Conversion cylinders - why not .38 S&W

[batjka]

I see the conversion cylinders for .36 revolvers are chambered in .38 Special. Why not .38 S&W? The bullet diameter of .38 S&W is correct to the .36 C&B barrel as opposed to .38 Special which is undersized. I know .38 Special is a much more popular caliber, but still...

 

[silentknight]

Makes since to me plus you wouldnt have to download it much if at all.

 

[darkgael]

dia.

The bullet diameter of .38 S&W is correct to the .36 C&B barrel

The .38 S&W bullet is .360-.362 diameter.
A .36 caliber round ball is .375 in diameter.

Peter

 

[batjka]

Still better than .355-.357...

 

[arcticap]

http://www.loaddata.com/members/search_detail.cfm?MetallicID=282

I've read that there are .38 Special hollow base wadcutters that can measure .360-.362, and that there are also .38 Special wadcutter cases having less internal taper which can translate to loading with slightly larger bullet diameters. The .38 Special Match Wadcutters are among the most accurate of any ammunition. Along with the fact that .38 S&W is nearly obsolete, there doesn't seem to be any real advantage to chambering a conversion cylinder for it while the .38 Special HBWC's popularity is huge.

 

[B.L.E.]

Maybe you were thinking of the .38 short or long Colt cartridge, which was originally loaded with a heeled bullet that was a true .38 caliber.

Since the .38 special evolved from the .38 Colt, you could always find a bullet mold that casts heeled bullets and load them in cut down .38 special cases.