357mag vs 38spl in J-frame snubbies

[ArmedBear]

I should mention that the .357s I was shooting in my recently-acquired Model 60 snubbie are my full-house 158 grain hardcast handloaded trail rounds. When I say it's controllable in .357, I mean the real thing.

Haven't tried 180s in it yet...

 

[snooperman]

Yes

There is a significant difference in velocity, Recoil and ft/lb energy, in a 2" J frame snub nosed revolver when comparing the 38 special and the .357 magnum . The type of ammunition also plays a roll in this discussion as it varies from one type of ammo to the next. The best way to measure the REAL difference would be to use a chronograph. Some manufacturers of Handgun ammo have charts, but can be misleading because of barrel lengths etc. You have to do your own homework. I have a chronograph and rely on it a great deal since I reload most all of my ammo. I would find it rather difficult to shoot .357 magnums in a J frame. The +p would be quite adequate.

 

[Landric]

I did some testing with .38 Special and .357 Magnum ammunition in a 2 1/4" Ruger SP101. Full power magnum ammunition is always going to beat factory .38 Special and .38 Special +P. One could probably get to magnum levels in a snubby with handloads, the .38-44 did after all eventually bring us the .357, but with factory ammunition its not even really close.

For instance, .38 Special +P 135 grain Gold Dot did an average of 856fps out of the snubby, where as the .357 Magnum 125 grain Gold Dot (the magnum 135 grain Gold Dot is not a full-power magnum) averaged 1242fps. For those of us that like energy figures, that is just under 220 ft.-lbs. for the .38 Special +P and just over 428 ft.-lbs. for the .357. I would say that is a significant difference.

 

[GRIZ22]

I just have my doubts about followup shots with an Airlite. Sloppy .357 shooting is not better than accurate .38 shooting.

The 60 is just heavy enough for me to shoot .357 WELL, double-action, fast followup.



I should mention that the .357s I was shooting in my recently-acquired Model 60 snubbie are my full-house 158 grain hardcast handloaded trail rounds. When I say it's controllable in .357, I mean the real thing.



Exactly the point I was trying to make Armed Bear.

 

[The_Shootist]

I've shot a variety of loads out of my 3" bbl SP 101 - Winchester Silvertips, Golden Sabre's etc. One of the stoutest was the Buffalo Bore FBI load version - I honestly thought I was shooting a medium power .357 load . I seriously wouldn't even consider shooting this out of my 642, which i figure would be an unpleasant experience.

Heck - even BB "standard pressure" .38 load in 158 gr gives the hand a pretty good smack when fired out of the 642. Damn accurate ammo tho.

 

[Marvin KNox]

.357 mag. beats .38+p out of any barrel length.

Even a reduced or "mid range" load is worth the step up IMO.

I carry an all steel J as a primary. The DPX .357 is worth the bit more kick in that gun IMO.

For my 340 M&P, I use the same ammo for back up just to stay with one ammo. If it was my primary, I would probably consider dropping to +p.

But probably not - since the DPX .357 doesn't kick much more than a hot +p anyway.

+p is certainly adequate and it is not really necessary to step up to magnum IMO.

 

[Tequila Mockingbird]

The power to weight ratio of a handgun is directly proportional to the amount of time you'll need to invest to be able to shoot one well. When you reduce the weight and/or increase the power level, you'll need to spend proportionately more time practicing to be able to make quick and accurate follow up shots. That's why I steer clear of guns that have a high power to weight ratio, like .357 magnums in airweight versions.

 

[Alpacca 45]

Max pressure in a .38 special is only 22,000 psi (CIP max for European loads) or 20,000 PSI for +P US loads (SAAMI spec).

Max pressure in .357 mag is 35,000 PSI (give or take 1,500 psi it is the same max operating pressure as 9mmP and .38 super but with more powder capacity than either).

.357 mag will out run .38 spcl out of any barrel length, and with any bullet weight, it will also give significantly more flash and blast.

I'm not going to try it, but I'm reliably told that the blast is far more severe when the muzzle is pointing towards you. Apparently often enough to temporarily disorientate a sober person. I don't know the effect on a drink or drug crazed youth whos riding on an adrenaline high.

 

[armoredman]

My snub is an Ultra Lite in 38spl, and kicks pretty good with my chosen carry load, 38Spl +p 158gr LSCHP. I don't think I would be interested in shooting an Ultra Lite in .357 mag, NOT a recoil junkie! It works well enough as a BUG for me.