.38 special out of a .357mag rifle?

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - .38 special out of a .357mag rifle?

Posted: 1/6/2006 8:38:51 PM EDT

i'm considering buying a lever-action carbine in .357 mag. I have heard that some manufacturers warn against using .38 special rounds in .357 mag rifles. why is this? do the .38 cartridges burn their powder too fast, then get stuck in the longer barrel? if so, would maybe using .38 +P rounds solve the problem?

Posted: 1/6/2006 8:41:58 PM EDT

[#1]

If you shoot lead 38's then switch to 357's sometimes the round will not chamber or will get stuck due to lead build up in the front of the chamber. If you clean it fter shooting the 38's or shoot jacketed 38's there is usually not a problem.

Posted: 1/6/2006 8:44:43 PM EDT

[#2]

Usually, it's because some lever rifles are set up to handle the LENGTH of the Magnum round, and the .38 Special is too short and will cause jams.

As example, the Henry and Winchester 66 and 73 rifles will jam the elevator if you load shorter rounds.

Some Winchester 92 copies will feed both.

Posted: 1/6/2006 8:58:42 PM EDT

[#3]

I never had any trouble firing 44 spl out of my 44 mag lever action Marlin.

Posted: 1/6/2006 9:10:30 PM EDT

[#4]

thanks for the replies. i was thinking of purchasing this. does anyone have experience with .38 spl in a winchester 94?

Posted: 1/7/2006 7:03:13 PM EDT

[#5]

I'd cut to the chase, and email Winchester. ASK THEM if it'll shoot .38 Specials.

Posted: 1/9/2006 2:36:02 PM EDT

[#6]

I've not had a problem with either .38 Special or .357 Magnum from my Marlin 1894C.

Posted: 1/9/2006 2:58:44 PM EDT

[#7]

I think I'd spend my $$$ on the Marlin 1894C. Another downside to shooting 38 in a 357 chamber is excess powder residue building up beyond the 38's case mouth, making it hard to chamber a 357 round. Just like someone else said, lead and copper can build up there too. I say buy the rifle, and only shoot 357 stuff. You can buy it in bulk pretty cheap.
Magtech Ammunition 357 Magnum 158 Grain Semi-Jacketed Soft Point (Nickel Brass) Case of 1000 $219.99
www.ammoman.com/webstore_357.htm

Posted: 1/9/2006 3:07:50 PM EDT

[#8]

Quoted:
thanks for the replies. i was thinking of purchasing this. does anyone have experience with .38 spl in a winchester 94?

I have that exact rifle. It shoots .357 and .38s without problems. Its a fun gun, priced right, and inherantly reliable. I got mine from Big 5 in CA for about 225.? or so. It was a few years ago.

My recommendation? BUY

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - .38 special out of a .357mag rifle?

Armory » General Firearm Discussion

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