38spl loaded to 357mag....possible???

[Walkingwolf]

If I am not mistaken Keith was doing it before there was a .357 magnum. Plus guns were specifically made for 38-44 in the 1930's. Colt medium frame, and S&W large frame. If a person has a gun that is built to 38-44 standards it is completely up to them to load however they choose.

 

[gwpercle]

Skeeter Skelton was doing what you ask about years ago. He wrote several articals on his 357 mag loads, in 38 spl brass, using 2400 powder. An internet search should turn up what you are looking for.

The secrete to what he did was using bullets cast from Lyman mould #358156. It has two crimping grooves. The upper was for use in 357 magnum cases, the lower was for use as with 38 special cases. The bullet would be seated out farther giving similar case capacities as with hard to come by 357 magnum cases.
You could safely load magnum loads in 38 special cases and the bullet being seated farther out kept it from being chambered and fired in a 38 special revolver.
The real danger in loading up magnum loads in a special case is when they find their way into and are fired in a 38 special gun....especially an older one or a J-frame .
The Lyman #358156 was the very first 38 cal. mould I bought and it covered a lot of different uses, very versatile and was the only 38 mould I had for years for two 38 specials and one 357 magnum.
Your idea can be done, I've done it for years , but it has to be done correctly ...use the right bullet and seat them to the correct depth.
Gary

 

[Nevada Ed]

Yes it can be done, with a 38 case, to reach 357 loadings.

Lets say you have four boxes of these on you shelf along with
ten to twelve regular boxes or standard 38 special ammo.
Maybe even a 100 plastic box pack as well.........

I just posted my " not for the squeamish" post.

Now if this happens to you, and one box breaks open......
you will now need to toss them or......
"Do you fell lucky", "Well do you" ?

 

[Walkingwolf]

Yes it can be done, with a 38 case, to reach 357 loadings.

Lets say you have four boxes of these on you shelf along with
ten to twelve regular boxes or standard 38 special ammo.
Maybe even a 100 plastic box pack as well.........

I just posted my " not for the squeamish" post.

Now if this happens to you, and one box breaks open......
you will now need to toss them or......
"Do you fell lucky", "Well do you" ?

Ever hear of powder coating, makes sorting those rounds easy.

 

[OKFC05]

If I am not mistaken Keith was doing it before there was a .357 magnum.

In reading some background material on early magnums, I ran across some references that Keith severely damaged a number of guns with his experimenting. Sort of like the old "tighten the bolt until it snaps and then back off 1/4 turn."

 

[Walkingwolf]

In reading some background material on early magnums, I ran across some references that Keith severely damaged a number of guns with his experimenting. Sort of like the old "tighten the bolt until it snaps and then back off 1/4 turn."

Keith went past the factory 38-44, and he shot a LOT of rounds. Probably more than all of us put together.

We probably would not have the magnums if it wasn't Keith, and I am sure I know his response if there was an internet in his day.

 

[38SPL HV]

Please don't load 38 Spl cases to 357 Mag levels. You can get a real good heavy 38 Spl +P "High Velocity" loading using 6 grs Power Pistol and 158 gr SWC cast. You'll get about 1,030 fps in 6 inch revolvers equally the old Remington 38 Spl Hi-Speed (38-44) loading of the 1960s...I've seen chronograph data confirming this (however, some of the 1930s vintage factory 38-44s were hotter...but that is another subject pretty much hashed out in this forum).

In addition, a 1,100 fps 38 Spl (11.0 grs 2400, 158 gr SWC) is doable in 6 inch tubes, but those are used only in my 357 Mag revolver. I'm not recommending nor suggesting that load to anyone, but it was once listed in Lyman data manuals.

 

[mtgianni]

Skeeter Skelton was doing what you ask about years ago. He wrote several articals on his 357 mag loads, in 38 spl brass, using 2400 powder. An internet search should turn up what you are looking for.

