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Posted: 3/3/2009 3:54:24 PM EDT
| Is it okay to load .357 brass with .38 loads ?, would like keep just 1 size brass but use 2 different bullets |
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In general, you should be ok.
Make sure if you're using the lower end of listed loads for jacketed .38's, you don't go below the mid point. Don't start at the minimum, because these might not clear the barrel when fired from a .357 case. This would have the very bad effect of causing a barrel obstruction situation for the next round. |
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I don't see why you couldn't, but the larger case means that the same load will produce much lower than expected pressure and velocity. The only way to get predictable and safe performance is to use a case with the proper volume.
You'll need to be using a faster powder like AA5, Bullseye, or even Clays to get high enough pressures to work reliably. I would work up from .38 data for a fast-ish powder and check that it leaves the barrel after each shot, unless you have a chrony. Knowing the velocity of each load will be very useful in this case. |
| I can't speak for you without seeing the actual gun, cases, powder and bullet used so I will just say this... I have shot thousands of 38 loads thru 357 cases with my S&W revolver with no problems. Mostly semiwadcutters loaded to 38+P levels which were alot more pleasant to shoot than full bore 357 loadings and resulted in alot less lead fouling in the barrel. |
I have had good results with wadcutter loads in 357 cases. 357 case Hornaday 148 gr WC 3.5 grs Clays (plain Clays) Win SP Fired in Security Six, 4 inch. The Hornaday and Speer loading manuals list loads for their swaged lead bullets. Velocity is kept below 1,000 fps so no leading and little recoil. Nice shooting fun loads. |
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You can definitely load .357 to the lowest .38 special velocities, BUT...
It won't be the same load. Check your loading manual & compare velocity. As an example... (going from memory so confirm with a manual)... 2.7 grains of Bullseye with a 148 gr HBWC loaded in a .38 special case will give the same velocity as 3.0 grains of Bullseye & same bullet in a .357 case. As pointed out above, it is due to case volume. |
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