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question for the reloaders

When you say "fitted" does that mean that the bullets are seated to .357 ammunition length? If they are loaded to a .357 length the rounds will not fit in a .38 special cylinder. The only difference in the .38 and .375 magnum bullets is the over all length both finished and case length. There is however a difference in handguns that are designed for the two. Case pressures are significantly higher for the .357 so the entire firearm is designed to handle it.

OTJ
 
If there loaded as in how many grain of powder for the 38 yes you can shoot them in either one but if there laded for the 357 as in how many grains of powder you can only use them in a 357 firearm
 
I think he might mean that the bullet diameter is .357. I think you can buy them in either .357 or .358 diameter. I shoot the .358. Dont know why i have .358, probably thats what they had at the time.
 
I'm thinking you mean the bullet itself has been sized for .357. Yes you can load it into a .38 SPL case using the appropriate powder charge for the bullet weight. If your .38 SPL firearm is in good condition, it will fire safely. If your firearm is .357, then you could load .38 SPL case a little hotter. I load some real hot .38 SPL cases for my lever action rifle, they will split once in a while. Always mark your hot loads so they don't end up in the wrong gun! How accurate it will be depends on a lot of variables, but probably useful for only casual plinking or varmint control. Best to try a handful and then decide. If your not happy with the results, change up the load or trade them for something you like better.
 
The 357 case is longer so it can hold more powder,that is the only difference between the two.be careful some 38 special ammo is plus p which is much stronger and older less robust guns might not hold up with it..357 diameter bullets are usually jacketed and .358 are usually lead only.38 special ammo can be used in 357 guns but not vice versa
 
Big rug. Could you further explain you question? I don’t understand what you are asking. It is critical to give you an accurate answer so you don’t over stress the firearm and injure yourself and/or others.
 
I assume you mean you have bullets that are sized for .357 Magnum. Their nominal diameter would be .357 for jacketed bullets and .358 if they are cast. Yes, they can also be used to load .38 Special. Barrels chambered for either round typically have a .357 groove diameter, although some, such as the Colt Python, are a bit tighter.

At this point, it should be obvious that .38 Special is actually a .35 caliber cartridge. Back in the black powder days they did things differently.

What you shouldn't use those bullets for is to load "38 caliber" cartridges that are actually 9 millimeter. This would include .380 ACP and .38 Super. They need a .355 (jacketed) or .356 (cast) bullet. Doing so could result in dangerously high chamber pressure.

Any reloading manual will tell you exactly which bullets will work with which cartridge. I recommend the Lyman manual.
 
I have reloaded these before. Wife decided to help me yesterday and raised question about it. So to keep her happy I ask. I shoot them in a Ruger black Hawk 357 which is chamberd for both 38 specials and 357. Thanks for all the responces. Now the wife is happy. This usually happens when the wife decides to help me with things that I've done before
 
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