Can You Shoot 38 Out Of A 357 Revolver?

Can You Shoot 38 Out Of 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 a .38 out of a .357 revolver?

The answer is yes, you can shoot a .38 out of a .357 revolver. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

First, a .38 Special cartridge is shorter and has a lower powder charge than a .357 Magnum cartridge. This means that when you fire a .38 out of a .357 revolver, the bullet will not be propelled as fast or as far.

Second, the cylinder of a .357 revolver is designed to hold .357 Magnum cartridges. This means that when you fire a .38 out of a .357 revolver, the cartridge may not fit tightly in the cylinder. This can cause the cartridge to move around during firing, which can lead to inaccuracy.

Finally, shooting a .38 out of a .357 revolver can cause more wear and tear on the gun. This is because the .38 cartridge is smaller than the .357 cartridge, and it can cause the cylinder to rub against the frame of the gun more forcefully.

Overall, it is safe to shoot a .38 out of a .357 revolver, but there are some things you should keep in mind. By following these guidelines, you can safely enjoy shooting both .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges from your .357 revolver.

Can You Shoot 38 Out Of A 357 Revolver? Yes No
Yes, you can shoot .38 Special ammunition out of a .357 Magnum revolver. The .357 Magnum is a larger cartridge than the .38 Special, but the .38 Special bullet is shorter and has a smaller diameter than the .357 Magnum bullet. This means that the .38 Special bullet can fit inside the .357 Magnum chamber without any problems. However, you should not shoot .357 Magnum ammunition out of a .38 Special revolver. The .357 Magnum bullet is larger and has a higher velocity than the .38 Special bullet, and it can damage the .38 Special revolver if it is fired.

38 Special and 357 Magnum are two popular cartridges for revolvers. They are both centerfire cartridges, meaning that the primer is located in the center of the case. However, there are some key differences between the two cartridges.

38 Special is a rimmed cartridge, while 357 Magnum is a rimless cartridge. This means that the 38 Special cartridge has a rim around the outside of the case, while the 357 Magnum cartridge does not.

38 Special is also a shorter cartridge than 357 Magnum. The 38 Special cartridge is 1.295 inches long, while the 357 Magnum cartridge is 1.55 inches long.

What is a 38 Special?

The 38 Special cartridge was introduced in 1898 by the Colt’s Manufacturing Company. It was designed as a replacement for the .38 Long Colt cartridge, which was the standard cartridge for police revolvers at the time.

The 38 Special cartridge is a rimmed cartridge that is loaded with a 158-grain lead bullet. The cartridge has a muzzle velocity of 950 feet per second and a muzzle energy of 350 foot-pounds.

The 38 Special cartridge is a popular choice for self-defense and target shooting. It is also a popular choice for hunting small game.

What is a 357 Magnum?

The 357 Magnum cartridge was introduced in 1934 by Smith & Wesson. It was designed as a more powerful cartridge than the 38 Special cartridge.

The 357 Magnum cartridge is a rimless cartridge that is loaded with a 158-grain lead bullet. The cartridge has a muzzle velocity of 1,450 feet per second and a muzzle energy of 550 foot-pounds.

The 357 Magnum cartridge is a popular choice for self-defense, hunting, and target shooting. It is also a popular choice for law enforcement officers.

Can you shoot 38 out of a 357 revolver?

Yes, you can shoot 38 out of a 357 revolver. However, it is not recommended.

The 38 Special cartridge is a shorter and weaker cartridge than the 357 Magnum cartridge. When you fire a 38 Special cartridge in a 357 revolver, the cartridge will be forced into the chamber with more force than it is designed for. This can cause the cartridge to rupture, which can damage the revolver and injure the shooter.

In addition, the 357 Magnum cartridge is designed to be fired from a longer barrel than the 38 Special cartridge. When you fire a 38 Special cartridge in a 357 revolver, the bullet will be traveling at a slower velocity than it is designed for. This can reduce the accuracy of the cartridge and make it more difficult to hit your target.

