OP
OP
rduchateau2954
Member
Ah I gotcha. I'm not buying it to carry, although who knows what the future holds.
Sent from my AS985 using Tapatalk
38 Special - 357 vs 38
- Thread starter rduchateau2954
- Start date
- Status
Sent from my AS985 using Tapatalk
I'm not saying it's impossible to find the reloading supplies, it's just much more limited.
I still don't understand why you would buy a .327 if you are leaning towards avoiding a .357. .327 runs at 45,000 PSI vs .357 at 35,000 PSI. If you weren't ever going to shoot .357 loads from a .357 revolver I don't see the logic in buying a .327. I'm not trying to be argumentative, I just don't understand the logic.
When looking at new guns .357 magnum is more prevalent however I would guess there are significantly more 38 specials floating around than .357's. There are tons of used service revolvers out there in 38 special. The S&W model 10 is the most popular revolver ever. If you don't mind buying used the S&W model 15 is a great gun and they usually run at least $100 less then the .357 magnum counterpart the model 19.
Realistically the 38/.357 revolver is the best do everything revolver out there. If you want to get a 45 or 32 or a 41 that's great but keep in mind availability and prices are always going to favor 38 special.
People have been shooting 38 specials from .357's for almost 80 years now with great accuracy. The front half of the 38 special bullet is already in the throat when the rounds are chambered. There is no bullet jump when the bullet leaves the case. even with the smallest bullets the front driving bands would engage the throat before the base of the bullet leaves the case. The jump from the cylinder to the barrel/forcing cone is much more violent and is going to effect 38 and .357 equally.
I still don't understand why you would buy a .327 if you are leaning towards avoiding a .357. .327 runs at 45,000 PSI vs .357 at 35,000 PSI. If you weren't ever going to shoot .357 loads from a .357 revolver I don't see the logic in buying a .327. I'm not trying to be argumentative, I just don't understand the logic.
When looking at new guns .357 magnum is more prevalent however I would guess there are significantly more 38 specials floating around than .357's. There are tons of used service revolvers out there in 38 special. The S&W model 10 is the most popular revolver ever. If you don't mind buying used the S&W model 15 is a great gun and they usually run at least $100 less then the .357 magnum counterpart the model 19.
Realistically the 38/.357 revolver is the best do everything revolver out there. If you want to get a 45 or 32 or a 41 that's great but keep in mind availability and prices are always going to favor 38 special.
People have been shooting 38 specials from .357's for almost 80 years now with great accuracy. The front half of the 38 special bullet is already in the throat when the rounds are chambered. There is no bullet jump when the bullet leaves the case. even with the smallest bullets the front driving bands would engage the throat before the base of the bullet leaves the case. The jump from the cylinder to the barrel/forcing cone is much more violent and is going to effect 38 and .357 equally.
It doesn't have to be for carry, but it should be for something. What role do you see a .327 fulfilling?
Personally, I have gotten rid of most calibers. I have guns in .22, .25, .308, 9mm and .38. If 9mm revolvers were common, I wouldn't have a .38, either. When I was shooting bowling pin competitions I had a .45 ACP, and got rid of it when I stopped. It is tedious to reload for a bunch of different calibers, and it is expensive to shoot oddball calibers. So I need to go through some mental gymnastics before I buy a gun in a caliber that strongly overlaps one in a common caliber.
You don't have to feel the same way, but I think many of us are wondering about the attraction to ".38 Skinny": .327.
Nice option
I only have one 38SP and that's my Colt Detective snubby. I do have four other .357s. Pretty much all of the 357s are fed with about 10% .357 and 80% 38 Sp. Its cheaper shooting the 38s and I load them hot.
The extra strength of the 357 is a big plus and you can shoot some heavy duty loads in full .357.
I have seen complaints about a carbon ring after shooting the 38s in a 357. Never had a problem, I clean all my firearms after a range session.
