enjoyable range trip.

WYT-P
Skyhunter

 

[stansdds]

I have always used 357 Magnum brass for my 357 reloads, even with 148 grain LWC loads. Although you can use 38 Special loading data, you will probably have to increase the powder charge a few tenths of a grain to get the desired velocity.

 

[fredj338]

I stopped shooting 38sp in my magnums decades ago. It just isnt worth the cleaning the cyl & maintaining diff brass. I just load 38sp,loads in magnum brass. For most of us, the ammo will always be more accurate than we can shoot.

 

[fredj338]

Carbon rings in a 357 revolver shooting 38 special loads are a less likely problem than spontaneous human combustion....

I will disagree. If you shoot a lot of 38 in magnum chambers the carbon ring is a real thing. It can certainly be cleaned up by why bother?? If you reload, no point in using spec in any magnum imo.

 

[TMan51]

Has anyone ever tried this? If so what were the results?

Thousands of rounds over the past 50 years. I prefer using .357/.44M brass as it doesn't leave a ring of build up in the cylinder. Accuracy between the two sizes is about zero difference.

Take the max listed .38 load, and work up from there to get the velocity you want. Usually that will be about 5%-10% or so. Brass WILL last forever

 

[Fanner50]

I do the very same thing. No problems at all. The only thing I reload .38 cases for is a .38 only revolver such as my 638 and 642. I bought a separate set of .38/357 dies so that I don't have to make any changes to the seating and crimping dies when loading either one. It was worth the money to me.

 

[rkittine]

Maybe not carbon rings, but lead shaving. I load my .357 brass with .38 special loads all the time.

Bob

P.S. - I spent 5 months in the hospital in 1969 having burst into flames! Still have some of the scars to prove it after 20 reconstructive surgeries.

 

[rwsmith]

Yes, I do it a lot.....

I have always fired .38 special loads/cases in my 686-4 on the range, but I am now considering trying some similar level loads in 357 magnum cases to see what effect, if any, will result in accuracy.

Has anyone ever tried this? If so what were the results?

The load will be a 158 gn JSWC using, preferably, either W231 or Tightgroup powder (as this is what I have on hand) at around 700-750 fps and on targets out to 50 yards.

The tiny amount of extra volume in the .357 case is negligible. You can add a couple tenths of a grain to the load if you think it needs it. I've had nothing but good results and I don't have to clean the crud ring to move from .38s to .357s in the same session. No big deal, but i would rather shoot at the range than clean guns.

 

[rwsmith]

Heck.........

Anywhere between max .38 load and .357 starting load. Same powder of course.

I shoot a lot of minimum .38 loads with .357 brass, no problem.

 

[Amp]

I load mostly 38 brass because its easier to see the powder charge and not double it. (my opinion)
Either way brass last forever.
I will add I mostly load HBWC in 38 but just bought SWC to load in 357 cases. Have not worked on a load yet but plan on trying Bullseye powder.

 

[colt_saa]

For the last four decades, ammunition intended to be shot in my 357 Magnum revolvers has always been loaded into 357 cases no matter how light the load

I keep two tool heads setup, one for 357 and one for 38. For the cost of dies, I do not want to be adjusting them when ever I switch between loading these to calibers