Mr_Flintstone
Member
I was reading today that the original .38/40 cartridge (and I realize that it is actually a .40 caliber bullet) had a velocity of right at 1300 FPS with a 180 gr lead bullet from a 24” barrel, and about 900 FPS from a 7 1/2” barrel, and it got me thinking just how close a .38 Special could be to the .38/40.
I realize that I’m comparing two completely different things here, a black powder 38/40 to a smokeless .38 Special, but I believe that with the right powder and bullet, you could achieve close to 1300 FPS from a 180 gr cast .38 Special in a 24” .357 magnum lever action, and fairly close revolver velocities using the same length barrels.
I know this can be done with a .357 magnum case, but I’m thinking that with a good dose of 2400, IMR-4227, or H110 that this could definitely be done at +P pressure, and possibly at standard 38 Special pressure. What do you guys think? Is this doable?
I realize that I’m comparing two completely different things here, a black powder 38/40 to a smokeless .38 Special, but I believe that with the right powder and bullet, you could achieve close to 1300 FPS from a 180 gr cast .38 Special in a 24” .357 magnum lever action, and fairly close revolver velocities using the same length barrels.
I know this can be done with a .357 magnum case, but I’m thinking that with a good dose of 2400, IMR-4227, or H110 that this could definitely be done at +P pressure, and possibly at standard 38 Special pressure. What do you guys think? Is this doable?