2007-09-23 10:40:43 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Outdoor Recreation ➔ Hunting
The .38 S&W Special is the parent of the .357 Magnum
Both use .357" diameter bullets, with weights ranging from 110 to 200 grains. Most common in both calibers are the 158 grain lead bullets in several different designs, the 125 grain JHP's and 148 grain wadcutter bullets.
Case length for the .38 SPL is 1.1550 inches and case length for the .357 Magnum is 1.2900 inches.
The .38 Spl is loaded to SAAMI maximum pressure standard of 17,000 psi, and the .357 Magnum is loaded to a maximum pressure of 35,000 psi.
Velocities for the .38 Spl are generally in the 750 to 900 fps range for standard velocity loads, and between 850 and 1000 fps for the .38 Spl +P loadings.
Velocities for .357 Magnum loads run from 1100 to 1600 fps depending on the bullet weight and barrel length. Using Federal Premium 125 gr. JHP ammunition, my 2 1/8" barreled Smith & Wesson M-640 averages about 1210 fps.
Not all .38 Spl's can be used with +P loadings, and no .357 Magnum should be fired in a .38 SPL, even if the cartridge will fit in the chamber. All .357 Magnums can be used with any .38 Spl loading.
Doc
2007-09-23 17:40:04 · answer #1 · answered by Doc Hudson 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The one stamped .357 Magnum on the side. Normally when someone wants to make a new cartridge, they lengthen the cartridge so that the new one will not fit in the older guns. It's not only for more power, but safety, as .357 loads would soon destroy a 38 Special gun if it did fit. In some rare cases, you can get a .38 to chamber .357 ammo. Avoid the temptation to shoot it that way. The life you save may be your own. The bullet diameters are the same on both rounds. In the old days, they measured the case also. Otherwise it would be the .357 Special.
2016-05-17 05:58:28 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By .38, I assume that you are referring to the .38 Special cartridge. There are others but the ..38 Special is, by far, the most common of the .38 calibers. The .357 Magnum is simply a slightly longer version of the .38 Special. By making the cartridge case slightly longer, it is capable of holding more powder. This extra powder produces a greater pressure in the firing chamber when the cartridge is fired. The greater pressure results in greater velocity which results in greater muzzle energy. The .38 Special cartridge can be safely fired in a gun that is chambered for a .357 magnum cartridge. However, the reverse is not true. The .357 magnum, being longer, will not fit in a gun that is chambered for the .38 special cartridge. If by some means you were able to stuff a .357 magnum cartridge into a gun that is chambered for the .38 Special, the gun could blow up. It just wouldn't be designed to handle the extra pressure of the .357 magnum.
2007-09-23 11:10:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Both are revolver bullets. The .357 Magnum is an extended, more powerful .38 Special. They shoot the same bullet (diameter wise) and .357s will shoot .38s but not the other way around.
Best.
H
2007-09-23 22:56:01 · answer #4 · answered by H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
actually bullet wise..the very same caliber (.357 inch)..
BTW, I always love it when crime shows say it's a .357 Magnum bullet. All they can know without seeing the gun or case is that it's a .357 diameter bullet (it could have been fired from a .38 Special OR a .357 magnum
2007-09-23 16:37:42 · answer #5 · answered by David B 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The .357 magnum case is about a 1/16 " longer than the .38 special. The round is loaded to pressures of about 33,000psi, and propels the bullet at over 1250-1350 fps. The .38 spl. +P is no faster than about slightly over 1000 fps.
2007-09-23 10:48:48 · answer #6 · answered by WC 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
357 magnum is 38 special with the case lengthened and loaded to higher pressures. Lengthen it a bit more, and you have 357 maximum. It's since become a common theme in handgun cartridges.
2007-09-23 11:34:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They use the same diameter bullet, but .357 is more powerful. You can use .38 Special ammo in a .357 gun, but not vice versa.
2007-09-23 10:50:07 · answer #8 · answered by gringomasloco 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The 357 was developed to deal with gangsters who were wearing body armor and using automobiles for cover.
2007-09-24 04:42:16 · answer #9 · answered by Steel Rain 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The 357 Magnum is best for self defense, more velocity & more deadly.*
2007-09-23 11:36:36 · answer #10 · answered by dca2003311@yahoo.com 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