Can I use 38 special cases to reload for +P loads, they are the same size but are there different wall thickness that matters?

I don’t care about the head stamp if I box them I’ll label them correctly.

Thanks



Micro Stamping Technology - I can't see it.

This maybe a stupid question but I'm new to reloading.



Micro Stamping Technology? I can't see it.

quote:

Can I use 38 special cases to reload for +P loads, they are the same size but are there different wall thickness that matters?

Well based on the few +P cases I have I've found the capacity to be the same. Thus the wall thickness would be the same. Mine are mixed and I load them the same.

most of the sammi specs are set because of the type of weapon and age of the weapon the round is going to be fired in, most of the time it has nothing to do with brass strength or anything like that.

38sp brass is the same for std. or +p loads. So it is safe to handload 38sp brass to +p pressures regardless of the headstamp.

38 sp is registered at 17,000 psi
38 sp +P is registered at 18,500 psi

38 sp cases will stick in the chamber at ~37,000 psi in thin chamber walled revolvers.

38 sp cases will stick in the chamber at ~42,000 psi in the thick chamber wall revolvers.

38 sp cases will fail at ~ 90,000 psi making short case life


Contrast that with 270 Win that is registered at 65,000 psi and cases fail making short case life at ~67,000 ~ 75,000 psi.

What does it all mean?
a) The brass cases have more safety margin in 38sp than in 270Win.
b) The +P on the case head helps keep the ammo separate so your girl friend doesn't get high recoil.

If it means anything I've sure had much longer life from +P cases than standards even with minimum WC loads.

Hardness of the Case head and web may be a factor so that volume is the same and because the pressures are so close I do not think you would have any real trouble. BUT do not load ANY standard brass to P+ levels. Ever

From Starlines web site;

quote:

38 SPL+P has no difference from the standard 38 SPL, other than headstamp designation for load segregation. Due to standard case design, will handle +P pressures with no problems.

http://www.starlinebrass.com/

When I started overloading guns 10 years ago, I talked to an old gunsmith.

I told him that I cut down 357 mag brass to fit in a 38 special.

He asked me, "Why? 38 Special brass is plenty strong."

I do not know the particulars in either case, even so good habit would dictate that a P+ is more and regular is lesser. Why bother making up another bunter? Really it seems square to me as well but why tempt fate and someone generalize the post and say “oh P+ is the same†Well that could have two consequences down the line. Just in my next to worthless opinion.