What Skeeter was doing was loading one bullet, the Lyman 358156 with two crimp grooves, to 357 over all length with 38 spl brass. DO not substitute components and try to repeat this.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

One other reason, not to do it, is not all 38 Special cases are strong enough especially if you have some wadcutter cases still in your inventory. All 357 case are designed for SAAMI's max. of 35K psi, but not 38 Special's.

.

 

[pmgnicol]

Yep, some good feedback here for sure. There is no issue of mixing rounds up. I am the only user and very particular. My question was is it possible/ok with the load data that I have provided. All I am trying to do is find out if the 38spl brasses and the pistol can handle the 357 charges. This will allow me to run a major PF round that is still the same length as the 38spl which means my reload technique and times will not need to change and I wont have to readjust my dies from one to the other.

 

[pmgnicol]

I just want to shoot 38spl major with the powder and projectiles that I currently use.

 

[forestswin]

I just want to shoot 38spl major with the powder and projectiles that I currently use.

Your question is common and reasonable.

But the combination you want to use violates the Rules!
Refer to ADI's Handloaders Guide WARNING SECTION ITEM 1 BULLET 1
AND ITEM 2 on page 33 of the 6th edition

SAFETY AND WARNING RULES, JUST LIKE RANGE RULES ARE NOT TO BE IGNORED.

Anyone not willing to follow these rules, shouldn't be shooting at a range, nor be reloading.

Look at other powders and if you find a combination that works with different die settings....buy another set of dies.

 

[pmgnicol]

Fair comment. As i cannot seem to get a conclusive answer to this issue i will load accordingly to 357 using 357 cases. The question i would ask tho is that according to the rules.......how are loads developed if not by some trial and error. Thanks.

 

[Rule3]

The only way for YOU to tell is to load some Max +P 38 special loads and CHRONOGRAPH them to see if you meet your power factor.

As I mentioned above, a 10% reduction of 357 mag data (which may be around a 38 spl +P) is the max you should go.

Use new brass, and at your own risk!

 

[forestswin]

Fair comment. As i cannot seem to get a conclusive answer to this issue i will load accordingly to 357 using 357 cases. The question i would ask tho is that according to the rules.......how are loads developed if not by some trial and error. Thanks.

Published Safe loads are generally developed with devices that read actual pressure. Most of us can't afford such equipment.

 

[Neumann]

I have one comment about loading .38 SPL cases loaded to .357 Magnum ballistics: Learn to write with your weak hand!

As a matter of personal policy, I don't overload .38 SPL. I don't underload* .357 magnum (below minimum specs). I don't give away hand loaded ammunition.

Powder that is too loose or too compressed can have unpredictable pressure spikes. Case capacity between .38 and .357 is nominal, but you can't be too safe.

I shoot pistol caliber carbines, including .357 Magnum. A light load might not push the bullet out of the barrel. If that happens it sounds like this -- "click". That's right, nada, no sound other than the hammer falling. You'll hear the next one okay.

 

[thomasinaz]

Guys; In my post about the Skeeter load I didn't post any specifics as to powder charge or bullet. It ended with "An internet search should turn up what you are looking for". Skeeter's 357 level loads, in 38 brass, included several using other than the 358156. I figured the OP maybe never heard of Skeeter, and passed on the info to look up some of his writings on his 357 Magnum loads...... relax.

 

[Nevada Ed]

c/o post 37;

Relax..........

Most of us old timers know how "Skeeter" invented hot loads....
and also "Killed" many a fine S&W weapon, in his testings.

I just don't put my 38 brass to that high pressure, to get just four loads out of it, if lucky.
In 357 cases you can get ten or more loadings......

but then I am sort of low on money.

 

[BLUEDOT37]

All I am trying to do is find out if the 38spl brasses and the pistol can handle the 357 charges.

Apparently I've been using invisible ink again.

One other reason, not to do it, is not all 38 Special cases are strong enough especially if you have some wadcutter cases still in your inventory. All 357 case are designed for SAAMI's max. of 35K psi, but not 38 Special's.
.

.

 

[TomkinsSP]

Just use nickel plated cases, like them auto-loaders do.