For these reasons, it is not recommended to shoot 38 out of a 357 revolver.

Potential risks

There are several potential risks associated with shooting 38 out of a 357 revolver. These risks include:

  • Cartridge rupture: When you fire a 38 Special cartridge in a 357 revolver, the cartridge can rupture. This can damage the revolver and injure the shooter.
  • Reduced accuracy: When you fire a 38 Special cartridge in a 357 revolver, the bullet will be traveling at a slower velocity than it is designed for. This can reduce the accuracy of the cartridge and make it more difficult to hit your target.
  • Increased recoil: When you fire a 38 Special cartridge in a 357 revolver, the recoil will be more pronounced than it is with a 38 Special cartridge. This can make it difficult to control the revolver and keep it on target.

It is not recommended to shoot 38 out of a 357 revolver. There are several potential risks associated with doing so, including cartridge rupture, reduced accuracy, and increased recoil. If you need to shoot 38, it is best to use a revolver that is chambered for 38 Special.

Can You Shoot 38 Out Of A 357 Revolver?

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

  • The .38 Special cartridge is shorter than the .357 Magnum cartridge. This means that when you fire a .38 Special round out of a .357 Magnum revolver, the bullet will be traveling at a lower velocity and will have less energy. This can make it more difficult to stop a threat, especially if you are using the revolver for self-defense.
  • The .38 Special cartridge has a lower pressure rating than the .357 Magnum cartridge. This means that if you fire a .38 Special round out of a .357 Magnum revolver, the gun may not be able to handle the pressure and could potentially damage itself.
  • You should always use a .38 Special-specific barrel when shooting .38 Special ammunition out of a .357 Magnum revolver. This will help to ensure that the bullet is properly seated in the case and that the gun is able to handle the pressure of the round.

If you are considering shooting .38 Special ammunition out of a .357 Magnum revolver, be sure to do your research and understand the risks involved.

What are the differences between 38 and 357?

The .38 Special and the .357 Magnum are two of the most popular revolver cartridges in the world. They are both centerfire cartridges, meaning that the primer is located in the center of the case. However, there are a few key differences between the two cartridges.

  • Bullet diameter: The .38 Special has a bullet diameter of 0.357 inches, while the .357 Magnum has a bullet diameter of 0.358 inches. This means that .38 Special bullets will fit in a .357 Magnum revolver, but .357 Magnum bullets will not fit in a .38 Special revolver.
  • Case length: The .38 Special case is 1.125 inches long, while the .357 Magnum case is 1.295 inches long. This means that .38 Special cartridges will fit in a .357 Magnum revolver, but they will not be fully seated.
  • Pressure: The .38 Special is a low-pressure cartridge, while the .357 Magnum is a high-pressure cartridge. This means that .357 Magnum cartridges can generate more power than .38 Special cartridges.
  • Velocity: The .38 Special has a muzzle velocity of around 850 feet per second, while the .357 Magnum has a muzzle velocity of around 1,400 feet per second. This means that .357 Magnum bullets will travel faster than .38 Special bullets.

When should you use 38 and when should you use 357?

The .38 Special and the .357 Magnum are both versatile cartridges that can be used for a variety of purposes. However, there are some key differences between the two cartridges that make them better suited for different applications.

  • Personal defense: The .38 Special is a good choice for personal defense because it is a low-pressure cartridge that is easy to shoot. It is also a relatively affordable cartridge, making it a good option for budget-minded shooters. However, the .38 Special does not generate as much power as the .357 Magnum, so it may not be as effective at stopping a threat.
  • Hunting: The .357 Magnum is a good choice for hunting because it is a high-pressure cartridge that generates a lot of power. This makes it a good option for hunting larger game, such as deer and elk. However, the .357 Magnum is a more powerful cartridge than the .38 Special, so it can be more difficult to shoot.
  • Target shooting: Both the .38 Special and the .357 Magnum are good choices for target shooting. The .38 Special is a good option for beginners because it is a low-pressure cartridge that is easy to shoot. The .357 Magnum is a good option for experienced shooters who are looking for a more challenging shooting experience.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which cartridge is right

Can you shoot .38 out of a 357 revolver?

