Dear, my query is regarding the use of 38SPL / 38SPL+P ammunition, in a revolver with a 357 Magnum chamber, assuming that in the K frames (I have a 66-2), the use of .357 ammunition of 125 grains, is not recommended due to the shorter length of the projectiles, which allows a leak of gases that are harmful to the forcing cone, can the same thing happen with .38 ammunition, due to the shorter length of the cartridge in general? I would appreciate those who have experience on the subject, thank you very much.
ammunition 38 SPL+p in revolver 357 magnum
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It is no problem to use factory .38 Specials of any kind in a mechanically sound .357 revolver. The difference between a typical 125 gr bullet at 900 fps (.38) versus 1500 fps (.357) is the cause for the extra stress on the gun.
The shorter .38 cases may cause fouling buildup in the charge holes so regular cleaning is recommended.
The shorter .38 cases may cause fouling buildup in the charge holes so regular cleaning is recommended.
Rlg#17
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Federal used to make a +P+, 147 Grain Hydrashok in 38 Spl. When we tested it, it performed magnificent out of a 4” revolver. Idk if they still make them, but I have several boxes left. I believe the 147 grain bullet was from the 9mm subsonic load.
Also, I believe the +p+ load was marked for LEO use. PS. Zero problems with any of our revolvers with that load.
Regards,
Rick Gibbs.
Also, I believe the +p+ load was marked for LEO use. PS. Zero problems with any of our revolvers with that load.
Regards,
Rick Gibbs.
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STORMINORMAN
Member
In either case (or cases?) only after many hundreds (if not actually thousands?
) of firings...
Normal cleaning will typically remove any residual fouling: pretty easy to determine with the OP's stainless finish.
Cheers!
) of firings...Normal cleaning will typically remove any residual fouling: pretty easy to determine with the OP's stainless finish.
Cheers!
STORMINORMAN
Member
Si se deja sin limpiar varias veces y, por lo general, solo si se disparara en grandes cantidates...
No crean dano inmediatamente. Toma muchas rondas. Si alguna vez...?
salud!
No crean dano inmediatamente. Toma muchas rondas. Si alguna vez...?
salud!
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STORMINORMAN
Member
Pardonen mi traduccion, por favor...?
THE PILGRIM
Member
No issues whatsoever with firing 38 Special +P loads in the K-frame S&W 357 Magnum revolvers. The issue with the lightweight bullets in full power 357 Magnum loads is the heavy charge of ball powder that is used to obtain screaming velocities. Since the reduced velocity 357 Magnum loads, like Speer's Short Barrel ammo, don't use heavy charges of ball powder, they are also fine in the K-frame.
max503
Member
I think the problem the OP was referring to was with S&W Model 19 revolvers. The ones we like to collect now. I don't think its an issue with any current 357's. AFAIK.
True. The new version of the Model 19 and 66, with the barrel/sleeve/retainer system is likely to be on par the L-frame 357's durability.
theprincipal
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If you can shoot out a modern k-frame with legit spec ammo, you’ve not only got your money’s worth, but have a shooter’s lifestyle many would be envious of.
PauldL
Member
With the ammo that we have today, I like to keep .38 specials in my 19-3. I usually have Winchester Super X 125gr JHP +P(945/248) but, my favorite and, it's the most potent .38 special I knkw of is Underwood 100gr Extreme Defender (1,200/320)
Now, Underwood makes a +P of the Extreme Defender at 1,300/375 but, I feel the regular non plus p is just fine.
Now, Underwood makes a +P of the Extreme Defender at 1,300/375 but, I feel the regular non plus p is just fine.
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Pisgah
Member
Ruining a .357 chamber with .38 Specials is one of those very slightly true things that has become unquestioned Gospel among those who think themselves gun-savvy. Yes, you CAN ruin a .357 chamber with .38's -- IF you shoot it thousands of rounds without cleaning, ever. For the average shooter who cleans his gun after shooting, even just occasionally and not very well, such damage will NEVER be a problem.
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That used to be my carry load when I used the 640-1 as my EDC.
Where you got this information is just "Hot Air" or from someone that is misinformed.
All ammo harms the forcing cone with the heat and gases........
but why would a 38 be worse than a 357 that holds more powder?
Relax and go shooting.
PauldL
Member
Well said. +1.
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I have a variety of .357 revolvers; all are fired regularly with various .38 Special handloads. None have been fired with .357 ammo in years. Regardless of the ammo used, I always brush the chambers with a bronze brush. That's just part of a routine cleaning after every trip to the range with any revolver.
I don't know where this "carbon buildup in the throats" tale originated, but if this really happens, you wouldn't want to buy a gun from whoever discovered the alleged "problem".
I don't know where this "carbon buildup in the throats" tale originated, but if this really happens, you wouldn't want to buy a gun from whoever discovered the alleged "problem".
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obt357
Member
Here Here LCC, I agree 100% with you. I run the Remington 158g LSWC-HP+P in my 357s for SD all the time (some 40+ years now) and see no reason to change. No worries on any wear anywhere with that load.
I ran that load in MY model 66 for over 20 years back in the 1970s thru the 1990s with no ill effect whatsoever. Wish I still had that revolver to this day. 
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