Loading 357 in a 38 case

[moxie]

The "Magnum OAL" in special cases comes with reduced bearing surface which makes for the possibility of reduced case neck tension which makes for the increased possibility of bullet jump.

I just don't see the point in this. Case shortage? How does anyone expert enough to reload in this manner run out of .357 mag cases? I've got scads of them (I'm sure most reading this thread do too) I've reloaded dozens of times over the years with hot loads. Your supply eventually attrits due to mouth splits, but that takes a long time. Many reasons against. None for that I can see. According to Mr. Garrett, I guess I'm a "nervous type." Oh well.

 

[StrawHat]

Just curious, why do folks get all worked up about loading the 38 Special to higher levels but think it is fine to do it with the 45 long Colt?

Kevin

 

[MEHavey]

Well.... I'm glad we settled THIS debate. :banghead:

That said, I'm technically on the side of 357 OAL can take 357 charge;
But also on the side of DON'T have 357 loads in 38 marked brass.

Sooner or later, someone will screw it up.

 

[Walkalong]

Well, we never have yet, why should we this time?

 

[USSR]

Just curious, why do folks get all worked up about loading the 38 Special to higher levels but think it is fine to do it with the 45 long Colt?

Good point. I think the issue is, .357 Magnum brass is readily available, while I have yet to run across any .45 Colt Magnum brass.

Don

 

[X-Ring]

I just don’t see the plus side of loading 357mag in 38 cases, what am I missing?

 

[GarrettJ]

The "Magnum OAL" in special cases comes with reduced bearing surface which makes for the possibility of reduced case neck tension which makes for the increased possibility of bullet jump.

Except when seated to the crimp groove, the bullet I used in my example has more bearing surface inside the case than the same bullet in 125 gr. weight. By your reasoning, 125 or 110 gr. loads in .357 mag cases should be locking up cylinders left and right.

 

[Rule3]

Gee nobody brought up this article? By the great Brian P

I find it pretty lame and had a long discussion/argument elsewhere, and think it is a bad idea. But I am not a gun rag writer.

Based on the readers question he has a hard time finding 357 mag brass, so wants to load 357 mag pressures in 38 special.

Per Mr P,it's OK if reduced a bit, but I find these in his answer:

Only use the brass (38) twice then it's no good (well then you have a 38 special shortage)

38 +P brass is stronger?

Look at the max pressure he cites 36,000 psi, is that right?

I do not care how you mark the box or the brass, if someone slips one of these in a say a alloy frame gun, well........

 

[Walkalong]

And that is enough for this time around.