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.38 special in the .357 rifle
.38 special in the .357 rifle
Does anyone have a reliable .38 special load from a manufacturer that cycles in the .357/,38 special. It seems not many do
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- JEBar
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Re: .38 special in the .357 rifle
welcome indeed, delighted to have you join our forum .... our BBS 357Mag has proven to be an excellent rifle that is fun to fire .... we haven't found any factory 38 or 357 ammo that our Henry doesn't handle with ease .... the same has been true for our handloads .... be sure to take a look at this thread ===> http://henryrifleforums.com/viewtopic.p ... 98#p185998 and add your Henry to our community's total ... also, take a look at our Forum News area at the requirements necessary to enter our current drawing .... you have plenty of time to qualify
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Re: .38 special in the .357 rifle
I too have a Big Boy Brass in 357magnum that will cycle anything I feed it except 148 grain wadcutters.
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- Rifletom
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Re: .38 special in the .357 rifle
Yep, my BB brass .357 handles .38 spl just fine, altho, I've only tried 158gr loads.
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Re: .38 special in the .357 rifle
Bullet profile is important. Many factory 38’s use a 130 gr jacketed round nose that should cycle in your rifle just fine. I have tried these hand loads in mine and they do cycle but there is a noticeable “hitch” when doing so. But they do cycle and shoot.
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Re: .38 special in the .357 rifle
If you hand load, load your rounds/bullets long, to 357 mag lengths. I do that with both 38 S&W and 44 spl loads in magnum cases. Do some research about it, but in 357 mag cases, I add .1-.2 gr of powder for the normal length 38 load, to compensate for the "extra" case volume.
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It's always the operator, never the machine!
AKA: Know more misses!
AKA: Know more misses!
Re: .38 special in the .357 rifle
I stopped firing .38 special loads in my Henry. I’ve heard that if you fire .38 special in a .357 you may get a ring in the chamber caused by the shorter length cartridge case. I use all .357 brass and load it lighter if I want .38 special performance.
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- Rifletom
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Re: .38 special in the .357 rifle
Hmm. The ring in the chamber is real, but, only after firing a good amount of .38 spl rounds thru it. Just clean the bore as usual and you should be fine. I fire both thru my Henry often enough. A simple, regular cleaning and you're good.
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- markiver54
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Re: .38 special in the .357 rifle
Totally agree. Same with my S&W 686 revolver. No biggie.
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Re: .38 special in the .357 rifle
I've shot the 130 grain Winchester white box .38 special and various 158 grain loads and my .357 BigBoy has cycled all I put through it. I have even varied .357 and .38 in the same tube load just to see if it caused any issue. It fired all the same. I did see a slight point of aim difference with the light .38 loads.
Try a few different manufacturers to see what yours likes. I'd also stay with 158 grain if possible. Mine shoots (groups) well with those in .38 or .357.
Try a few different manufacturers to see what yours likes. I'd also stay with 158 grain if possible. Mine shoots (groups) well with those in .38 or .357.
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Some days I'm Andy, most days I'm Barney........
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Eaglescout, NRA Life Endowment member, BCCI Life Member