How hot can I load 38 special for 357 gun?
07-12-2014, 02:17 PM
#11
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Kansas
Posts: 3,905
Hi, I joined this forum to answer this question, Don't know if my answer is right but it is what I do. I think he asking if he can load a 38 special to 357 magnum pressures? The short answer is YES, I've been doing it for years, But don't ever shoot any of these hot loads in a 38 special gun or you will likely blow it up, Even it its rated for plus p loads....
You cannot use 357mag load data for 38spcl cases.
The THEORY behind being able to load .38spcl cases to the same PRESSURE as .357mag cases in a .357mag revolver is all well and good, but unless you have a crusher barrel or a piezioelectric barrel, you'll never actually be able to know that you've matched pressures. What you can measure at home are charge weight and velocity, but that doesn't tell you much about your pressure, or how close to the ragged edge you might be running.
.38spcl+P data is readily available in all of the manuals that I own, so it's really not that hard to find. If you want to work up the pressure to max out your cases, sure, push up until you start seeing pressure signs.
08-02-2014, 09:24 AM
#13
Fork Horn
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Illinois
Posts: 282
NEVER load .38 spl cases to .357 pressures. Its definitely not a good idea. With that much pressure being in a shorter case, you'll end up making your cylinders egg shape at the very least and possibly worse. Not to mention, what if someone puts them in a .38 spl revolver by accident? There's just too many risks. Load them to +P levels as directed in your loading manual and no more. I use .38 +P in my .357, for target practice, and i'm quite satisfied with the results.