I vote for the 357 as you can plink with the 38 loads or go full bore with a powerhouse 357 loading.
I only have one 38SP and that's my Colt Detective snubby. I do have four other .357s. Pretty much all of the 357s are fed with about 10% .357 and 80% 38 Sp. Its cheaper shooting the 38s and I load them hot.
The extra strength of the 357 is a big plus and you can shoot some heavy duty loads in full .357.
I have seen complaints about a carbon ring after shooting the 38s in a 357. Never had a problem, I clean all my firearms after a range session.
I vote for the 357 as you can plink with the 38 loads or go full bore with a powerhouse 357 loading.
OP
OP
rduchateau2954
Member
Well, let's break it down a bit
I love shooting my 7 1/2" 44, but it's a big ole chunk of iron and she likes to retain heat.
I would like another revolver, something a bit smaller, but I don't want a 4" 44.
What I'd use it for; range toy, maybe open carry while bow hunting or walking the ankle biter.
Either would be enough gun for coyotes or critters that want to eat my dog,
Most 38's are used S&W which isn't a bad thing, 327 only come in a 4" SP101 or a single seven. That isn't bad either. I've never shoot a GP/SP but I love the "single" guns from ruger.
Both can be reloaded, 38 a tad cheaper.
327 is a bit faster and lighter, and can also fire 32acp, 32 long and 32 h&r.
Both are capable man stoppers if I did decide to carry. A 38 is a 5 shot, 327 is either a 6 or 7 shot.
So a classic cartridge in a classic gun, or a new spitfire in limited guns.
Sent from my AS985 using Tapatalk
Sergei Mosin
Member
- Joined
- Oct 7, 2011
- Messages
- 1,918
Ruger also made 7-shot 4.2-inch .327 GP100s for a while.
I guess I don't see it as a "spitfire" when it is ballisticly similar to 9mm. And I would think you could load something similar to any of those .32 caliber loads with a .38 or .357 case, including some really light ones.
If I was looking at a single action Ruger, the one that always seemed nifty was the .38/.357 to 9mm convertible. But that's me.
.327 is interesting - especially for capacity - but I don't think it is actually any sportier or more flexible than the range of loads for .38/.357. Not trying to dissuade you, just want you to have the facts.
If I was looking at a single action Ruger, the one that always seemed nifty was the .38/.357 to 9mm convertible. But that's me.
.327 is interesting - especially for capacity - but I don't think it is actually any sportier or more flexible than the range of loads for .38/.357. Not trying to dissuade you, just want you to have the facts.
OP
OP
rduchateau2954
Member
Yea I get that, I just haven't found any reason to eliminate either caliber. New would be nice, none of anyone else's potential problems. Used opens up a whole world of cool old Smiths.
Sent from my AS985 using Tapatalk
There are tons of used guns out there in great condition. If you want decent 38 special for a reasonable price, a used S&W is the way to go. You are just as likely to run into a lemon buying new. Canted barrels and way oversized barrel cylinder gaps are much more common on the new guns.
LivingTheDream
Member
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2012
- Messages
- 8
For What Purpose
The only reason to buy a 38 over a 357 is size and weight. If you plan to pocket carry, go 38. If you plan to put it in a drawer, go 357. If you want to target shoot, go 357.
The only reason to buy a 38 over a 357 is size and weight. If you plan to pocket carry, go 38. If you plan to put it in a drawer, go 357. If you want to target shoot, go 357.
brewer12345
Member
- Joined
- Nov 29, 2015
- Messages
- 2,751
Used also opens up stuff like a Ruger Security/Speed Six. They are built like tanks.
243winxb
Member
38 or 357
Resale value. What one will sell faster in a 4" barrel?
Resale value. What one will sell faster in a 4" barrel?
ACP
Member
- Joined
- Dec 29, 2002
- Messages
- 1,334
Been there, done that. Buy a .38 and shoot .38s. Most people download their .357 Magnum anyway for carry, and upload their .38. May as well use the cartridge the gun was intended for.
