ream cyl,

[santabob]

need to hear pro's and con' for lengthing chambers on SP101 from .38 special to .357.
being lazy and would like to keep the reloader dies set to .357. would load to minimum pressure. I use a 158 grn swc cast bullet for this ammo.
any input would be taken with respect.
I also load .45 colt for my new model vaquero. 250 grn cast and 200 grn cast at 900 fps, with trail boss.
some day hope to find the .41 redhawk that i really need. would replace the s&w 57 8.375 nickel that is in the safe now. it really shoots well.

 

[427mach1]

Is there a difference in the cylinder walls between the 38 and 357 versions of the SP101?

If so, I would not attempt this modification. Being lazy, as you admit, could lead to problems down the road. I know you would never put anything but a light load in it, but sometime, somewhere, somehow, someone will slip a full-load 357 cartridge in the chamber with possible disastrous results. Imagine yourself sitting in a courtroom, explaining to the jury..........

If the cylinder walls are thick enough for the 357, why not buy a second cylinder already chambered in 357 and have it fitted by a competent gunsmith? That way, you could always return it to 38 special if you ever decide to sell it.

 

[santabob]

first is cost to ream the cylinder, approx 40.00 for rental of reamer.
about 200.00 -250.00 for second cyl. job.
the real reason for the question is if there is a differences in metal alloy for early sp's versus later .357's. ????

 

[captainjack]

The early SP's had a shorter cylinder and were 38 special only. When Ruger first modified the cylinder to 357 the cylinder length prohibited the use of anything larger than 125 grn. because of the limited length. The later SP's had a longer cylinder to take heavier bullets.

I think you could modify either the short or long cylinder to 357 without any safety concerns but I also think you would be spending money to reduce the resale value of your current SP.

 

[427mach1]

the real reason for the question is if there is a differences in metal alloy for early sp's versus later .357's. ????

I don't know the answer to that question - the only people that know for sure probably work at Ruger and for liability reasons, I would be surprised if they would tell you.

Just curious - do you have a mill available to properly ream the cylinder out if you decide to go that route?

I still would not do it if it were me........

 

[santabob]

yes, have access to Bridgeport.
there is .135 increase in length. using a hand held tap handle and reamer should not cause a wobble.
I did lay a reload on the side of cyl. and there was .040 more cyl. beyond the round.
I am still just in the thinkin mode on this idea.
besides this is the wifes pistol and I haven't submitted this for approval.
thanks for input.

 

[darkwater67]

I don't know if the alloy changed at all...probably not...but what you describe is exactly how the SP101 went from .38 to .357, thanks to Massad Ayoob: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_8_53/ai_n19313632/

 

[M'BOGO]

It would probalbly be cheaper to just get another set of dies for dedicated .38 Spc reloading.

 

[eveled]

Curious if anybody had any new thoughts on 38 special sp101's? Are they scarce? Are all the 38's 2.25" barrels? My friend just bought one. Thanks ED.

 

[Jimbo357mag]

I believe there is no reason not to lengthen the chambers unless it is a short frame gun. There is no special premium for 38special SP-101s.