Team,

I’m feeling this is probably a very dumb question, but is there any reason I shouldn’t use my standard mid range .38 Spl load (3.2 gr Bullseye under a 148 gr DEWC) in .357 Mag cases? Most of the cast bullet loads in my Lyman manuals for .357 Mag are heavier than corresponding .38 Spl loads with the same bullet and powder. I would prefer to shoot the .357 brass to minimize the risk of erosion in the cylinder.

Thanks,
Jeff

The only thing you need to do is keep the carbon/lead out of the chamber in front of the .38 special case. It could prevent the .357 Mag cases from seating.
I use the Lewis Lead Remover and it only takes a few seconds to have all chambers bright and clean.

You will get a slight reduction in velocity with the same load in a .357 case so you may want to bump the powder up a bit. And as far as erosion goes I don't think you would live long enough to see any by using .38 cases in the .357.
C.G.B.

It’s the carbon that’s a problem true. However if you have an want to use 357 cases for light loads that’s no problem. As mentioned it might take a dab more bullseye to equal the velocity you were getting. With bullseye, it won’t take much though.