S&W 64 to 357 magnum

[vipermd]

I would like to change a 64 to 357. It is a 2" and would be a truck, boat,barn etc gun. will a 158 gr Lead SWC HP loaded to + p + work?? sure but it is more to make a "new" gun. I have 2 3/4",3", 4", 6" 357 mags. Do I NEED it- no would I like it yes. Thank You.

 

[lebomm]

All the technical reasons NOT to make that modification don't amount to a hill o'beans if the one reason to do it is that it's a gun you want.
Personally, I think a .357's wasted in a 2" tube, but it's your gun, no?

Larry

 

[murphydog]

I suggest trying one of the commercially loaded heavy .38 Specials (Buffalo Bore seems to be mentioned frequently here) to see if one meets your needs before a .357 conversion. Food for thought.

 

[vipermd]

Larry / Alan I have tried 158 lead swc hp +p and realistically it may be about all your going to get out of the 2". I should prob just spend the time on ammo for practice. Now that I remember putting a box of fed 125gr through a 2 5/8 speed six in one range session about 2 1/2 hrs, I could not use the hand the next day, but that was 25 yrs ago I will look at some of the BB loads. I appreciate your input.

 

[officerdave]

I have shot BB 158 +Ps in my Smith 60....they will make you a believer! I had a 2" 64 worked over by Smiths Performance Center (one I never should have let go!) and she would handle any 38s I could chamber. My carry choice now for snubs is Speers Gold Dot short barrel 135 +Ps...

 

[vipermd]

The speer GD are prob a good bet.

 

[stantheman86]

The 64 does not receive the same heat treating as a 65......which is why the 65 was more expensive.

In other words, you would quickly stretch the frame and peen the yoke trying to make a 64 into a .357.......

Plus it seems like a lot of work and extra expense for very little, if any gain. Unless you enjoy spewing unburned powder out the 2" barrel for an extra 200 fps. over a good +P+ load.

 

[OKFC05]

it is more to make a "new" gun. I have 2 3/4",3", 4", 6" 357 mags. Do I NEED it- no would I like it

Sorry, this idea sounds too much like those incidents that start out with "hold my beer and watch this" and end up with a trip to the emergency room.
Lengthening a .38 cyl to .357, doubling the pressure in the case, and hoping it all somehow holds together for routine use? No thanks, I'll watch from way over here......

There is more difference between a .38 gun and a .357 that the length of the chamber, like metal alloy choice, heat treating....

 

[vipermd]

OKFC05: The "benefit" if any does not justify price, problems. Out of a 2" more flash and bang with out significant increase in fpe.

 

[vipermd]

THANK YOU ALL