Rimfire verses center fire

[BrianW]

Tried it a few times, but now I just load light loads in the 357 brass. I didn't like the carbon ring that appears where the 38 case ends.

Anyone here shoot 38 loads in their 357 for 'light target'??

Soundguy

 

[DieselPower]

Yep, same problem here with the 38 vs 357. If I shoot to many 38's I get a horrible carbon ring and can not get the 357's in later on.

 

[RoyJackson]

Yep, same problem here with the 38 vs 357. If I shoot to many 38's I get a horrible carbon ring and can not get the 357's in later on.

That's why they make brass cleaning brushes...

 

[DieselPower]

I agree but when I'm shooting at the range testing different loads out it's nice when I don't have to clean the cylinder between different rounds. It's nice to just shoot light 357 and then powerful 357 without having to clean between different batches.

 

[redlevel]

Wasn't it Skeeter Skelton who suggested using .357 loading data in .38 Special hulls? They were for use in only his .357 guns, but I think he claimed more efficient ignition of the powder in the shorter hulls. Maybe it was more uniform chronograph results from shot to shot.

 

[AllWaysBreakinSomething]

Being a reloader I just had to comment.

I load for what the application is. The comment about transfering energy to the flesh is a great description of what you want to accomplish when choosing a cartrige and load. Basically if you use too much velocity you punch right thru the little critter. Minimal damage unless you get a head shot as mention above a few times. With hollow points etc it is much harder to punch thru at higher velocities since they fragment and mushroom therefore you transfer more energy. Thus more damage.

From my experience and if having to buy off the shelf ammo. Wanting to shoot cheap I'd use 22 Long Hollow points for less than 50 yards. Over that you need to go to either .223 or 22 Magnum hollow points.

I also use a Ruger .223 carbine also called the Rancher. It's short and can hold 30rds or more depending on how much weight you plan to carry. It's versatile and tough. You can also shoot coyotes more effectively than 22 LR so works for both.

I'm sure you got an ear load on this thread.

 

[HomeBrew2]

Anyone here shoot 38 loads in their 357 for 'light target'??
Soundguy

No. Don't have any such guns. Did hand load 44spl's to "starting" loads w/ 'true' wadcutters so my ~12 year old girls (many yrs ago) could shoot the 44 though ... seemed to make the accompanying boys at the time pretty respectful

 

[cp1969]

Wasn't it Skeeter Skelton who suggested using .357 loading data in .38 Special hulls? They were for use in only his .357 guns, but I think he claimed more efficient ignition of the powder in the shorter hulls. Maybe it was more uniform chronograph results from shot to shot.

Some guns have shorter cylinders than others, one I have come across is the Colt Python which will not accept 170 gr. SWC in a .357 case--the nose protrudes out the front of the cylinder.

Maybe that was his reason for doing it, although I remember Skeeter's favorite .357 being a Model 27 S&W which would not have had that problem.

Probably should not exceed .38/44 pressure levels in a .38 SPL case. You can't be 100% sure of what gun it will be fired in, and even .38/44 may be too much for some.

 

[Soundguy]

Speaking of pressure.. what are the 38 spl +p getting up to? and 357?

I'm not up on wheelgun loads.. I only own a couple .22lr, a .44mag, and a couple .38sp wheelguns.. the bulk of my stuff is semi auto, and then longguns and some carbines.. etc..

soundguy

 

[DieselPower]

357 Magnum ANSI/SAAMI Pistol Pressure Specifications (Maximum Average pressure) is 35,000 PSI and on 38 Special +P the ANSI/SAAMI Pistol Pressure Specifications (Maximum Average pressure) is 18,500 PSI. However, using a +P+ non SAAMI spec load you can get up to about 22,000 PSI out of the 38 Special.

Miscellaneous Questions