,38 in .357 lever action mirror thread

[shootinthecinders]

I have a Henry BBB .357 Magnum that cycles and shoots .38 spl, .38spl +P, and .357 magnum equally as well. It has not been picky at all. On the other hand I have a Winchester Miroku 1873 in .357 Mag that is pickier. It also cycles the above mentioned ammo but has a “sweet spot” between 1.50” to 1.59” COL. I don’t know if I just got lucky with the Henry or if the majority are like this. The Remington .38 spl 130gr I’ve shot averages 1.53” COL and shoots well in both rifles. I also have some HSM .38 spl (1.47” to 1.48”) that cyles well in the Henry; untested in the Winchester. I follow the same advice of the other posters about cleaning the chamber.
I first tested my rifles with .38 spl Azoom snap caps (1.40” OAL) and the .357 Mag Azoom. Unbelievably the Henry cycles the very short .38 spl but the ‘73 is a definite no go. Best of Luck in whatever ammo you choose.

[CT_Shooter]

It sounds like the Big Boy is picky about which ammo it will feed and eject. This is not good news. During and after the ammo shortage years back, I stocked up on .38 special and some .357. You have to take what you can find at the stores around here. I got a fair deal on my trade, so I won't loose if I sell/trade the Henry off. I wanted a handgun/carbine combo, but it may not work out for me.

Welcome to the forum from CT. I mostly shoot .357s in mine, but whenever I've used them, I've never had a problem with .38s. Let us know how you make out with yours. It will very likely be OK.

[The Wiz]

I just got done running thru 50 rounds of .38's in my .357. with no problems. I usually shoot .38's because of cost. I have been running some cheap reloads from Fox River Ammo ( a local company) and have a few FTF but no cycling problems. I do run a metal brush a couple of times in the bore while I am cleaning. My gun seems to eat anything I feed it.

[Rifletom]

I have .38+p's loaded up in .38 cases. These work very well in my Ruger Blackhawk, but, my main concern in the my Classic would be they are 158 LSWC's with an OAL of 1.455". This apparently is an issue. If these do not cycle reliably, I'll simply[and probably will], use .357 cases. Learning as I go here.

[Mistered]

I have .38+p's loaded up in .38 cases.

Since you reload there is really no reason to mess with .38 Special brass - just use .357 brass and never worry about cycling or OAL issues.

[BigAl52]

I shoot 38's in my revolvers Henrys Marlins and Uberti 357. Never have had any issues at all. They all cycle them well and shoot just fine. I use a Berrys 158 grain round nose in all of my 357 caliber guns. I do make sure I clean the cylinders well and I will carry some 357 rounds also to the range to shoot in the guns after shooting a bunch of 38"s.

[Rifletom]

Joining this site [just this week] is going to cost me $$$. I pick up my BB Classic Sat[.357], and I'm ALREADY looking at BB Steel in .45! I best finish the patio to make things right. Don't want the stink eye.

[BigAl52]

Joining this site [just this week] is going to cost me $$$. I pick up my BB Classic Sat[.357], and I'm ALREADY looking at BB Steel in .45! I best finish the patio to make things right. Don't want the stink eye.

Yup thats happened more than once to some of us. Matter of fact theres a few of us that are down right Henryholics

[Blackdog]

I used .38 Specials in my rifle. Never shot hot loads in .38 - just light cast 125s. The only issue I ever has was cleaning - I don't like lead in the bore and was fussy about making sure I cleaned it all out.

Most of the time I loaded 125gr jacketed bullets in .357 cases at .38 Special speed. Accurate and easy to make.

M

[Redthies]

I’ve run .38 through my friends Rossi .357 with no issues. They are “supposed” to work but as others have said, every rifle is different. I’d just give it a try and see if yours likes .38 cal.