Advice and dangers of shooting .380 auto ammo in a Mod 10-5 S&W .38 special

Etraveller · February 26, 2005, 08:38 AM

Hello everyone.

I need to attempt to discharge some .380 auto cartridges in a S&W Mod 10-5 .38 special.
Initially when chambering the round, the rim is not large enough to hold the cartridge in place, therefore i need to tilt the firearm upwards so that it (falls back on to the breechface).

Secondly, I haven't been brave (or daring) enough to attempt to discharge a full cartridge, so I removed the bullet and powder, leaving only the primer intact.
I then attempted to discharge, but there wasn't enough weight on the cartridge (not to mention no rim to hold the cartridge in place), so the firing pin would send the case further up into the chamber.
I was finally able to half cock the trigger, and take a thin piece of metal to hold the cartridge against the breech and succesfully discharged the primer.

I'm considering now shooting a .380 auto to observe the effects, but have some concerns, namely:

(a) the closed rimmed area in the forward part of the cylinder, (the bullet may hit this deforming/possibly causing damage/injury.

(b) the case may split, causing gas to leak at the rear/ side of the chamber and the firearm.

(c) the bullet may bounce around somewhat in the barrel.

Anyone who ever shot one (I don't have an adapter to allow accomodation of the .380 auto) could give some advice/recommendations concerning

(1) Dangers/recommendations in shooting a cartridge

(2) what device they use as an adapter

(3) Have they actually ever fired one.

I know the .38 special cartridge is much longer, therefore the bullet can 'pass' the rimmed area forward of the chamber, and not strike it, also, the cartridge is a close fit in the walls of the chamber, so splititng is much less likely.

Thanks.

knzn · February 26, 2005, 09:00 AM

The only thing coming to my mind right now is "Darwin Awards."

Tamara · February 26, 2005, 09:23 AM

Just don't do it.

There's nothing for the case to headspace on, a good chance of a faceful of gas, the bullet could smack the chamber throat or forcing cone... There's just nothing good that could come of it, and plenty of bad.

paul45 · February 26, 2005, 09:41 AM

I usually browse at glocktalk or the 1911 forum,but your post prompted me to register here. If you are serious about doing what your post says....please...do all of us legitimate gun owners who are responsible and safety concerned a favor, would you? Immediately give your weapons to a responsible person for safe keeping, join the NRA, and as quickly as possible take a firearms safety course. Your wishing to do this is extemely hazardous to your safety and others who might be around you.If you disagree with my reply, you should consider not owning any firearms. I hope I am not insulting you, but your thought process in this matter is extemely flawed, full of danger, and I must say....profoundly foolish. I wish you luck......

ISP2605 · February 26, 2005, 09:42 AM

Some people just aren't smart enough to be allowed to own a firearm.
Don't tell anyone you're doing this. It gives gun owners a bad name.

Russ5924 · February 26, 2005, 09:51 AM

What would the reasoning be to do this. WHY???????????

cortez kid · February 26, 2005, 10:01 AM

I think You really NEED to evaluate your actions. There are a lot of dead people and even worse, crippled and mamed, a burdon on your family and society. For what? Judging from the reaction you are getting now, I'd think of something else to do with your time. Try baseball. Guns is funs, but serious fun for those who can be serious. Proper ammo for a proper firearm.
kid

Charley · February 26, 2005, 10:45 AM

Quote:

I need to attempt to discharge some .380 auto cartridges in a S&W Mod 10-5 .38 special.

Okay, I'll bite.
You need...to attempt this?
Please explain the need. Dying of curiousity.

WillBrayjr · February 26, 2005, 11:18 AM

I don't think there would be a problem as long as you had a moon clip. I wouldn't try it without a moon clip!

lee n. field · February 26, 2005, 11:22 AM

Don't do it.

If you need to get rid of ammo, throw it out or give it to someone with a .380. If you need to shoot this gun, get some .38 Special ammo. It's not expensive.

Quote:

I know the .38 special cartridge is much longer, therefore the bullet can 'pass' the rimmed area forward of the chamber, and not strike it

What rimmed area forward of the chamber? I'm having difficulty picturing what you're seeing.

Mannlicher · February 26, 2005, 12:35 PM

advice: its just plain stupid. This has GOT to be a joke post. No one is that dumb.
dangers: personal injury or death

michael t · February 26, 2005, 01:24 PM

You can't be serious

and what is the need to do this. Please do us all a favor give the 380 rounds to someone with a 380 and sell the 38 . Now go buy a water pistol and shoot it less danger to you and people around you.

Vanguard.45 · February 26, 2005, 03:12 PM

At least I think that is one word.

What the hell??

