Snap caps 38/357

[ricksgtx]

Hello All, Can anyone tell me if a 38 special is different from a 357 mag snap cap? A-zoom has two different part numbers and two different prices. I want to use them in a Taurus M66 and a M606 both in 357 magnum, I would think a 38 spl would work as I also have a 38 special revolver.

Thanks Ricksgtx

 

[bigfatdave]

There's no reason a .38sp snap-cap wouldn't work in a .357mag gun
Assuming the .38 snap-cap is the cheap one, then yes, that's the one you want.

 

[Wolfeye]

I have both (bought .357 first for my SP101, then had to buy .38 for my new 642). Besides length, the .38's have rounded "bullets" while the .357's are flat. This makes the .38's a little easier to speed load.

 

[Gerstleguy]

I've always used them (38's)in my .357. But some shooters use snap caps to make sure their guns are chambering or cycling properly, like with some lever or pump rifles available, without wanting to use live ammo, so it's handy and safe to have both available.

 

[Guillermo]

I cannot imagine why there would be two part numbers.

If it is because the casings are actual length get the 38 special so that you can use it for both.

BTW, I noticed really high prices at the azoom website. Midway, GT Distributors or Cheaper Than Dirt would save you a few bucks.

 

[XTrooper]

The .357 Magnum snap caps are magnum length. They exist because .38 Special snap caps don't cycle properly in some .357 Magnum autoloaders (yes, there are some out there) and some rifles chambered in .357 Magnum. In your revolver it doesn't matter which you use.

 

[atlctyslkr]

I didn't even know there were .357 snap caps. Wish I had some.

 

[MedWheeler]

Yeah, I just saw some 357 ones in Gander Mountain yesterday for the first time, and wondered "why" myself..

 

[Guillermo]

I guess someone might buy both thus increasing revenue.

I doubt there are enough 357 mag auto loaders to bother marketing to.

 

[bigfatdave]

I doubt there are enough 357 mag auto loaders to bother marketing to.

No, but the occasional screaming fit from someone who has one or a lever gun that won't eat .38sp would get old fast, I wonder if there is a market for a .38 snap-cap with a screw-on .38 - .357 adapter? Probably not, easier to just have slightly longer .357 snap caps ... Wiki lists the OAL as 29mm and 40mm ... one could just use the out-of-spec .38 caps and re-mark them .357 ... but they probably have actual proper-length molds.

Still, the OP could get by with .38 Long Colt snap-caps, in theory. All that matters for a wheelgun would be the rim and not rattling around in the chambers, right?

 

[Guillermo]

but the occasional screaming fit from someone who has one or a lever gun that won't eat .38sp would get old fast

probably true

The thing that makes it really silly since there is no need for snap caps in virtually any modern centerfire handgun

 

[TexasBill]

I bought snap caps for every caliber I have at the same time; saved on shipping.

 

[bigfatdave]

Guillermo, while most guns don't need a snap-cap, having a bright red thing that is obviously NOT live ammo is never a bad idea.

And function testing in the apartment with live ammo tends to annoy the neighbors.

 

[pikid89]

what about the market for selling purple 9mm snap caps to gangsta thugs as "cop killas"
see youtube detroit gang documentary for a good lol

 

[bigfatdave]

I've seen one where some thug was claiming his purple snap-caps were "paralyzing bullets".

Hell, I'm tempted to sell them in Chicago, it might cut down "gun crime" better than any law Daley has ever passed!

 

[Guillermo]

having a bright red thing that is obviously NOT live ammo is never a bad idea

of course I agree and have NEVER said that someone should not use them.

While you prefer red chunks of plastic to tell you that your gun is not going to fire, I prefer NOTHING in there.

That is one of the cool thinks about wheelguns...you can verify your last check with a look and a rattle.

BTW, when I dry fire, which is often, I remove the ammo from the area. I do not want any ammo, even fake ammo, around during my trigger drills. And I stay in that area until the exercises are done. I never put down the gun and answer the phone or go to the bathroom. It is dry fire time.

This is my method...I am NOT putting down on yours.

Whatever we do to get better and stay safe is fine with me.

 

[Unistat]

Purple Paralyzers.

Gang Wars 2

You can fast forward to about 2 minutes to see the deadliest ammo on the streets.

 

[GP100man]

Besides functionallity of calibers you have to take in consideration of the different lengths & how they act in speed loaders , the 357s are longer thus presenting a higher level of difficulty of "lining up " the carge holes ! Thus demanding more intense practice!

 

[unknwn]

CowboyActionShooting pre-season firearm tuning

I have A-zoom .357s that I got to practice with my magnum chambered revolvers, but now that I ended up with a Rossi 92 lever rifle I suspect that a package of .38 special variety will be in the basket.
Being able to test for feed function between cartridge lengths will allow me to better determine the rifle's feeding characteristics.
I just don't know with all certainty that I will be using one load or the other until the competition season arrives, and this will allow a relatively inexpensive way to check the outcome of 'smithing and slicking that I intend to perform in the mean time.
I vote : Yeah / Aye / Yes - the difference is needed, at least for some of us.