Can I Shoot 38 Special in a 357 Magnum?
You may be wondering if shooting 38 Special ammo in a 357 Magnum revolver is safe and advisable. The answer is yes, you can indeed use 38 Special ammo in a 357 Magnum revolver. The 38 Special is a shorter cartridge than the 357 Magnum. It fits inside the 357 Magnum chamber. When you fire a 38 Special round in a 357 Magnum revolver, the firing pin strikes the primer of the cartridge, just as it would with a 357 Magnum round. The bullet travels through the barrel and exits the muzzle, again as it would with a 357 Magnum round.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when shooting 38 Special in a 357 Magnum revolver. First, the 38 Special bullet is shorter and lighter than the 357 Magnum bullet. This means that it will not travel as fast or have as much energy as a 357 Magnum round. Second, the 38 Special case is shorter than the 357 Magnum case. This could potentially lead to a problem called “case bulging” if the 38 Special case is not fully supported by the chamber. Case bulging can cause the case to rupture, which could damage the revolver.
Can I Shoot 357 Magnum in a 38 Special Revolver?
The 357 Magnum cartridge is longer and more powerful than the 38 Special cartridge. This means that it is not possible to shoot 357 Magnum ammo in a 38 Special revolver. If you attempt to do so, the 357 Magnum round will not fit inside the 38 Special chamber . The firing pin will not be able to reach the primer of the cartridge, and the round will not fire.
Even if you could get a 357 Magnum round to fit inside a 38 Special chamber, it would be very dangerous to fire it. The 357 Magnum round is too powerful for the 38 Special revolver. The increased pressure could cause the revolver to explode, injuring or killing the shooter.
Tips and Expert Advice
Here are a few tips and expert advice on shooting 38 Special ammo in a 357 Magnum revolver:
- Use only high-quality ammunition. Cheaper ammunition may not be as reliable and could potentially cause problems.
- Inspect your revolver regularly for any signs of damage. If you notice any cracks or bulges, do not use the revolver and have it inspected by a qualified gunsmith.
- Start with a light load and gradually increase the power of the load until you find one that is accurate and reliable.
- Be aware of the potential for case bulging and take steps to prevent it. One way to do this is to use moon clips to hold the rounds in place.
FAQ
Q: Can I shoot 38 Special +P ammo in a 357 Magnum revolver?
A: Yes, you can shoot 38 Special +P ammo in a 357 Magnum revolver. However, it is important to use caution, as 38 Special +P ammo is more powerful than standard 38 Special ammo. Be sure to start with a light load and gradually increase the power of the load until you find one that is accurate and reliable.
Q: Can I shoot 38 Super ammo in a 357 Magnum revolver?
A: No, you cannot shoot 38 Super ammo in a 357 Magnum revolver. The 38 Super cartridge is a semi-rimmed cartridge, while the 357 Magnum cartridge is a rimless cartridge. This means that the 38 Super cartridge will not fit properly in a 357 Magnum chamber.
Conclusion
Shooting 38 Special ammo in a 357 Magnum revolver is a safe and effective way to practice shooting or target shooting. However, it is important to be aware of the potential for case bulging and to take steps to prevent it. By following these tips and expert advice, you can safely and enjoyably shoot 38 Special ammo in your 357 Magnum revolver.
Are you interested in learning more about shooting 38 Special ammo in a 357 Magnum revolver? If so, I encourage you to do some additional research online or consult with a qualified gunsmith.
