Author Topic: 38 special in a 357 mag (Read 482 times)

tipiguy · « **on:** April 19, 2005, 08:31:39 AM »

Anyone shoot 38 special lead rn bullets in their 357 mag barrel? Thought that this may be a cheap load for practice.

How do they shoot? Is there any problems I need to think about before doing this?

Thanks.

Tipiguy

armory414 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 19, 2005, 08:58:08 AM »

The only concern is potential fouling of the chamber at the forward end that could affect .357 mag later. Otherwise, shoot away and enjoy. I shoot .44 spl out of my .44 mag barrel all the time.

flyfisher · « **Reply #2 on:** April 20, 2005, 05:44:22 AM »

I believe that Armory has it right...shooting too many .38 special cartridges in the mag barrel will tend to leave a fouling ring in the chamber. If you are careful, only shoot a couple, and clean the chamber regularly, I don't see that it would hurt much. If you do shoot a whole bunch of the .38's, and then switch to the mag, you will start to notice a tight fit with the mag cartridges. On occasion, I will shoot a box or two of .38's through my Ruger GP100, followed by some Mags, and I have yet to have a problem with the cylinder, however I do clean it very regularly.

tipiguy · « **Reply #3 on:** April 22, 2005, 06:01:56 AM »

Thanks for the comments. Maybe I am looking in the wrong direction. Are there cheap "practice" bullets out there the 357 mag? I was told not to load normal lead bullets as the velocity is too high and it will lead the barrel. What options do I have in cheap bullets? I have lots of H110, Bullseye, and Blue Dot powder around (if any of these would be good)...

Thanks
tipiguy