User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
|
Posted: 7/31/2001 6:20:39 PM EDT
[#1]
Cartridge names have traditionally been chosen by the designer. Once registered with SAAMI they tend to "stick." Often they make no sense. Some refer to bore size across the lands, some from groove to groove. Some are metric, some not. Some make sense, some don't. No pattern. Keeps it interesting, if nothing else. There was an article on this a couple years ago in either Shooting Times or Guns & Ammo. Perhaps someone better organized can post it.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 7/31/2001 6:24:25 PM EDT
[#2]
The .38 Special was introduced at the turn of the century. It utilizes a true .357 caliber bullet. The .38 Special has roots that go back to the 1880's in the .38 Long Colt, which underwent a major redesign (but no name change) from a 375 thousandths of an inch bullet to about a .363 caliber bullet. When Smith redesigned the cartridge, they used an even smaller bullet about .357 caliber. In order to capitalize on the name of the well-known military pistol round they had just redesigned, they kept the "38" part of the name.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 7/31/2001 8:29:11 PM EDT
[#3]
Then there's the .44 Mag. Same kinda deal.
44 mag = .429 Only .015 difference, not the .028 you we're talking aobut. Just how big of a difference should make the list? .30 cal stuff ranges from .307 up to .312 depending on bullet make and type. It's a real jungle out there. Are there any other obvious examples? |
|
|
|
Posted: 7/31/2001 8:49:21 PM EDT
[#4]
Well, Ford made a 427 cubic inch engine in the late '60s and early '70s to compete with the Chevy 427. Oddly enough, the Ford is actually only 425... Oh wait, you meant bullets.. oops....
[8D] WWoodworth |
|
|
|
Posted: 7/31/2001 8:53:39 PM EDT
[#5]
its the same with snowmobiles and motorcycles. 440 is usually more like 337 ect...
|
|
|
|
Posted: 7/31/2001 9:01:59 PM EDT
[#6]
And lets not forget the Harley Sportster 900 is really 883. Harleys and BMWs the only way to fly, on the ground that is.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 7/31/2001 9:29:55 PM EDT
[#7]
I'm not sure how true this is because I've never checked but I've heard that the only difference between a .38 and .357 is where it is measured. A .38 is measured at the outside of the rifling where a .357 is measured on the inside. Don't quote me on this. Maybe I'll mic. it out one of these days.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 7/31/2001 9:53:40 PM EDT
[#8]
Quoted: I'm not sure how true this is because I've never checked but I've heard that the only difference between a .38 and .357 is where it is measured. A .38 is measured at the outside of the rifling where a .357 is measured on the inside. Don't quote me on this. Maybe I'll mic. it out one of these days. They both are .358 |
|
|
|
Posted: 8/1/2001 7:18:47 AM EDT
[#9]
Quoted: Quoted: I'm not sure how true this is because I've never checked but I've heard that the only difference between a .38 and .357 is where it is measured. A .38 is measured at the outside of the rifling where a .357 is measured on the inside. Don't quote me on this. Maybe I'll mic. it out one of these days. They both are .358 If the inside and outside of the rifling are .358 then it would be a smoothbore and wouldn't have rifling. Right? |
|
|
|
Posted: 8/1/2001 8:50:39 AM EDT
[#10]
I don't remember where I heard this but I was always under the impression that the original parent cartridge of the .38 Special (maybe something like the 38 S&W) was designed like the .22 rimfire. The bullet was actually .380 in diameter as was the outside of the brass case and the bullet was held into the case by its narrower base. Then when the move to smokeless powders and center primers the bullet size was reduced.
Kinda the same reason a .22 Rimfire and a .22 Magnum are not compatible. Any truth to this? |
|
|
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.
