I've been getting some wide spreads on velocities with .38 special even when meticulously weighing the powder for each case. I've seen some data that indicates the .38 special is sensitive to powder position. We understand the .38 was originally a black powder cartridge, evolved through the .38LC for the 1851 Navy conversions. So the result is we have a long case that is only partially filled with most modern smokeless propellants.
I'm also seeing less velocity than I want from +P loads. I'm wanting to load a little hotter than .38 +P maximums, but would want to use a .357 rated gun.
The question is, is it better to use the short .38 case and fill it fuller, or go to the longer .357 case and have it still half-empty?
I understand for the factories, the longer .357 case was the answer to prevent a high pressure magnum load from being used in a standard .38 pressure gun. I have no such concern to "idiot-proof" loads for my personal use. But I wonder if it's better to have a long case that fits the cylinder relief better, or a short case that is easier to drop into the cylinder and which holds the powder more consistently, but fires the bullet past the relief ring in the chamber. Has anyone demonstrated problems with .38's in .357 magnum cylinders?
I'm also seeing less velocity than I want from +P loads. I'm wanting to load a little hotter than .38 +P maximums, but would want to use a .357 rated gun.
The question is, is it better to use the short .38 case and fill it fuller, or go to the longer .357 case and have it still half-empty?
I understand for the factories, the longer .357 case was the answer to prevent a high pressure magnum load from being used in a standard .38 pressure gun. I have no such concern to "idiot-proof" loads for my personal use. But I wonder if it's better to have a long case that fits the cylinder relief better, or a short case that is easier to drop into the cylinder and which holds the powder more consistently, but fires the bullet past the relief ring in the chamber. Has anyone demonstrated problems with .38's in .357 magnum cylinders?