HighValleyRanch
New member
Say you own a .38 special revolver, but want some .357 power out of it.
Say, something like the old 38/44 loads.
Here are some chronographed specs. I used my LCR .357 magnum for all three loads:
Armscor .357 mag 158 grain FMJ.........................966-986 fps
Magtech .357 158 grain FMJ................................1001, 10124 fps
Buffalo Bore 158 grain .38 +P Outdoorsman.........1024, 1027 fps
The above are out of a 1 7/8" barrel, so of course with a longer barrel, the velocities can bet much higher as 1237 fps with the BB .38 special +P in a 6.5 inch barrel (tested with Ruger Blackhawk)
So when they say the "lowly .38 special" you might want to rethink that. Just make sure your gun can handle the hotter loads. I have no qualms about shooting this through my 15 ounce 3" LCRX. I have shot it out of a Colt Official police as well, and the super lightweight 1 7/8" .38 LCR. Why carry something as heavy as a Smith Outdoorsman N frame .38 special when you can achieve the same with 1/3 the weight?
I know there are nay sayers who will accuse this thread of choosing and picking apples vs. oranges, but the point is to chronograph your own brands, because .357 magnum doesn't necessarily mean hotter than .38 special.
I am sure that one could achieve even higher ME by using lighter bullets at faster speeds, but the 158 grain was the common factor for comparison, and woods protection is the purpose of me wanting a heavier bullet in my .38. Yes, I could get the LCRX in the .357 magnum but then I'm back to the heavier weight.
Say, something like the old 38/44 loads.
Here are some chronographed specs. I used my LCR .357 magnum for all three loads:
Armscor .357 mag 158 grain FMJ.........................966-986 fps
Magtech .357 158 grain FMJ................................1001, 10124 fps
Buffalo Bore 158 grain .38 +P Outdoorsman.........1024, 1027 fps
The above are out of a 1 7/8" barrel, so of course with a longer barrel, the velocities can bet much higher as 1237 fps with the BB .38 special +P in a 6.5 inch barrel (tested with Ruger Blackhawk)
So when they say the "lowly .38 special" you might want to rethink that. Just make sure your gun can handle the hotter loads. I have no qualms about shooting this through my 15 ounce 3" LCRX. I have shot it out of a Colt Official police as well, and the super lightweight 1 7/8" .38 LCR. Why carry something as heavy as a Smith Outdoorsman N frame .38 special when you can achieve the same with 1/3 the weight?
I know there are nay sayers who will accuse this thread of choosing and picking apples vs. oranges, but the point is to chronograph your own brands, because .357 magnum doesn't necessarily mean hotter than .38 special.
I am sure that one could achieve even higher ME by using lighter bullets at faster speeds, but the 158 grain was the common factor for comparison, and woods protection is the purpose of me wanting a heavier bullet in my .38. Yes, I could get the LCRX in the .357 magnum but then I'm back to the heavier weight.