Can a .357 Magnum safely shoot .38 Special?

Gun & Shooting
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Understanding the .357 Magnum and .38 Special Compatibility

I’ve been diving into the world of revolvers lately, and I recently came up with a question that seems really basic, but I want to make sure I get it right: Can a .357 Magnum shoot .38 Special ammunition?

I know that both calibers are closely related, but I’d love to get some clarity on a few points:

Safety Considerations

  • Is it safe to use .38 Special in a .357 Magnum revolver? I’ve heard varying opinions, and I want to ensure I’m practicing safe shooting.
  • Are there any specific types of .38 Special ammo I should avoid? I read mentions of +P .38 ammunition. Does that change anything?

Performance Aspects

  • How does shooting .38 Special in a .357 Magnum affect recoil and accuracy? I imagine the .357 would have a bit more kick to it, but what’s the experience like with the .38?
  • Can using .38 Special affect the longevity of a .357 Magnum firearm? I’m curious if there’s any wear and tear associated with shooting the lower caliber in the .357.

Practical Uses

  • Are there benefits to using .38 Special in a .357 Magnum for target practice? I’m thinking it might be more economical for longer sessions, but I want to hear from others who have experience with it.
  • Is it possible to switch back and forth between the two in the same session? I often shoot with friends, and we usually share ammo when we can. Just want to make sure that this is practical.

I appreciate any advice or experiences you can share. I’m really looking to enhance my shooting practice while keeping everything safe and effective. Thanks!

2

Yes, a .357 Magnum can safely shoot .38 Special. The chamber dimensions allow for it, as the .38 Special is shorter and less pressure-sensitive than the Magnum. This compatibility is one reason many prefer .357 revolvers.

3

Thanks for the clarification! It’s great to know that you can use .38 Special for training or less recoil situations.

4

Additionally, the pressure of .38 Special is generally lower than that of .357 Magnum, which is designed to handle higher loads without any issues. It’s mechanically safe to use .38 in a .357 firearm.

5

Exactly! The design of .357 Magnum revolvers accounts for higher pressure, so firing .38 Special is just fine. Just make sure you’re using the right ammo for your situation!

6

What about the accuracy differences? Does using .38 Special in a .357 affect aim?

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In most cases, it shouldn’t affect your aim significantly. .38 Special can actually be more accurate for some shooters due to the lower recoil, allowing for better control.

8

That’s a good point! The lower recoil can help with follow-up shots, especially for beginners or at the range. It’s a smart choice for practice.

9

Does this mean you can mix them up in a revolver? Shouldn’t we be cautious?

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You can mix them, but it’s always better to keep them separate for clarity, especially during practice or training sessions. Just make sure you double-check your ammo before loading.

11

That makes sense. For someone new, it can feel a bit overwhelming with all the options available. Just remember, safety first!

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What’s the maximum .38 Special you should be using in a .357? Can there be any downsides?

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13

In terms of maximums, you really can use any standard .38 Special load in a .357. Just be aware that constant use of .38 can lead to fouling in the cylinder, which might affect performance.

14

Indeed! Fouling can occur, but regular cleaning will mitigate that. Just an added chore for those shooting .38 Specials in .357s. It’s all part of the fun!

15

Why do I feel like a revolver is just a fancy paperweight for some? Is it worth the extra cleaning?

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16

Haha, it might seem that way, but revolvers are incredibly reliable! The cleaning is just a small price to pay for the joy of shooting such a timeless piece.

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17

Yes, a .357 Magnum revolver can safely shoot .38 Special. The .38 Special is actually a lower pressure round compared to the .357 Magnum. This means less recoil, which is great for target practice.

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18

That’s true! The lower recoil of the .38 Special also helps with accuracy, especially for new shooters who may be intimidated by the .357’s power.

19

In a self-defense scenario, the .357 Magnum is preferred for its stopping power, but .38 Special can still be effective. I like using .38s for target practice; it helps improve my shooting without the fatigue from heavier recoil.

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Exactly! I think it’s important to understand you can practice with .38s and still transition to .357 for serious situations without a problem.

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