Yes, you can shoot .38 out of a 357 revolver. However, there are some things to keep in mind.

  • The .38 Special cartridge is shorter and has a lower powder charge than the .357 Magnum cartridge. This means that when you fire a .38 Special cartridge in a 357 revolver, the bullet will not be propelled as fast and will not have as much energy. As a result, the .38 Special cartridge will not be as accurate or powerful as the .357 Magnum cartridge.
  • It is important to use the correct ammunition for your revolver. If you use a .38 Special cartridge in a 357 revolver, you will not damage the gun. However, if you use a .357 Magnum cartridge in a 38 revolver, you could damage the gun.
  • It is also important to use the correct barrel length for your revolver. A shorter barrel will produce less velocity and less energy than a longer barrel. This means that a shorter barrel will be less accurate and powerful than a longer barrel.

Overall, it is safe to shoot .38 out of a 357 revolver, but there are some things to keep in mind. Make sure to use the correct ammunition and barrel length for your revolver.

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

The .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges are both revolver cartridges that are commonly used for self-defense and hunting. However, there are some key differences between the two cartridges.

  • The .38 Special cartridge is shorter and has a lower powder charge than the .357 Magnum cartridge. This means that the .38 Special cartridge is less powerful than the .357 Magnum cartridge.
  • The .38 Special cartridge has a shorter range and less penetration than the .357 Magnum cartridge. This means that the .38 Special cartridge is less effective for hunting large game than the .357 Magnum cartridge.
  • The .38 Special cartridge is less expensive than the .357 Magnum cartridge. This makes the .38 Special cartridge a more affordable option for self-defense.

Overall, the .38 Special cartridge is a good option for self-defense and hunting small game. The .357 Magnum cartridge is a more powerful option that is better suited for hunting large game.

What is the difference between a 357 revolver and a 38 revolver?

A 357 revolver is a revolver that is chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge. A 38 revolver is a revolver that is chambered for the .38 Special cartridge.

The main difference between the two revolvers is the power of the cartridge that they are chambered for. The .357 Magnum cartridge is more powerful than the .38 Special cartridge. This means that a 357 revolver will be able to shoot a heavier bullet at a faster velocity than a 38 revolver.

As a result of the difference in power, 357 revolvers are typically larger and heavier than 38 revolvers. They also tend to have longer barrels, which helps to improve accuracy.

Overall, 357 revolvers are more powerful than 38 revolvers. However, they are also larger, heavier, and more expensive. 38 revolvers are a good option for shooters who are looking for a smaller, lighter, and more affordable revolver.

Can you shoot 357 out of a 38 revolver?

No, you cannot shoot .357 Magnum cartridges in a .38 Special revolver. The .357 Magnum cartridge is larger and has a higher powder charge than the .38 Special cartridge. This means that if you try to fire a .357 Magnum cartridge in a .38 Special revolver, the cartridge will not fit properly in the chamber and the gun will not fire.

In addition, firing a .357 Magnum cartridge in a .38 Special revolver could damage the gun. The higher pressure of the .357 Magnum cartridge could cause the gun to rupture, which could result in serious injury or death.

If you are unsure whether a particular cartridge is safe to use in your revolver, always consult the manufacturer’s manual.

it is possible to shoot .38 caliber ammunition out of a .357 magnum revolver, but it is not advisable. .38 caliber ammunition is designed for a lower pressure than .357 magnum ammunition, and firing .38 caliber ammunition in a .357 magnum revolver can cause the gun to malfunction. Additionally, firing .38 caliber ammunition in a .357 magnum revolver can damage the gun’s barrel. If you are considering shooting .38 caliber ammunition out of a .357 magnum revolver, it is important to use caution and to be aware of the potential risks.

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