Can You Shoot 38 In A 357 Revolver?

ByBuffalo Rifles Blog

Can You Shoot 38 In A 357 Revolver?

The .357 Magnum is a popular revolver cartridge that is known for its power and accuracy. But what about the .38 Special? Is it safe to shoot .38s in a .357 revolver?

The answer is yes, you can shoot .38s in a .357 revolver. However, there are a few things you need to know before you do.

In this article, we will discuss the differences between .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges, the safety risks of shooting .38s in a .357 revolver, and how to properly load and shoot .38s in a .357 revolver.

We will also provide some tips on choosing the right .38 Special ammunition for your revolver.

So, if you’re thinking about shooting .38s in your .357 revolver, read on for all the information you need to know.

| Can You Shoot .38 in a .357 Revolver? |
|—|—|
| Yes, you can shoot .38 in a .357 revolver. |
| However, you should only do so with .38 Special ammunition. |
| Shooting .357 Magnum ammunition in a .38 revolver can be dangerous, as it can cause the gun to malfunction and potentially injure the shooter. |

The .38 and .357 are two of the most popular revolver cartridges in the world. They are both powerful and accurate, making them ideal for self-defense and hunting. However, there is one key difference between the two cartridges: the .357 has more power than the .38. This means that the .357 can produce more recoil, and it is also more likely to cause a through-and-through wound.

In this article, we will discuss the differences between the .38 and .357 cartridges in more detail. We will also answer the question: can you shoot .38 in a .357 revolver?

What is a .38 and a .357?

The .38 and .357 are both revolver cartridges that were developed in the late 19th century. The .38 was introduced in 1874, and it quickly became the standard police and military cartridge. The .357 was introduced in 1935, and it was designed to offer more power than the .38.

Both cartridges use a rimmed case, and they are both loaded with a lead bullet. However, the .357 has a larger diameter bullet than the .38. This means that the .357 can produce more power, but it also means that it is more likely to cause a through-and-through wound.

.357 has more power than .

The .357 has more power than the .38 because it has a larger diameter bullet. This means that the .357 can produce more muzzle velocity and energy than the .38.

The following table shows the muzzle velocity and energy of the .38 and .357 cartridges:

| Cartridge | Muzzle Velocity | Energy |
|—|—|—|
| .38 Special | 950 fps | 250 ft-lbs |
| .357 Magnum | 1,250 fps | 500 ft-lbs |

As you can see, the .357 has significantly more muzzle velocity and energy than the .38. This means that the .357 can produce more recoil, and it is also more likely to cause a through-and-through wound.

Can you shoot .38 in a .357 revolver?

Yes, you can shoot .38 in a .357 revolver. However, it is important to note that doing so can damage the revolver.

The .38 is a smaller cartridge than the .357. This means that the .38 bullet will not fully engage the rifling in the .357 revolver. This can cause the bullet to tumble, which can lead to inaccuracy and damage to the revolver.

In addition, the .38 bullet is not as strong as the .357 bullet. This means that it is more likely to cause a squib load, which is when the bullet does not fully fire. A squib load can damage the revolver and can also be dangerous to the shooter.

For these reasons, it is not recommended to shoot .38 in a .357 revolver. If you need to shoot .38, it is best to use a revolver that is chambered for .38.

The .38 and .357 are two of the most popular revolver cartridges in the world. They are both powerful and accurate, making them ideal for self-defense and hunting. However, there is one key difference between the two cartridges: the .357 has more power than the .38. This means that the .357 can produce more recoil, and it is also more likely to cause a through-and-through wound.

It is important to note that you can shoot .38 in a .357 revolver, but doing so can damage the revolver. It is best to use a revolver that is chambered for the cartridge you plan to shoot.

Can you shoot a .38 in a .357 revolver?

Yes, you can shoot a .38 in a .357 revolver. However, it is not recommended. Shooting a .38 in a .357 revolver can cause damage to the gun.

Why is it not recommended to shoot a .38 in a .357 revolver?

There are a few reasons why it is not recommended to shoot a .38 in a .357 revolver.

  • The .38 bullet is smaller than the .357 bullet. This means that when a .38 bullet is fired in a .357 revolver, it will be forced to expand to fit the larger chamber. This can cause the bullet to deform and damage the gun.
  • The .38 bullet is not as powerful as the .357 bullet. This means that when a .38 bullet is fired in a .357 revolver, it will not generate as much pressure as a .357 bullet. This can cause the gun to recoil more violently, which can also damage the gun.
  • The .38 bullet is not as accurate as the .357 bullet. This is because the .38 bullet is smaller and lighter than the .357 bullet. This means that it will be more affected by wind and other environmental factors, which can lead to inaccuracy.

