38 super-38

[sanerkeki]

Just out of curiosity. When I go to the range I sometimes take my revolvers and my 38 super auto loader. Sometimes as I am reloading I will pick up some 38 super out of box and then stop myself realizing I need the other 38 for my revolvers. Just wondering what would happened if I loaded 38 super in my revolver or vice a versa.

 

[kanook]

Depending on the revolver, probably nothing too bad.

This is why you should only have out the ammo that fits the firearm being used within reach while using it. Some guy brought his collection to the range and set them all out to shoot. He also set up all the various ammo as well. He found out that a 40s&w will not cycle a 45acp.

 

[ReloaderFred]

If your revolver is rated for .357 Magnum, it will handle the pressure of the .38 Super. Smith & Wesson makes a .38 Super revolver, so if it goes off, nothing is likely to happen, since the only difference is the cylinder, and about .001" difference in the diameter of the bullet.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[Carl N. Brown]

I don't think the rim on the .38 Super will hold the shell in the chamber within proper reach of the firing pin. .38 Super and its parent .38 ACP are "rimless" auto loader rounds. They are sometimes called "semi-rimmed" but there is about a .023 inch difference between the body of the .38 Super and its rim, much less than a .38 Spl or .357 rim.

Also. the .38 Super case diameter is listed as .384 and the .38Spl/.357Mag is .379 inch.

As far as strength goes, a .357 would handle the same charge and bullet weight as the .38 Super which strikes me as equivalent of a .38 Spl +P+ kinda load.

 

[sanerkeki]

thatnk you very much for your info

 

[kanook]

Please remember, we're not saying to do it. We're saying if you made a mistake it might be fine.

 

[RH45]

.38 special is a rimmed cartrige, and the .38 Super is rimless.

I would'n try it.

 

[RSVP2RIP]

I had to try it, yes they do fit, snugly, at least in my 686. The difference in rim thickness is almost non-existant, and I fully believe that it would set it off. DO NOT mix these up with a 38 special, you might come off second best if shot in a gun not rated for 35,000psi. 38 super is a straight walled case and neck splits would not be an issue. There might not be any real issue shooting these in a .357 mag revolver, but do so at your own risk.

 

[Dobe]

I've seen it done without problem or pressure signs on a S&W K frame. I'm not recommending it, but I did see it.

 

[DWFan]

I wouldn't try it in any .38 Special revolver, even a +P rated one, but it would be ok in a .357 Magnum if they would fit. The freebore distance to the cylinder throat would probably ruin any accuracy potential (a .355" bullet traveling down a .384" bore). The smaller rim is a non-issue; the .38 Super pistols used to headspace on the rim and there's only .010" difference in thickness.

(Personal Opinion) If my .357 Magnum easily accepted a .38 Super case, I'd seriously consider resizing my brass with .38 Super dies in order to take up the clearance around the cartridge. You want your brass as snug a fit as possible in the chamber.