.357/.38+P

[Cookiemann]

I already know that the 38 is less powerful than the 357, but what about the 38+P, how does it compare?  Are the pressures higher on the 38+P?  What would make the 38+P unsafe to fire in a lesser quality revolver that is chambered for the 357??

cookiemann

[bilmac]

The +P is in between. There is also another commercial loading designated +P+. This was just loaded for law enforcement as far as I know. So the scale of increasing velocity and pressure is: 38 special, 38+P 38+P+, 357. All of the 38 special loads can be safely fired in any 357 as far as I know.

[Mikey]

Cookieman:  pressures for Winchester factory 357s run all the way to 42.5K cup, while the 38 spl goes to 16k cup pressures and the 38 Special +P or +P+ run to 19-19.5K cup pressures. 

All the 38 special loadings can be fired safetly in a 357 magnum in good working order.  If you have any concerns about the 357 you intend to use being safe enough to shoot, take it to a gunsmith and have him check it out. 

[Jal5]

Cookieman,

You will love any of the 38 series of loading in your 357.  They are very easy to shoot all day long out of my S&W Model 66.  the 357s are fun too, but a lot more recoil.

Joe

[Cookiemann]

I was right, then.  GOOD    I am considering a EAA Windicator for CC and H/D.  All I have read sounds good and most of the personal reports have been good, too.  Someone did mention something about not shooting +P loads in them.  After reading their site a bit more, I think that was in regards to the Alloy .38.  I am trying to come up with the $$$ before Gander sells out.  $249 is a heck of a price for a 357!

Thanks for clearing things up guys.

cookie

[SHOOTALL]

Before you buy put your hand on a S&W , ruger , or Colt in the used gun section . Price is not always the best way to pick a weapon . I will be honest i have never had a hand on the windicator so can't cuss or praise it . But that price is     well to good to be true .

[Mohawk]

I agree with SHOOTALL, and then some!!! A good condition Smith and Wesson or Colt that are used are always good, if not the best, options. My model 28 S&W .357 was born in 1959, all original, and killed two deer this year

[Cookiemann]

If I had more options, that would be great.  However, money is tight....and then there is thing called availability....the S&Ws and Colts that I have found in the used case are few and far between and the prices, well, that's another story.  There just aren't that many options to choose from.  I have and will continue to "do the homework" before I buy.  I'm not into PRETTY, just into function and fit and well made.  Fit, as we all know, is a major part of that.  If the Windicator doesn't feel right in my hand, I won't have a problem walkin' away, at any price.   Trust me, the FIRST case I check is the "Used Firearms".

cookie

[mcwoodduck]

I have seen pictures of the windicator.
Personally I would look in the used case for an old S&W in either 38 or 357.  I know GB will sound off about this but look at the taurus revolvers.
But Looking around I have not seen lots of revolvers in cases like I used to.  
Better question is what do you want the revolver for?
Carry, hunting, general plinking?  
If you want if for carry or home,  Any 4" or less revolver will be fine.  I have shot a few 38+p rounds out of model 10's. (M10, M14, M15, M67,{38's} M66, M65, M13,M19,& M28 {357's} [Yes I know ther is a mod 27 but i don't think he will find one to fit his budget])   A couple to see where they shoot is not going to hurt the gun and carry them in the gun.  The fixed sighted guns are M10, M13, M65, out of the group.
if you want if for hunting then i would look at models with adjustable sights and 357 mag. (M66, M19, or M28)
If you want it for Plinking then get a 22.  I would get an Auto as I have 22 revolvers and just when you hare having fun! your out of ammo.
Some of the old beat up S&Ws are mechanically good.  they just have holster wear.  Good project gun to play with reblueing and adding an oil finish to the stocks.
Well what ever you pick good luck with it.

[SHOOTALL]

check on a police supply store in your state , a phone call may find a gun worth making a trip for . We have 2 such stores near here and they get trade ins all the time . Right now they have S&W 38's with 4 inch h-bbl for $338.00 and a few beat up ones for under 300 . they had a couple 357 but i can't remember price. They had ss S&W 9mm's for 369.00

[jmayton]

I've got a couple of S&W model 36's that will handle the +p loads...but not all day long.  They're great to shoot.  I also have a model 66 that handled everything my father put through it while on duty and now everything I've fired through it.  I like S&W, but have shot Ruger, Colt, and Dan Wesson's as well.  I'd pick from those and avoid some of the others.  You should be able to find a used .38 that will work for you.

[jcn59]

S&W Model 10s under $250 on GunBroker.com

Similar buys available.  I got a Security six .357 for $246. + shipping & dealer fees.

[Ak.Hiker]

S&W Model 10s under $250 on GunBroker.com

Similar buys available.  I got a Security six .357 for $246. + shipping & dealer fees.

The S&W Model 10 is a great suggestion at 250 dollars or less. Lots of good 38 Special +P loads on the market as well for carry. The Model 10 loaded with the 158 grain FBI load would be a classic package.

[BillP]

Model 10 is an excellent buy now.  Most all police departments have traided them in for autos which put a lot into circulation.  That was a while ago and the "glut" is drying up but they are not all gone yet.  As far as +P loads, the 10 is the same as the model 13 which is a .357 but with longer chambers.  Both are however K frame guns and shooting a LOT of .357 (and I expect +P 38s) will may eventually cause problems.

The real reason for using +P ammunition for (duty use) is the reduced muzzle flash that for many makes the .357 a poor choice at night.

[bilmac]

The reason my outfit did +P+ was because a lot of officers could not learn to handle the 357.  I don't think it was a recoil problem as much as the muzzle blast. Anyhow they never pressured us to change, but 357 was always available. I never felt the need to change until the Fackler report came out and then I did. I always enjoyed shooting +P+ ammo, but never thought the 357 was "fun" to shoot.

[Mohawk]

The reason my outfit did +P+ was because a lot of officers could not learn to handle the 357.  I don't think it was a recoil problem as much as the muzzle blast. Anyhow they never pressured us to change, but 357 was always available. I never felt the need to change until the Fackler report came out and then I did. I always enjoyed shooting +P+ ammo, but never thought the 357 was "fun" to shoot.

    I could never really tell the difference between the +P+ and the Magnums. I always preferred the heavier bullets for penetration, regardless of bullet design, (I know you know what aorta, vena cava, and femoral arteries are) and I wanted to make sure it would get through from any angle. The only exception was the .357 125gr JHP. That is a NASTY load!!! About as close to a .223 HP as you can get in a revolver. Straight on upper chest hit and you WILL know it!

[jwp475]

  I agree with Mohawk the difference betwwen a +P+ and a 357 is not as great as many suspect. The 357 today is not loaded to the 45,000 PSI loading as in the past, most today are in the 35,000 PSI range  + or - a bit. The expection will be the 357 Mag loads from Buffalo Bore they are a full 200 FPS in my guns with the 158 grain Gold Dot bullet than the same bullet in the CCI Speer factory loads