.357 vs 38spl or 38spc +p out of 2"

[thewillweeks]

So I suppose this is almost more a ballistics question, but the revolver guys are gonna know the answer so I'm posting it here.

Is the gain of using .357mag or +p 38spl out of a 2" barrel all that much over a standard 38spl? I've heard that the 2" barrels don't give .357 enough time to develop hardly any more power over a .38spl +p, and that the +p isn't all that much more than .38spl standard defensive loads. Thoughts on that?

Is the gain worth the cost I guess is what I'm asking?

 

[Archangel14]

Out of a 2.25 inch SP101 (I think it's 2.25 inch) I found that a 125 grain SP and HP .357 rounds do noticeably more damage to your average size phone book than a .38+P round of the same weight/type. I did this test a while back, as I had the same concern that you did. On the other hand, I was surprised at the damage the .38+P's did. In fact, it turned me off to .357 rounds. That particular for home defense, and I think a standard .38 or +P is sufficient (except when I go fishing in bear country soon, then I'll pack .357......I know that just rubbed a few people the wrong way, but I couldn't help it!)

 

[BobWright]

I carried a S&W Model 19 2 1/2" barrel for awhile, loaded with Federal .38 Spl. +P 158 gr. Nyclad SWC HP for a number of years, which I felt was the best load for the purpose.

Bob Wright

 

[WestKentucky]

Typically 38s and 357s are pretty close in short barrels with 357 taking just a bit more velocity but a lot more noise and flash. 4" you really start seeing the difference, 6" is typically a major difference between the two, but this is strictly a normalized expectation. I would never expect a 38 to outperform a 357, but depending upon the powder used it could be incredibly close between 38+p and 357. It's all in the burn rate of the powder, and the amount of powder in the case. Optimized 38 short barrel loads can be very impressive.

 

[Archangel14]

but depending upon the powder used it could be incredibly close between 38+p and 357.

This is a really good observation. In some of my hand loads I haven't seen too much of a difference between the two. On the other hand, I'm a terrible hand loader.

 

[rswartsell]

The deciding factor for me is that .38 spl brass ejects and reloads slightly more reliably and easier/quicker.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Depending upon the bullet you're using I feel the higher velocity from a +P round over a standard pressure .38 Special is a good thing because it will aid in reliable expansion of the bullet. Most times I do not however like using a .357 Magnum from a short barrel revolver because of the excessive flash and boom it generates everywhere but outdoors in the daytime.

 

[gamestalker]

A weak load will always be a weak load, and a stout full house load, will always be stout.

There will always be a discernible difference between loads. And even though barrel length does effect MV, velocity will still be higher or lower dependent on the load intensity, 2" or 6".

I don't remember the chrony results right off the top of my head, but the same loads fired from a 4" barrel, isn't all that higher than from my 2.5" barrel.

GS

 

[golden]

Depends on the load

WEEKS,

You will get a higher velocity out of a .357 magnum than a .38 Special or .38 Special +P. No question about it. How much depends on the gun and particular load you try.

The negative will be the increased noise, muzzle blast, flash and recoil.
I used to carry a S&W model 13 with a 3 inch barrel. My agency load was the 110 grain hollow point and I did not find it much worse than the heavy +P .38 Special loads using the 158 grain SWC HP bullets.
This load is a little more effective, maybe 10% than the .38 Special +P, but not all that hard to shoot.

The 125 grain .357 magnum is another matter altogether. The recoil, muzzle blast and noise are much more noticeable. In fact, my agency forbid us to use that load after a round burst the forcing cone of the barrel.
We could only use this round in L-frame S&W'S or RUGER GP-100's.

Jim

 

[BLU]

thewillweeks... As mentioned... it depends on your choice of .357 Magnum rounds. Because the barrel is short, the powder has less time to burn resulting in less velocity and an excessive flash and boom. Select a .357 round designed for short barrels, (with a faster burning powder) and you will likely see an increase in velocity and performance. Many ammo manufacturers have created such a round for us 'snubby' guys. I usually carry +P rounds but sometimes go for the .357 Mag depending on where I am going. I've only shot my weapon once off-duty in 38 years... and pulled the trigger twice on my Chief's Special. Two rounds into the air, at night, convinced 11-12 guys, (couldn't get an accurate count at the time!) to run like scared 3rd graders! Needless to say, it wasn't the performance of the round, but, the excessive flash and boom that sent them running! (None of them even asked what type of cartridge I shot... go figure!) Glad I didn't have to shoot anyone and the end results were favorable. All turned out well.