Question on Case Capacity

[AntiSpin]

My Lee Loading manual lists the "useful case capacity" for the .38 Special case as 1.30 cc, and the capacity for the .357 Magnum as 1.15 cc.

I'm curious as to why the shorter .38 case would have 0.15 cc more capacity that the longer .357 case. Also a little concerned, as I'm working up some loads in each cartridge that will come the closest to filling the case.

Hoping someone can enlighten me.

Thanks

 

[PCCUSNRET]

Had to leave this one to Google. The post at the bottom of this thread makes sense to me and it probably what Lee is referring to in their manual.

http://forums.gunboards.com/showthread.php?84173-Can-this-be-correct&

Hope this helps.

 

[FROGO207]

^^^ I type too slow.

Well you could take one of each and measure them yourself but I am willing to bet one of them is a typo. Also "useful" case capacity will vary depending on the bullet used. If the same bullet is used in each example the 357 would have more capacity as it is a few thousandths longer. The first rule in reloading is to cross reference all reloading data with as many references as possible and start with the lowest charge amount and work up your load from there. All the manuals have a typo here and there and it is up to you to discover the mistakes before they cause you problems.

 

[moxie]

I prefer Speer, Lyman, and Sierra manuals. Alliant's website has great info too.