38 loads in 357 case

[Trikerider]

Maybe this has been answered, but I have not found the exact answer to my question. I know you can load 38 loads into 357 cases, but can I take the (exact) 38sp and 38+p loadings from the books and load them into 357 cases? Should not be a problem at top end, but will it be loaded to light starting at bottom end?Thanks Trikerider

 

[kelbro]

As with most handloading questions, the answer is....... yes, in many cases but no, in other cases.

I load several of my upper-end 38sp loads in .357 with no problems. Wouldn't try the lower-end loads.

 

[Floppy_D]

The rule of thumb would be to bump up the 38spl load by 10% to make up for the increased case capacity. I would certainly heed that near the bottom end of 38spl load data.

 

[jcwit]

Wouldn't try the lower-end loads.

Why?

 

[Curator]

With light .38 Spl loads in .357Mag cases ther eis a possibility of sticking a bullet in the barrel (and all the potential problems that can cause)

 

[Walkalong]

You can load .38 Spl loads as they are in .357 brass. You will lose a little velocity, but not a lot. Less than 10% would be my guess. I load .38 Spl level loads in .357 brass, but haven't done any mathematical comparisons, so I can't give a definitive answer there. The good news is the case and the gun can handle 10% more, so you would be OK there.

The rule of thumb would be to bump up the 38spl load by 10% to make up for the increased case capacity. I would certainly heed that near the bottom end of 38spl load data.

With light .38 Spl loads in .357Mag cases ther eis a possibility of sticking a bullet in the barrel

Excellent points. Do be careful with very light .38 Spl data.

 

[jcwit]

A load that light would also prevent a bullet from exiting a barrel from a 357 chambered revolver using a 38 spec case also would it not? Am I missing something here?

Tell me just how case capacity would cause this?

A published begining 38 spec load in a 357 case is going to be a squib?

 

[Walkalong]

Some starting .38 Spl data is pretty light. Add in even more decreased pressure due to the larger case capacity and perhaps we are into sticking a bullet territory. Perhaps not, but certainly something to watch for, especially with bullets with a long bearing surface and some powders which are more position sensitive than others.

 

[jcwit]

Thanks walkalong, this answered my question, very well.

 

[kingmt]

Tell me just how case capacity would cause this?

If the same amount of propellant is ignited in 2 different size areas(cases) & everything else being equal the one with the smaller area(case size) has less room for expansion & will create more pressure.

This is why if you set a bullet deeper then your book calls for the load data changes. The pressure changes.

 

[kelbro]

Sticking a bullet is possible I guess but the main reason that I don't load low-end .38sp loads in .357 brass is that I have tons of .38sp brass. My primary 357s are 6", 6", and a 20" 1894C so the extra mass takes most of the recoil out of them. I don't have any need to load down for those. My wife's .357 snubby is pleasant and more accurate with regular 38sp loads.