.38 spl +P OK for model #64 yeah? neah?

[Dadsnugun]

I've got a new (police used) model #64 coming tomorrow...er...Monday and was wondering how dangerous it would be to put some +P ammo in it and run it through every now and then, in addition to carrying it loaded with it. Would the weapon hold up to something like that, I'd practice with standard .38 spl. of course, but would like the slightly stronger rounds in the unlikely case I ever needed my gun to become a protector rather than an afternoons entertainment.

Thanks for your thoughts,

R

 

[P&R Fan]

NO!!!! It'll blow up in your Hands!!!!
Sorry, I had to say that. I doubt if you could shoot (or afford) enough +P ammo in your lifetime to make a difference. That is basically the same frame they made .357 Magnums on. Don't sweat it.
Jim

 

[Dadsnugun]

NO!!!! It'll blow up in your Hands!!!!
Sorry, I had to say that. I doubt if you could shoot (or afford) enough +P ammo in your lifetime to make a difference. That is basically the same frame they made .357 Magnums on. Don't sweat it.
Jim

That's kind of what I was thinking...but I know what my best reasoning has gotten me in the past...not pretty!

Does anyone know the difference in max pressure between a .38spl, .38+P and a .357 mag?

R

 

[roundgunner]

You could run +Ps in the 64 forever I'm sure. They feel like a 357 that was not counterbored far enough.

 

[pete950]

You can shoot +p's +p+ til your hearts content!!!!!!

 

[ddixie884]

Approximately 17, 18.5, and 35K. used to be approx 18, 20, and 40k. This is my understanding, I have been wrong, before and I'm sure I will be again.

 

[Chromedhearts]

Does anyone know the difference in max pressure between a .38spl, .38+P and a .357 mag?
R

A month or so back, American Rifleman, addressed this exact question. The article had specifics as to pressure, velocity, etc. I can't quote it but any one interested should be able to find it.
There is a marked improvement with plus P, but there is a phenomenal increase when you go to magnum status. Like maybe double.

 

[papajohn428]

I have three M-64's, and one or more goes to the range with me at least once a week. My issued gun sees nothing but a steady diet of +P ammo, at least 200 rounds a week, and after four years, the gun is as tight as ever. I liked the issued gun so much I bought two more!

 

[alaskavett]

I have actually thought about boring the cylinder out so I can shoot the magnums in mine.. Why not? Kyle

 

[Dadsnugun]

Thanks for the help everyone! Now one more question...does the pressure difference between a standard .38 spl and a +P/+P+ make enough of a difference to be useful in a defensive situation? My thoughts are that it may cause a hollowpoint or soft point to expand better, without adding significantly to the danger of over-penetration? Again, these are just my thoughts and therefore have no basis in reality.

 

[kbm6893]

I was isued Federal Nyclad's 158 grain .38 +P and that was pretty much all that was ever shot in it. Still tight as a drum. The 64 LAUGHS at +p's.

 

[Jeb21]

I have actually thought about boring the cylinder out so I can shoot the magnums in mine.. Why not? Kyle

I thought that the magnum k frames had some special strengthening to allow them to safely shoot magnums. I would recommend against it. Consider this an excuse to increase your k-frame collection.

 

[papajohn428]

these are just my thoughts and therefore have no basis in reality.

Most of my thoughts have no basis in reality either, but that doesn't seem to stop me from having them. I try to remember that, but then I remember that I remember things that apparently never happened (according to my ex-wives) so I just go and fondle my favorite guns until the confusion passes. Try it, it works!

Oh yeah, back to the question........most bullets are designed to expand within a given velocity threshold, more pressure generally leads to better expansion via more velocity. It becomes a trade-off between felt recoil, muzzle blast, and what the bullet actually impacts. But all I really worry about anymore is putting a well-designed bullet where it needs to go, and letting the chips fall where they may. Good marksmanship will overcome a lot of other (iffy) factors.

 

[Dadsnugun]

Most of my thoughts have no basis in reality either, but that doesn't seem to stop me from having them. I try to remember that, but then I remember that I remember things that apparently never happened (according to my ex-wives) so I just go and fondle my favorite guns until the confusion passes. Try it, it works!

Oh yeah, back to the question........most bullets are designed to expand within a given velocity threshold, more pressure generally leads to better expansion via more velocity. It becomes a trade-off between felt recoil, muzzle blast, and what the bullet actually impacts. But all I really worry about anymore is putting a well-designed bullet where it needs to go, and letting the chips fall where they may. Good marksmanship will overcome a lot of other (iffy) factors.

Thanks PapaJohn, so what I'm getting out of this thread, my original idea of .38 spl for practice and fun and +P, or +P+ for SD carry should work just fine?

...BTW...female recollections, especially those of ex-wives are NOT to be trusted!

 

[papajohn428]

All I shoot out of my M-64's is Plus-P stuff...........that's what I carry on duty, so that's what I practice with. It doesn't cost any more to reload it warm, and I'm a firm believer in training with ammo that behaves exactly like my duty ammo.

The gun can take it without harm, so why not?

 

[Dadsnugun]

Approximately 17, 18.5, and 35K. used to be approx 18, 20, and 40k. This is my understanding, I have been wrong, before and I'm sure I will be again.

So have bullet loadings been "dumbed down" the way that everything else in America seems to have been??? I'm getting awfully tired of the....well, you know....

 

[photoman]

So have bullet loadings been "dumbed down" the way that everything else in America seems to have been??? I'm getting awfully tired of the....well, you know....

Yes. If you study some of the old .38 Special loads from the 30's, 40's, etc., they make the new +P stuff look like pansy loads.

 

[Dadsnugun]

Yes. If you study some of the old .38 Special loads from the 30's, 40's, etc., they make the new +P stuff look like pansy loads.

Am I the only one who finds this kind of stuff extremely discouraging? What exactly is accomplished by taking a perfectly acceptable and functional loading, or device, or anything really, and calming it down...does the average Joe find reality that frightening?!?!?

Oh well...on a good note, I picked up my M64 today and love it! I'll put some pictures up later perhaps..

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Does anyone know the difference in max pressure between a .38spl, .38+P and a .357 mag?

R

The current SAAMI pressure spec for the .38 Special is 17,000 PSI.

The current SAAMI pressure spec for the .38 Special +P is 18,500 PSI but the previous limit was 20,000 PSI. It was dropped because of all the super light alloy revolvers being made. Some companies still use the 20,000 PSI limits as do some reloaders. (myself included)

The current SAAMI pressure spec for the .357 Magnum is 35,000 PSI.

 

[photoman]

The current SAAMI pressure spec for the .38 Special is 17,000 PSI.

The current SAAMI pressure spec for the .38 Special +P is 18,500 PSI but the previous limit was 20,000 PSI. It was dropped because of all the super light alloy revolvers being made. Some companies still use the 20,000 PSI limits as do some reloaders. (myself included)

Speer used to quote SAAMI spec for .38 Special +P at 21,500. The lawyers are dumbing down this country so bad, before you know it, we'll all be drooling idiots.