The Compatibility Question: Why It Works
Before we address any potential issues, it’s crucial to understand the foundation of the practice. The .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges share the same bullet diameter, which is approximately .357 inches (hence the name .357 Magnum). This is the fundamental reason why you *can* shoot .38 Special in a .357 Magnum revolver. The barrel of the .357 Magnum revolver is designed to accept and stabilize bullets of this diameter.
The crucial difference lies in the case length. The .38 Special cartridge has a shorter case than the .357 Magnum. This difference is significant and directly contributes to the potential *Problems With Shooting .38 Special in .357*. A .357 Magnum cylinder is built to accommodate the longer .357 Magnum case. The cylinder is built to withstand the higher pressures and the increased overall length of .357 Magnum rounds. Therefore, when you load a .38 Special, there’s a gap – a space – in the cylinder between the end of the shorter .38 Special case and the beginning of the barrel’s chamber. It’s this “jump” that sets the stage for the issues we’ll examine.
Understanding the Consequences: Potential Hurdles
While safe in most instances, using .38 Special rounds in your .357 Magnum revolver introduces several potential *Problems With Shooting .38 Special in .357* that can affect performance and maintenance.
Building Up Residue: The Carbon Ring Challenge
One of the most commonly encountered and most annoying *Problems With Shooting .38 Special in .357* is the build-up of a carbon ring or lead ring. This occurs because the shorter .38 Special casing leaves a gap between the case mouth and the chamber’s beginning of the barrel. When the .38 Special round is fired, the hot expanding gasses, as well as unburnt powder and lead residue, escape into this gap. Over time and with repeated use, this residue accumulates, forming a ring of hardened carbon and potential lead deposits inside the cylinder.
This carbon ring can become quite significant. It can make it difficult to chamber and extract .357 Magnum cartridges later. As the carbon ring grows, it gradually occupies the space within the cylinder, making it tighter. The longer .357 Magnum cases may get stuck, and even if they do fit, they might be difficult to extract without significant force. This is particularly frustrating in a defensive scenario, rendering the firearm almost useless. Moreover, you will also be required to carefully remove the cylinder and clean it, as the debris will not simply disappear.
Accuracy Shifts: Degrading Performance
The presence of a carbon ring isn’t just a cosmetic problem; it can affect accuracy. The ring is built up at the mouth of the cylinder. Any debris here will have to be pushed through as the bullet is fired. Any uneven buildup, or the physical obstruction in the bullet’s path, can impede the bullet’s travel. This can lead to inconsistencies in the bullet’s trajectory as it exits the cylinder and enters the barrel, resulting in a potential shift in the point of impact. While the difference might be subtle in some cases, it can worsen over time as the ring becomes thicker. The “jump” to the rifling may also be affected.
The Impact on Cleaning: More Effort
Cleaning a firearm is part of responsible ownership, but the carbon ring created by shooting .38 Special in a .357 Magnum revolver makes this process more involved. The buildup is often quite hard and resistant to removal. Regular cleaning may not be enough; special tools and techniques may be necessary.
You’ll need to employ stronger solvents that are specifically designed to dissolve carbon and lead fouling. You’ll likely also need a dedicated brush to scrub the ring. Depending on the severity of the buildup, this can require repeated applications of solvent and vigorous scrubbing. The process can take more time and effort compared to cleaning a cylinder that has only fired .357 Magnum rounds. This increased cleaning time is another of the *Problems With Shooting .38 Special in .357* that some shooters find off-putting. The added need for specific solvents and tools increases the cost of maintenance.
Velocity and Impact: Minimal, But Mentionable
While the potential *Problems With Shooting .38 Special in .357* discussed so far are the most significant, there are other minor factors. Due to the shorter case of the .38 Special round, it’s theoretically possible that a slight amount of powder energy can be lost during ignition. This can translate into a slightly lower velocity for the bullet than it would achieve if fired from a properly sized .38 Special revolver. However, the velocity difference is usually negligible. It’s not a primary concern compared to leading/carbon buildup and cleaning requirements.
Seeking Solutions: Mitigation Strategies
The good news is that the *Problems With Shooting .38 Special in .357* are often manageable with proper practices. Here are some key strategies to minimize the negative effects:
Regular and Thorough Cleaning: An Essential Routine
The most crucial step is to establish a rigorous cleaning routine. After each range session where you fire .38 Special rounds, carefully clean the cylinder. Employ appropriate solvents and a dedicated brush to remove carbon and lead buildup. A good quality brass brush is a good starting point, but more aggressive methods might be needed. Pay close attention to the area at the front of the cylinder where the .38 Special case mouth sits. The more frequently you clean and the more thorough you are, the less likely the build-up will become a major problem.
Balancing Usage: Controlled Exposure
Consider the ratio of .38 Special to .357 Magnum rounds you fire. If you primarily use .38 Special for target practice to save money and reduce recoil, consider alternating with a few .357 Magnum rounds during your range sessions. The hotter .357 Magnum loads can help to push out some of the residue and potentially reduce the rate of carbon ring buildup. However, this may also increase the speed the weapon needs to be cleaned.
Bullet Type Considerations: Material Matters
The type of bullets you use can also affect the degree of leading and carbon buildup. Lead bullets, especially with older designs, are more prone to leaving behind residue than jacketed bullets. If you are concerned about the *Problems With Shooting .38 Special in .357*, consider using jacketed rounds for both .38 Special and .357 Magnum. This will not only affect the cleaning requirements, but it can also improve accuracy and decrease the rate of build up.
Prioritizing Safety: Handling and Awareness
Regardless of the ammunition you choose, safety is paramount. Always follow safe gun handling practices. Keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction. Know your target and what is beyond it. Never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy. Always wear appropriate eye and ear protection. Make sure the firearm is unloaded before cleaning or performing maintenance. Remember, responsible gun ownership is key to enjoying your firearms safely and responsibly.
The Big Picture: A Balanced Assessment
While the *Problems With Shooting .38 Special in .357* are real and should be considered, they’re not necessarily dealbreakers. The ability to use less expensive and softer-recoiling .38 Special rounds in your .357 Magnum revolver is a definite benefit for target practice and recreational shooting. Furthermore, these problems are manageable if you take appropriate precautions and maintain your firearm diligently. The advantages in terms of comfort, and cost, might outweigh the inconvenience of extra cleaning for some shooters.
Is It Worth It?: Making an Informed Choice
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to shoot .38 Special in a .357 Magnum revolver comes down to personal preference and your commitment to proper firearm maintenance. If you are willing to invest time in cleaning and are comfortable with the potential for reduced accuracy and difficult extraction, then this practice may be suitable for you. The key is to be aware of the potential *Problems With Shooting .38 Special in .357*, understand how they arise, and take appropriate steps to manage them. Responsible gun ownership means understanding the tools you use, how they work, and how to keep them in good working order.
