38 special and 357 mag . . . cases?

Nick_C_S <snip>Here's what doesn't sit well with me: The 38 Special case is cavernous as it is. There's lots of space inside for even the hottest (within saami spec) rounds. Some target 38 rounds only occupy some 35% of the case space. And of course, the 357 case is even longer. I find the concept of loading weak rounds in the larger 357 case unsavory. It seems counter-intuitive to the logic of loading quality ammo.
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Trailboss, Tin Star, and the like do a good job of filling cases for light to moderate loads. As noted, it isn't really necessary, it's what you get with a transition to smokeless powder, but any special concerns about powder volume can be addressed with the high VMD powders.
 
I agree with the experts who say if you don't know how to keep track of your high pressure loads, you shouldn't use .38 spec. brass. I foolishly load Skeeter and Keith type loads for my .357s and expect any day now I will accidently slip one of these in my Colt Cobra. After all, I have been doing this for 40 years, I'm due.
 
It is a bit more hassle, and expense, but I have found that using brass .357 cases for rifle loads, and the usual nickel cases for everything else is a good way to keep them separate. OK, it won't work in complete darkness, but no system is perfect. ;)
 
Thanks for all the info. And . . .

I think what I will do is load only 38 spl loads in 38 spl brass and 357 mag loads in 357 mag brass. Not hard to keep the brass separated as there is nothing on the range floor to pick up (hey it's a revolver).

Still need to buy dies and bullets. Gonna shoot a few more boxes of factory ammo to build up a brass supply.

Really like shooting the gun.

Life is good.

Prof Young
 
there is nothing on the range floor to pick up (hey it's a revolver).
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Heh. There was a time. And us old timers remember when you could go out to the range and sweep up 38 and 357 brass - especially 38.

Back when revolvers were more popular, shooters used to commonly eject their brass onto the ground. Now days, semi-autos are much more popular - especially with occasional shooters. Revolver guys tend to reload.
 
I'm very fortunate that my range lets me have all the brass I want. Not only can I sweep my lane, they also let me sift through the buckets as well. I have so much 9mm, .38sp, and .223 that I no longer bother with them. The only thing I look for now is .357 mag and 7.62x39, and I'm collecting .45ACP for when I finally break down after 40 years and get a 1911.
 
Topic drift - sorry

. . .45ACP for when I finally break down after 40 years and get a 1911.
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Once you get one, you'll wish you got one decades ago. I love 1911's - I have three.

This, coming from a die-hard revolver guy.

AND, 45 ACP is fun to load.
 
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