BTW, ever shot a .357 Magnum indoors with no hearing protection? Like, in a self-defense situation? Do you want to? The answer is No.
BTW, ever shot a .357 Magnum indoors with no hearing protection? Like, in a self-defense situation? Do you want to? The answer is No.
Damon555
Member
I love shooting powder puff 38 special loads at steel plates with my GP100. I highly recommend one for anyone looking for a 38 special to use at the range......it is a blast to shoot and really helps marksmanship skills because recoil is nonexistent due to the weight.
Sure, it's a 357 but there's no law that say you must shoot full power 357's from it.....
Sure, it's a 357 but there's no law that say you must shoot full power 357's from it.....
This is valid only if you plan to concealed carry.
But you asked a good question, what purpose are you buying for?
For me, buying a full size 38 spcl, such as the K frame model 10, is for fun of shooting 38s and "rediscover" how far I can push its performance. Shooting .357 mag even in a K frame is not punishing but certainly not as pleasant as shooting 38 spcl.
The other attraction is it's another piece of history to add onto my collection. The beauty of great workmanship, feels good in my hand and the trigger pull is much smoother than J-frame revolvers.
Then there is price. I can collect this great piece of quality firearm for a couple of bills. It is a legitimate home defense gun with 4 inch barrel & can shoot 38+p with mild recoil.
What's not to like?
Last edited:
I don't buy guns so I can sell it. I have a backup plan and it's called a savings account.
But I recognize stuff happens and people need cash. When that happens, I think there are different buyers for a .357 magnum from a .38 spcl. But frankly most people are in the market for a semiauto these days. If you need to unload fast for cash, perhaps a Glock is faster to unload.
Elm Creek Smith
Member
It sounds to me like you have your "big gun" need filled with your .44 Magnum, therefore you can go with a 4 inch, six shot .38 Special without worrying about if you have enough gun or not. Unlike many folks, I believe a good .38 Special load is all you need for defensive purposes if it comes to that and shooting .38 Specials is a joy. I have a S&W Model 10-5 with a 4 inch tapered barrel and would not hesitate carrying it for just about any purpose short of dealing with bears, big bears especially. At the range, everyone wants to shoot it, so I take lots of ammo along.
I also have a 2 inch Model 12-2, a 1⅞ Model 642-2, and a 3½ inch Cimarron Arms Lightning, all in .38 Special. Everything you need.
I also have a 2 inch Model 12-2, a 1⅞ Model 642-2, and a 3½ inch Cimarron Arms Lightning, all in .38 Special. Everything you need.
Last edited:
I think very few of us shoot well enough to notice any significant difference in accuracy between shooting optimized 38 special or 357 rounds in a 357. The thing that you might notice is that a 38 special round that shoots well in your 38 special gun may not shoot as well in a 357. It is pretty normal for rounds to shoot well in one gun and not so well in another. So it is not a fair test to shoot the same round in a 38 special and a 357 and then claim the 38 special round is inherently inaccurate in a 357 just because that particular round is less accurate.
I don't shoot my revolvers much these days but the thing I have always noticed about shooting 38 special reloads in a 357 is the crud that builds up in the cylinder. It was always noticeably worse with 38 special reloads than 357 reloads. But that could be a function of the specific reloads I was shooting at the time.
I don't shoot my revolvers much these days but the thing I have always noticed about shooting 38 special reloads in a 357 is the crud that builds up in the cylinder. It was always noticeably worse with 38 special reloads than 357 reloads. But that could be a function of the specific reloads I was shooting at the time.
Kendal Black
Member
- Joined
- Mar 18, 2011
- Messages
- 1,647
There you are, then. The only thing you would get from a .357 revolver is that annoying last tenth of an inch of the chambers to clean, and possibly some extra bulk to carry around.
- Status
