We talked recently about a members's .38/200 (Victory Model) S&W revolver. These are the guns made from 1940-45 for the British and Commonwealth countries when they couldn't make enough Enfield No. 2 and Webley Mk.IV .38's for wartime needs. It occured to me that some might like to know the difference in bore dimensions between these guns and the same basic model in .38 Special (Military & Police; later Model 10).
The dimensions were obtained from S&W Historian Roy Jinks a couple of years ago, for use in a magazine article. I don't think they've been published for the general public or in S&W reference books. The cartridge is known here as the .38 S&W. (NOT Special.)
He checked a Feb. 18, 1942 spec chart for the figures. The UNRIFLED bore was .350-.3512. After rifling, the GROOVE diameter was .3595-.3612. LAND dimensions remained as before rifling, of course.
.38 Special specs: .346-3472" BEFORE rifling. I don't seem to have the figures after rifling, but we know that .38 Spcl. bullets usually run about .357-.358", so that's no real mystery.
I hope this helps those who may want to reload for these guns. Keep in mind that this in no way infers that S&W, I, or this board are endorsing your doing any handloading. I believe that reloading will void the factory warranty of almost any firearms manufacturer. (Yes, this is mentioned here for legal reasons. Just keep in mind to reload responsibly and to assume the liability for any ammo that you load or have someone else load for you.)
These .38/200 guns served the cause of freedom well. If you own a good one, take care of it. It deserves it.
Lone Star
The dimensions were obtained from S&W Historian Roy Jinks a couple of years ago, for use in a magazine article. I don't think they've been published for the general public or in S&W reference books. The cartridge is known here as the .38 S&W. (NOT Special.)
He checked a Feb. 18, 1942 spec chart for the figures. The UNRIFLED bore was .350-.3512. After rifling, the GROOVE diameter was .3595-.3612. LAND dimensions remained as before rifling, of course.
.38 Special specs: .346-3472" BEFORE rifling. I don't seem to have the figures after rifling, but we know that .38 Spcl. bullets usually run about .357-.358", so that's no real mystery.
I hope this helps those who may want to reload for these guns. Keep in mind that this in no way infers that S&W, I, or this board are endorsing your doing any handloading. I believe that reloading will void the factory warranty of almost any firearms manufacturer. (Yes, this is mentioned here for legal reasons. Just keep in mind to reload responsibly and to assume the liability for any ammo that you load or have someone else load for you.)
These .38/200 guns served the cause of freedom well. If you own a good one, take care of it. It deserves it.
Lone Star