model 60 .357 support .38 Special

[gpcc]

Had a chance to pick up a NIB model 60, 3” 5 round revolver, it says on the barrel “S&W .357 MAGNUM”, my first .357 for some reason, the manual says this revolver can also fire .38 S&W Special and .38 S&W Special +P.

I see that the .38 S&W is different than the .38 Special but the .38 Special is the same as a .357 excluding case length. Generally it seems if a revolver is .357, it can be default support .38 Special.

Can S&W reply with an explanation, does this model 60 .357 magmun support using .38 Special?

Appreciate any comments, just want to be extra safe and understand the appropriate ammo to use.

GPCC

 

[drumminor2nd]

The .357 is basically just a more powerful version of .38 Special that can handle much more pressure (more pressure means more velocity).

Every .357 Magnum revolver I've ever heard of can take .38 Long Colt (the low-pressure parent cartridge of the .38 Special, but practically no one uses it anymore), .38 Special, and .38 Special +P (a slightly more powerful .38 Special cartridge, but nowhere near .357 power). So yes, your gun takes all of those -- otherwise they wouldn't put it in the manual.

However, a .38 Special cannot take a .357 Magnum, as the high pressure could result in a catastrophic failure. To make sure people don't put .357 Magnum cartridges in a .38 Special-only gun, the .357 case is a bit longer.

 

[John Patrick]

Had a chance to pick up a NIB model 60, 3” 5 round revolver, it says on the barrel “S&W .357 MAGNUM”, my first .357 for some reason, the manual says this revolver can also fire .38 S&W Special and .38 S&W Special +P.

I see that the .38 S&W is different than the .38 Special but the .38 Special is the same as a .357 excluding case length. Generally it seems if a revolver is .357, it can be default support .38 Special.

Can S&W reply with an explanation, does this model 60 .357 magmun support using .38 Special?

Appreciate any comments, just want to be extra safe and understand the appropriate ammo to use.

GPCC

Yes, a 357 magnum revolver can safely shoot 38 Special ammunition, whether standard pressure or +P.

Shooting a LOT of 38 special ammunition in a 357 can result in powder fouling interfering with loading or extracting 357 rounds, but regular cleaning prevents too much buildup.

 

[MP-5]

Welcome GPCC

A model 60 is a fine revolver. Any revolver chambered in 357 magnum can also chamber and fire a 38 special. As you noted, the 38 special has a shorter case and therefore can fire in a 357 magnum chamber safely. The 357 magnum operates at a higher pressure than a 38 special, therefore 38 specials are absolutely safe to shoot in a 357 magnum. I would be diligent in cleaning your cylinder chambers after firing 38 special in your 357 revolver so that there is no buildup around the shorter 38 special case mouth. Which left uncleaned could make extraction for the longer 357 cases more difficult. Enjoy your model 60. Take care and be safe.

 

[gnystrom]

I think there is advantage to the .357 in it has a longer ejectior rod, insuring clean ejection of the shorter 38 sp. cases plus if there is any bullet jump, the slightly longer cylinder will help prevent a jamb.

 

[CQB60]

As previously mentioned, 38 loads are a go. If you decide to edc it, you’ll find it’s sweet spot with 38 +P loads. Nice acquisition on your part

 

[DGNY]

Just wanted to add another warm welcome to this fine forum to cpcc.

Congratulations on your NIB model 60 3”. They’re very handy and capable. Some of them even have adjustable sights. If and when available, we’d be glad to hear from you again with a little range report. I often shoot 38 Specials from 357 Magnum revolvers, as do many others.

Best of luck to you!

 

[Alk8944]

Had a chance to pick up a NIB model 60, 3” 5 round revolver, it says on the barrel “S&W .357 MAGNUM”, my first .357 for some reason, the manual says this revolver can also fire .38 S&W Special and .38 S&W Special +P.

I see that the .38 S&W is different than the .38 Special but the .38 Special is the same as a .357 excluding case length. Generally it seems if a revolver is .357, it can be default support .38 Special.

Can S&W reply with an explanation, does this model 60 .357 magmun support using .38 Special?

Appreciate any comments, just want to be extra safe and understand the appropriate ammo to use.

GPCC

the manual says this revolver can also fire .38 S&W Special and .38 S&W Special +P.

the .38 Special is the same as a .357 excluding case length. Generally it seems if a revolver is .357, it can be default support .38 Special.


These remarks are cut from your original post, you have already answered your own question! Just what explanation further than what is stated in the printed documentation provided with the gun would you expect?


All 357 Magnum revolvers, regardless if make or model can safely fire any .38 Special ammunition, +P or not. This is basic information which you seem to already be aware of.