38 Super in a 357 Mag?

[Pinkerton]

I recently bought a SP 101 4" 357, I've been reloading for the 357 for nearly 30 years. And a few years ago aquired a Kimber 1911 in 38 super. I never considered the posibility of using 38 super in a 357 because of the semi rim, but test fit yesterday to see how it would work. The 38 super fit perfectly and ejected without issue in the little ruger.  The pressures between the two rounds are similar. I can't think of a reason why the super couldn't be fired in a solid 357 Mag.
Any thoughts?...
Thanks

[Camba]

I am by no means a cartridge mechanic expert but as far as pressures, the 38 super is compatible with that of the 357 mag.  The bullet diameter however, it is different.  The 357 mag bullet diameter is 0.357 inches while the 38 super is more in line with the 9mmP, which I believe it is 0.355 inches.  The 38 super being 0.002 inches smaller in diameter actually helps to reduce the pressure.
When you shoot 38 specials in your 357 mag revolver, make sure you clean the chamber well so the 357 mag can be chambered later; otherwise that will create some high pressures or simply prevent you from chambering.  I would have to assume the same thing would hapen if you decide to experiment with the 38 super.
 
Camba

[SHOOTALL]

You should check the dimisions of each case , you will find the dia of the 357/38 case to be .379 while the 38 super is .384 . OR .005 difference in dia. Depending on cases used and sizing die you may be a tad smaller. Depending on tool wear your cyl. may be a bit on the large side of spec. That coud lead to bulged cases or even split cases . I would not do it to my gun.

[Pinkerton]

I was thinking the cyl. must be on the large side to chamber the 38 super, a snug fit but a fit all the same. I haven't fired the SP 101 yet, but I've done some measurements:
38 Super factory Rem unfired outside diameter:    .381"
357 Mag fired in Marlin 1894 outside diameter:    .383
357 Mag resized case                                              .377
I haven't had any issues with split cases in my marlin, I'll measure 357 cases after firing the SP 101. But I'm doubting the chamber will be any larger than the Marlin as the 38 super is a close fit. And I can't fit the .383  357 fired case in the SP 101's chambers. 
Camba: my favorite load that I've been using in the 38 super since I picked it up is a Win Auto Comp, Win SP primer and Win 110gr SJHP .357  it's been my most accurate load so far compaired to all the other .355 and .356 diameter bullets I've loaded.

[anachronism]

This has been done for decades. Longer even... However, there is nothing that a 38 Super can do in a revolver that a 357 Mag can't do better. For that matter, careful 38 Spl loads can match most of the Supers capabilities.

[williamlayton]

Depending on who is loading the 38 super. They can surpass the .357 with ease/safely.
Blessings

[Pinkerton]

Not really looking for increased performance, just more versitility. I'm alread loading for all 3 of the rounds.

[anachronism]

Depending on who is loading the 38 super. They can surpass the .357 with ease/safely.
Blessings

I guess we'll just have to disagree on this one. I can't see a 38 Super safely kicking a 180 gr hard cast bullet at over 1300 FPS.