A little short?

[WestKentucky]

I have my LCT set up to churn out formed .256 winmag brass from range pickup .357 mags. It occurred to me that I probably am going to have a handful of 38s in the pile as I sort somewhat haphazardly. I am wondering now how much of a problem using a 38 would be if actually used in my marlin 62. Just thinking out loud...why not. I’m sure there is a good reason.

 

[Hondo 60]

The biggest problem would be pressure.
I would not fire brass made from 38 Spl. It's too short & the pressure might be too great.

Just my 2¢ worth

 

[WestKentucky]

The biggest problem would be pressure.
I would not fire brass made from 38 Spl. It's too short & the pressure might be too great.

Just my 2¢ worth

Good point on pressure and with nearly any other caliber in my stable I would agree. .256winmag I run pretty low pressure to keep from damaging the bolt. I’m just barely over starting load. After thinking about this a bit more I am more interested in doing it because the 75gr spitzers don’t fit the magazine, but loaded in 38cases (and heavily crimped) they probably will fit. I’m going to do some experimentation with dummy rounds.

 

[mdi]

If you're forming 357 brass to 256 Win., and you mistakenly try to form a 38 Special case, you'd notice it right away. The case would not be completely formed and the case is about .135" shorter. I believe the only difference in modern 38 Special cases and 357 Magnum cases is the length and the rest is the same (web thickness, head thickness, wall thickness and overall strength) and I've loaded some "magnum loads" in 38 brass to be used in a 357 gun, no problems...

 

[ArchAngelCD]

It occurred to me that I probably am going to have a handful of 38s in the pile as I sort somewhat haphazardly.

When I sort the two i stand them up and it's very easy to notice the shorter Special brass. It's quick and easy and will solve your slight problem.

Also, as mdi siad, after forming it will be quite evident you sized a 38 Special instead of a .357 Magnum case. Do one intentionally and you will see.

Have fun with your .256 WinMag, pictures?

 

[WestKentucky]

Traveling now, not with the rifle. I need to get both of my 62s together for a shoot. 30carbine and .256 are an odd couple but I really like both.

Here is a 38 that I used to set shoulder height so that I didn’t waste 357s. That might be with the cut off 30-30 as my intermediate...shoulder looks too shallow and neck too large for .257 diameter.