38/357 Question

[Clownpuncher]

Couple of questions for you guys on 38/357 loads.
Is the limiting factor between the two types of loads the weapon they are used in or the case itself? What I am trying to ask is if the loads I make are only shot out of a 357mag can I load 38spcl brass to 357 specs?
The load data I used on my last set of 38's was Speer 125gr Jacketed Soft Point loaded with 5.7gr of Unique. That was the "max" load in the Speer #14 manual and it listed the load as "do not reduce" so 5.7 is the only listed ammount.
In the 357 section, it uses the same primer (small pistol) and lists a minimum 5.7 to a max of 6.7.
I was wondering if I could load a 6.2 or 6.5 (357 load) in a 38 special case in order to get the higher velocities or would the case fail.
It appears there would be plenty of room in there without compressing the load.
I realize that I would absolutely have to shoot them in a 357 and make sure no one ever put them in a 38.
Inputs appreciated.

[XDRoX]

The short and simple answer is of course follow the manuals. In reality, you could slightly go above the max aspic as you shoot it in a 357. The one thing that you may be forgetting to factor in is the amount of empty space in a case also plays a role in pressure.

A non compressed 38spl case that is filled to the bullet will shoot differently than the same amount of powder in a 357 case with some air in there with it.

Sorry I guess I wasn't much help.

[Fyathyrio]

The potential unknown pressure spike with potential damage to weapon and shooter probably isn't worth taking the chance, but depending on bullet and powder, it appears some high +P loads cross low .357 charges according to a quick glance through my Loadbooks USA. I wouldn't do it myself.

[One78Shovel]

Couple of questions for you guys on 38/357 loads.
Is the limiting factor between the two types of loads the weapon they are used in or the case itself? What I am trying to ask is if the loads I make are only shot out of a 357mag can I load 38spcl brass to 357 specs?
The load data I used on my last set of 38's was Speer 125gr Jacketed Soft Point loaded with 5.7gr of Unique. That was the "max" load in the Speer #14 manual and it listed the load as "do not reduce" so 5.7 is the only listed ammount.
In the 357 section, it uses the same primer (small pistol) and lists a minimum 5.7 to a max of 6.7.
I was wondering if I could load a 6.2 or 6.5 (357 load) in a 38 special case in order to get the higher velocities or would the case fail.
It appears there would be plenty of room in there without compressing the load.
I realize that I would absolutely have to shoot them in a 357 and make sure no one ever put them in a 38.
Inputs appreciated.

I have to ask is why? Unless of course you have a boat load of 38 brass and only a 357 to shoot it with. If you are looking for increased velocity why not just load 357 rounds?

-178S

[Clownpuncher]

I have to ask is why? Unless of course you have a boat load of 38 brass and only a 357 to shoot it with. If you are looking for increased velocity why not just load 357 rounds?

-178S

That is the main reason..

I have about 1500 38's and maybe a 100 357's.

I didn't think about the empty space, I was more concerned with not having a compressed load, but the theory makes sense.

Guess I'll just load them all to 38 specs, guess it will be less powder.

[sequoia_nomad]

I've been in the same situation. I 'll load up a bunch of my favorite .38 plinking loads, and load up some mild-hot .357 loads as well. .38s are easier to shoot anyway, just shoot a cylinder or 2 of .357 intermittently to spice things up. You definitely don't want to go trying to stuff .357 loads/pressures into .38 brass.

[meaty-btz]

I would never overload a .38 case to that extreme.. 6.7 unique would be a compressed load in a .38 case.

That being said, most FMJ loads are 98-99% of .38+P loads mostly due to needing that much pressure to get that FMJ down the barrel correctly.

Just get some cheapo 158 Grain LRN or LSWC and use those in your .38 cases. Like you I have metric tons of .38 brass (who doesnt?"). I might be trying to sell it in the near future.

[kurac]

what if you load 38 Special brass to .357 Magnum specs and somewhere down the road they get shot out of a 38 Special. I think that was the main reason the .357 Magnum was made long enough so that it would not fit into a 38 Special chamber.

[theduece]

My .02

Sell the .38 brass, purchase .357 brass. never any confusion right load right case.

[sequoia_nomad]

There really shouldn't be any confusion. .38 load data is only for .38 brass, .357 load data is only for .357 brass. If one can't handle something as basic as that, they don't have any business reloading.

[Dark Mod]

I have always wondered the same thing but never had the balls to try it myself. There is a TON of room left in my .357 cartridges, and since they are only a hair longer than a .38 spl, it stands to reason that a .38 case could easily accomodate a .357 load. If its not common practice then im not gonna be the one to blow my gun up trying though

[meaty-btz]

I didn't want to say this but:
Yes-357 is not just longer for more powder room, it was made longer to prevent confusion and use in 38 specials.

Yes, depending on the powder you can utilize a 357 charge. I can fit a double charge of my Universal Clays in my 38SPCL Cases that would be 9.2 grains in this case -4.6grain nominal charge with 158 grain LSWC-. I would never, ever, ever, ever, recommend doing this.

You are inviting case failures and risk of violent destruction of your weapon and possibly important parts of yourself. In theory, when properly supported a .38spcl case may withstand a single firing of such a load but consider that case DONE.

[Clownpuncher]

I have always wondered the same thing but never had the balls to try it myself. There is a TON of room left in my .357 cartridges, and since they are only a hair longer than a .38 spl, it stands to reason that a .38 case could easily accomodate a .357 load. If its not common practice then im not gonna be the one to blow my gun up trying though

Thats kind of the reasoning to my question. Just wondering if anyone was doing it or if it was a standard practice. Apparently it isn't, therefore I'm not going to be the one who tries it.

But apparently even contemplating it or asking the question means I can't handle something basic and I don't have any business reloading.

[meaty-btz]

Who said that?

The gods honest truth is with a strong enough action and quality brass you most certainly can do it. What do you think they did while developing the 357 Cartridge in the first place? The length was added as a safety measure, not necessarily to reduce pressures.

My thoughts on non-action based failure would be case-head separation. If I had a test action I could test it in, I am actually kind of curious myself about how big till case failure on 38spcl. I think most people would be surprised by the results as Pressure Specs are always on the conservative side for older or poorly manufactured or maintained actions. Think Lowest Common Denominator and Liability.

[ireload]

Clownpuncher I've loaded .38spl +P+ (near magnum level) with Unique but in that level brass life of the .38 would be shorter and not much gained if you are shooting out of wheelgun that has 3" or shorter barrel. You also gain more flash. Anything over +P level for a .38spl a .357mag brass would be in order. I fired it out of my GP-100 4" and Rossi 2" 971 snubbie.

My +P ammo I've color coded the bottom as to not mistake with standard pressure.