38 S&W cartridges are a slightly larger diameter than 38 S&W Special cartridges. Firing 38 S&W Special ammo in a deepened 38 S&W chamber will result in bulged and/or split cases. In my opinion, Victorys with these modified cylinders are less than safe to shoot.
Odd Victory Model
- Thread starter jw mathews
- Start date
DWalt
Member
Having fired thousands of .38 Special rounds in several bored-out .38/200s, I never had a split case. But bulging of the rear of the case is noticeable and extraction may be a little sticky. Even were a case to split, it is not dangerous, having experienced quite a few of those in other revolvers (usually involving old or corroded ammunition). I had one box of newer .44 Special ammunition from which every single case split upon firing - defective metallurgy, I assumed. But no gun damage resulted. One can always fire .38 S&W ammunition (assuming it can be found) in bored-out chambers if there is a safety concern.
