.38 +P vs. 357

Yoter · 06-21-2007, 09:28 AM

I am looking at a Taurus model 85 with 2" bbl in .38 special (ultra light). I want it for backpacking and concealed carry. I started out thinking I wanted a .357. The little 85 is rated for +P. What kind of performance differences can I expect from a .38 +P round vs. an average .357 round? I am thinking about getting a crimson trace laser grip with it for a little easier pointability on such a short gun.

One other question, is there load data for reloading +P rounds for the .38?

06-21-2007, 01:08 PM

I shoot 7.8gr of HS-6 with 125gr XTP and get little under 1100fps. Thats not bad and good as it gets.

But out of the same Model 13 357 mag, I shoot 10.5gr of HS-6 in 357mag cases and get little under 1500fps. And thats mind. I also load 21gr of H110 and know I am getting upwards of 1800fps.

There really is no comparison when handloading.

HighDesertWolf · 06-21-2007, 02:41 PM

I had the same dilemna when I was looking for a little revolver for my lady. what I ended up deciding even though I know she would never shoot 357 magnums I decided to get the magnum any because well... it will shoot 38 ammo too. when she uses it I load it with 38 +p hydra shoks and when were at the range Ill feed a few mags through it. I suggest just getting the magnum that way if it ever comes to it you wont second guess your choice. good luck

Yoter · 06-21-2007, 03:01 PM

My dilemna is that they don't appear to be making the ultralight in 357 anymore, only in 38. I'd have to get a bigger and heavier pistol to go with the magnum. I guess it's a trade off no matter what.

harter66 · 06-21-2007, 03:15 PM

The +p generally means a heavier bullet or about 100 fps for the same bullet in a 2 inch revolver you won't see a differance in an extream case 1inch at 25ft maybe . The load data is in all the manuals now . The 38s function fine in most all of the 357s , the 357 will have more trade in value later also if you put them side by side alot of them are nearly if not identical . Is the 85 the little5 shooter ? I had a "j" frame S&W the hand loads I had for it were ..........uh...........hot. That revolver was small enough to forget about on your person .

06-21-2007, 03:35 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: harter66

The +p generally means a heavier bullet or about 100 fps for the same bullet in a 2 inch revolver you won't see a differance in an extream case 1inch at 25ft maybe . The load data is in all the manuals now . The 38s function fine in most all of the 357s , the 357 will have more trade in value later also if you put them side by side alot of them are nearly if not identical . Is the 85 the little5 shooter ? I had a "j" frame S&W the hand loads I had for it were ..........uh...........hot. That revolver was small enough to forget about on your person .

Not exactly. +p was a pressure standard. There's no way you could reach within 400fps of a 357mag with a 38+P with a 4" barrel. maybe a real short barrel

HighDesertWolf · 06-21-2007, 04:30 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: Yoter

My dilemna is that they don't appear to be making the ultralight in 357 anymore, only in 38. I'd have to get a bigger and heavier pistol to go with the magnum. I guess it's a trade off no matter what.

their light weight 357 mag isnt in the ultralite series.. their light weight 357 mag is in the Total Titanium series..model 605SH2 and the total titanium 357 mag is actually an ounce lighter than their 38 special ultralite revolver. I hope this solves your dilemna LOL

James B · 06-21-2007, 11:59 PM

For one shot stops against humane predators the best 38+P load has a 80 percent rating. The 357 with its best load has a 93 percent one shot stop rating.. I have chronographed loads from the 2 inch model 85 and the same load in the 4 inch Ruger and only have about 50 fps difference. The Model 85 is a very good carry gun IMO.