Been shooting .38's in .357 revolvers forever. But to practice with new .357 I want to shoot my 148 HBWC light loads using .357 cases. I don't think there is any reason not to, but asking just to be safe.

Tnx, Mike

No reason not to

I have done it many times.

I normally use 38spl cases as I have many many thousands of them.

No problem whatsoever.

We do it all the time.

Here is a funny story.

A friend at the coast guards asked me if I wanted expired flares.

He was laughing as they have expired many years ago.

He brought them here.

In a big plastic drum.

4 types.

We opened them, and took the powder out.

4 types.

Mixed the lot together.

Then he asked what would I do with that powder.

Told him I will use it for pistol shooting.

Had several kilograms.

I loaded 3 grains in a 357 case and a 158 grain bullet and shot it in a Colt revolver.

Bullet got stuck in the barrel.

Filled up another case with 6 grains, loaded it without bullet, and fired it.

Bullet hit the target.

So 6 grains works great in a 357 case.

Then tried the same with a 44 Magnum.

Around 10 grains work great for target shooting in our indoor range.

Nothing to waste here.

The worry would be if you tried to get them too hot (higher pressure) as the hollow base can separate in the barrel- not an issue with modest loads.

Thank y'all. These will be absolute minimum loads (as I use in .38spl). I'll report anything unusual.

Mike

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:


I loaded 3 grains in a 357 case and a 158 grain bullet and shot it in a Colt revolver.

Bullet got stuck in the barrel.

These will be absolute minimum loads (as I use in .38spl).

I have done this without any problems. .357 brass tends to be thicker than .38 spl and hbwc tend to be a bit oversize which can lead to some seating issues. Also you can end up with loaded rounds that are bulged and hard to chamber. In my experience brass cases worked better than plated.
C.G.B.

Tried them; worked well. Thanks guys.