Using the extra calibers that the gun was not originally made for (i.e. using .38 SPl and + P out of a .357 Magnum gun)

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tdtd72

tdtd72

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Hello, just curious on thoughts. What does everyone think about using other calibers for a gun that was originally created for one main caliber? As the title read, for example, using .38 SPL and + out of a .357 Magnum gun. I personally think that while the flexibility is good, I prefer to get a gun with the caliber that it is meant to shoot (i.e. buying a .38 SPL and + P only), reason being that it could prevent any issues (in the rare chance it could) by using other calibers. Thoughts?
 
I have some .357 Mag small frame revolvers in which I ONLY shoot .38 Specials (LCR, SP101, etc) without giving it a thought. I have never had a problem. Sometimes I even shoot .38 Longs or Shorts in them. They do get a cleaning and thorough safety check for loose screws and crud build-up before the next range trip.
Luckily I also have revolvers (a Security Six and a Service Six) that are chambered for .38 Special and 44 Special (a New Vaquero) that I can shoot those calibers as well.
The magnum chamber guns, however, give flexibility in ammo selection as the situation calls for.
 
I didn’t shoot the 10.5” very often because the recoil was just more than what I wanted to deal with.
It now gets shot quite often, and has turned into primarily a 44 special, a pleasure, and NEVER ANY KNUCKLE WACK.

When I do want 44 Magnum, I grab the Bisley Hunter, the extra weight of the solid rib and the Bisley configuration make it very manageable, primarily 44 MAG.

Both guns can go either way, but I tend not too…🙄
In fact most of my 357’s see a steady diet of 38spl, 327’s/ 32H&R, 41’s/ 41 spl. Just like the minimal recoil.

YES, One can clean the cylinder chamber and go back and forth. But I do find a load that the particular gun likes and just stick with it.

52245533749_bf4ecf1d2d_c.jpg
 
tdtd72 said:
Hello, just curious on thoughts. What does everyone think about using other calibers for a gun that was originally created for one main caliber? As the title read, for example, using .38 SPL and + out of a .357 Magnum gun. I personally think that while the flexibility is good, I prefer to get a gun with the caliber that it is meant to shoot (i.e. buying a .38 SPL and + P only), reason being that it could prevent any issues (in the rare chance it could) by using other calibers. Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Some guns were originally chambered for .357 & the same gun was also offered in .38spl only.
Some that started life originally as a .38spl where offered in .357, and included the advice to not use a steady diet of .357 & to practice with .38spl. The owners manual will have that info.
In general, unless you're recoil sensitive, there should be no problem if you keep them clean.
 
Some .357 revolvers have a longer cylinder and main frame than an otherwise identical .38-Spl (only) revolver, so that may matter to the folks who want their carry gun to be as light and compact as possible. Plus, such a gun is naturally going to feel a little different in the hand which might matter too, dunno...things like that are individual preferences.

DGW
 
tdtd72 said:
Hello, just curious on thoughts. What does everyone think about using other calibers for a gun that was originally created for one main caliber? As the title read, for example, using .38 SPL and + out of a .357 Magnum gun. I personally think that while the flexibility is good, I prefer to get a gun with the caliber that it is meant to shoot (i.e. buying a .38 SPL and + P only), reason being that it could prevent any issues (in the rare chance it could) by using other calibers. Thoughts?
Click to expand...
You beat me to it. Was about to start a similar thread. I KNOW that different calibers CAN be used, just don't understand WHY. Range fun? I know that in a self defense situation I would not want anything but the caliber specified for the gun in hand.
 
Joe Chartreuse said:
You beat me to it. Was about to start a similar thread. I KNOW that different calibers CAN be used, just don't understand WHY. Range fun? I know that in a self defense situation I would not want anything but the caliber specified for the gun in hand.
Click to expand...
Thank you! I know that probably 97% of people who use other ammo have no issues. But I know that there are a few that has. Someone I know explained to me that on my Ruger SP101 .357 Magnum because of the size of the .38 SPL round and where it sits at the firing pin, there could not be an exact prime so it could affect velocity. I have not really heard that from anyone else, but it makes sense. Also the possiblity of ejection issues, carbon ring build up, etc. What are you reasoning for not using other calibers if you do not mind saying?
 
It is a given that .357 magnum revolvers shoot .38 specials. Just because they don't mark the revolver as being able to shoot both calibers doesn't mean it's not "designed" to shoot the .38 special rounds. I can attest that shooting .357 magnum loads out of an LCRx sucks, but is very enjoyable shooting .38 specials out of it.
 
Just wondering how much thought some folks put into shooting the "shorter" rounds?? With appropriate bullets you can get away with it . . . depending on the powder used . . .



This may shed some light for some shooters.

Mike
 
Using .38 Special in a .357 Magnum pistol can, and will create issues, if you do NOT clean the pistol regularly, and properly. The main issue that arises is that you will not be able to insert .357 magnum cartridges, nor extract the empty .357 cases, if you are able to force the cartridges in, due to the .38 special’s powder residue buildup in the cylinders, the .38’s being shorter. Plus, the .38’s may contribute to gas cutting of the top strap, if the bullets are shorter.
 
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