Vanguard.45

February 26, 2005, 08:38 AM	#1
Etraveller Member Join Date: February 14, 2005 Posts: 60	Advice and dangers of shooting .380 auto ammo in a Mod 10-5 S&W .38 special Hello everyone. I need to attempt to discharge some .380 auto cartridges in a S&W Mod 10-5 .38 special. Initially when chambering the round, the rim is not large enough to hold the cartridge in place, therefore i need to tilt the firearm upwards so that it (falls back on to the breechface). Secondly, I haven't been brave (or daring) enough to attempt to discharge a full cartridge, so I removed the bullet and powder, leaving only the primer intact. I then attempted to discharge, but there wasn't enough weight on the cartridge (not to mention no rim to hold the cartridge in place), so the firing pin would send the case further up into the chamber. I was finally able to half cock the trigger, and take a thin piece of metal to hold the cartridge against the breech and succesfully discharged the primer. I'm considering now shooting a .380 auto to observe the effects, but have some concerns, namely: (a) the closed rimmed area in the forward part of the cylinder, (the bullet may hit this deforming/possibly causing damage/injury. (b) the case may split, causing gas to leak at the rear/ side of the chamber and the firearm. (c) the bullet may bounce around somewhat in the barrel. Anyone who ever shot one (I don't have an adapter to allow accomodation of the .380 auto) could give some advice/recommendations concerning (1) Dangers/recommendations in shooting a cartridge (2) what device they use as an adapter (3) Have they actually ever fired one. I know the .38 special cartridge is much longer, therefore the bullet can 'pass' the rimmed area forward of the chamber, and not strike it, also, the cartridge is a close fit in the walls of the chamber, so splititng is much less likely. Thanks. Last edited by Etraveller; February 26, 2005 at 08:49 AM. Reason: error

February 26, 2005, 09:00 AM	#2
knzn Senior Member Join Date: August 16, 2001 Location: Wichita, Kansas Posts: 125	The only thing coming to my mind right now is "Darwin Awards." __________________ knzn=kansan "For he was a man of propper wit, and the ghosty tails of the tall hills didn't scare him none." Last edited by knzn; February 26, 2005 at 09:32 AM.

February 26, 2005, 09:23 AM	#3
Tamara Moderator Emeritus Join Date: March 11, 2000 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 16,002	Just don't do it. There's nothing for the case to headspace on, a good chance of a faceful of gas, the bullet could smack the chamber throat or forcing cone... There's just nothing good that could come of it, and plenty of bad. __________________ MOLON LABE! 2% Unobtainium, 98% Hypetanium. The Arms Room: An Online Museum.

February 26, 2005, 09:51 AM	#6
Russ5924 Senior Member Join Date: February 18, 2005 Posts: 1,874	What would the reasoning be to do this. WHY??????????? __________________ Russ5924

February 26, 2005, 12:35 PM	#11
Mannlicher Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2001 Location: North Central Florida & Miami Posts: 3,209	advice: its just plain stupid. This has GOT to be a joke post. No one is that dumb. dangers: personal injury or death __________________ Nemo Me Impune Lacesset "The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so.".........Ronald Reagan

February 26, 2005, 09:41 AM	#4
paul45 Member Join Date: February 26, 2005 Location: charlotte area,NC Posts: 90	I usually browse at glocktalk or the 1911 forum,but your post prompted me to register here. If you are serious about doing what your post says....please...do all of us legitimate gun owners who are responsible and safety concerned a favor, would you? Immediately give your weapons to a responsible person for safe keeping, join the NRA, and as quickly as possible take a firearms safety course. Your wishing to do this is extemely hazardous to your safety and others who might be around you.If you disagree with my reply, you should consider not owning any firearms. I hope I am not insulting you, but your thought process in this matter is extemely flawed, full of danger, and I must say....profoundly foolish. I wish you luck......

February 26, 2005, 09:42 AM	#5
ISP2605 Junior member Join Date: November 25, 2002 Posts: 954	Some people just aren't smart enough to be allowed to own a firearm. Don't tell anyone you're doing this. It gives gun owners a bad name.

February 26, 2005, 10:01 AM	#7
cortez kid Senior Member Join Date: February 1, 2005 Location: Scranton Pa Posts: 237	I think You really NEED to evaluate your actions. There are a lot of dead people and even worse, crippled and mamed, a burdon on your family and society. For what? Judging from the reaction you are getting now, I'd think of something else to do with your time. Try baseball. Guns is funs, but serious fun for those who can be serious. Proper ammo for a proper firearm. kid

February 26, 2005, 11:18 AM	#9
WillBrayjr Junior member Join Date: September 26, 2004 Location: Northern Indiana Posts: 1,881	I don't think there would be a problem as long as you had a moon clip. I wouldn't try it without a moon clip!

February 26, 2005, 01:24 PM	#12
michael t Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2004 Location: Out back Ky Posts: 4,044	You can't be serious and what is the need to do this. Please do us all a favor give the 380 rounds to someone with a 380 and sell the 38 . Now go buy a water pistol and shoot it less danger to you and people around you. __________________ Certified Armed Infidel Colt Defender ,Colt Mustang ,Dan Wesson CBOB, PPK/S, American Classic 1911,Bersa Thunder 380 http://bersachat.comHome of Bersa http://www.metroarms1911forum.com

February 26, 2005, 03:12 PM	#13
Vanguard.45 Senior Member Join Date: February 24, 2001 Location: NW Indiana Posts: 277	One Word- YOUAREASTUPIDIDIOT! At least I think that is one word. What the hell?? Vanguard.45 __________________ "I came into this world with nothin', and I still got most of it."