What are the risks of shooting a .38 in a .357 revolver?

The risks of shooting a .38 in a .357 revolver include:

  • Damage to the gun. The .38 bullet is smaller than the .357 bullet, so it can cause the gun to deform and damage the rifling. This can make the gun inaccurate and dangerous to shoot.
  • Recoil. The .38 bullet is not as powerful as the .357 bullet, but it can still generate enough pressure to cause the gun to recoil violently. This can be uncomfortable and even dangerous if you are not used to it.
  • Inaccuracy. The .38 bullet is smaller and lighter than the .357 bullet, so it is more affected by wind and other environmental factors. This can lead to inaccuracy, which can be dangerous if you are shooting at a target.

Can you shoot a .357 in a .38 revolver?

Yes, you can shoot a .357 in a .38 revolver. However, it is not recommended. Shooting a .357 in a .38 revolver can cause damage to the gun.

It is not recommended to shoot a .38 in a .357 revolver. Shooting a .38 in a .357 revolver can cause damage to the gun. If you are unsure whether or not you can shoot a .38 in a .357 revolver, you should consult with a gunsmith.

Can you shoot .38 in a 357 revolver?

Yes, you can shoot .38 Special ammunition in a .357 Magnum revolver. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

  • .38 Special ammunition is designed for lower pressures than .357 Magnum ammunition. This means that if you fire .357 Magnum ammunition in a .38 Special revolver, it could damage the gun.
  • .38 Special ammunition is shorter than .357 Magnum ammunition. This means that if you fire .357 Magnum ammunition in a .38 Special revolver, the bullet will not be fully supported by the cartridge case and could come out of the gun at an angle, which could be dangerous.

It is always best to use the ammunition that is specifically designed for your gun. If you are not sure what type of ammunition your gun is chambered for, you can consult the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer.

What are the differences between .38 Special and .357 Magnum ammunition?

The main difference between .38 Special and .357 Magnum ammunition is the pressure at which they are loaded. .38 Special ammunition is loaded to a lower pressure than .357 Magnum ammunition. This means that .38 Special ammunition can be safely fired in a .357 Magnum revolver, but .357 Magnum ammunition should not be fired in a .38 Special revolver.

Another difference between .38 Special and .357 Magnum ammunition is the bullet diameter. .38 Special ammunition uses a .357-inch diameter bullet, while .357 Magnum ammunition uses a .358-inch diameter bullet. This means that .357 Magnum ammunition will not fit in a .38 Special revolver.

Finally, .38 Special ammunition is typically loaded with a lead bullet, while .357 Magnum ammunition is typically loaded with a jacketed hollow-point bullet. This difference in bullet construction means that .357 Magnum ammunition has a higher velocity and a flatter trajectory than .38 Special ammunition.

Which is better, .38 Special or .357 Magnum?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as the best cartridge for you will depend on your individual needs. .38 Special ammunition is a good choice for self-defense and target shooting, while .357 Magnum ammunition is a good choice for hunting and personal defense.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which cartridge is right for you is to try both and see which one you prefer.

What are some other things to consider when choosing a revolver?

When choosing a revolver, there are a few other things you should keep in mind.

  • Caliber: The caliber of the revolver is the diameter of the bullet. The most common calibers for revolvers are .38 Special, .357 Magnum, and .44 Magnum.
  • Barrel length: The barrel length of the revolver will affect the velocity and range of the bullet. Shorter barrels produce lower velocities and shorter ranges, while longer barrels produce higher velocities and longer ranges.
  • Grip size: The grip size of the revolver will affect how comfortable it is to shoot. Choose a grip size that fits your hand comfortably.
  • Action type: Revolvers come in either single-action or double-action. Single-action revolvers require you to cock the hammer before firing, while double-action revolvers can be fired either by cocking the hammer or by pulling the trigger.

By considering all of these factors, you can choose a revolver that is perfect for your needs.

it is clear that the answer to the question Can you shoot .38 in a 357 revolver? is a resounding yes. However, there are some important caveats to this answer. First, it is important to make sure that the .38 ammunition you are using is specifically designed for use in a .357 revolver. Second, you should always use caution when shooting .38 ammunition in a .357 revolver, as the higher pressure of the .357 round can cause the gun to recoil more forcefully and can potentially damage the gun if not handled properly. Finally, it is important to remember that shooting .38 ammunition in a .357 revolver will reduce the lifespan of the gun, as the .38 round is not as powerful as the .357 round and will not wear the gun out as quickly.

With these caveats in mind, shooting .38 ammunition in a .357 revolver is a safe and effective way to enjoy both types of ammunition without having to purchase two separate guns.

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