.38 vs. .357

DarthTedd · December 24, 2006, 04:10 PM

I'm picking up a Taurus Model 608 this next week after I get my permit (it's the .38/.357 model). Can all .357 shot .38 caliber?

I know, it's a dumb question.

Doug.38PR · December 24, 2006, 04:14 PM

yes they can. All a .357 magnum is is a .38 special with a 1/8th longer (and hence A LOT more powerful) cartridge. Any .357 gun hand handle any factory .38 special cartridge.
In fact, most people that shoot a .357 practice 75% of the time with some kind of .38 special and carry .357 magnum (or if they don't like all the recoil behind a magnum, they carry an effective .38 Special round.)

sanson · December 24, 2006, 04:19 PM

I miss my .357 revolver(686 smith)

orionengnr · December 24, 2006, 04:26 PM

Quote:

I know, it's a dumb question.

No offense intended, but if you know it's a dumb question, why not use the search function...and not ask a dumb question?

Just a (dumb) question

DarthTedd · December 24, 2006, 04:42 PM

Quote:

No offense intended, but if you know it's a dumb question, why not use the search function...and not ask a dumb question?

Just a (dumb) question

Cause I'm a post whore and wanna get my count up. :P I guess I could have done that on a thread I searched for. Oh well.

dahermit · December 24, 2006, 06:04 PM

I am a retired teacher. There are no dumb questions. A dumb person does not ask questions. Asking questions is an indication of someone with intellectual curiosity. A very unpleasant person is someone who is inpolite to someone who is asking basic questions.

Regards,
dahermit

Doug.38PR · December 24, 2006, 06:27 PM

+1 dahermit

orionengnr · December 24, 2006, 06:45 PM

dahermit, pm sent.

orionengnr · December 24, 2006, 06:46 PM

edited.

auburnboattail · December 24, 2006, 06:50 PM

No such thing as a dumb question.Especially when asking about safety.
The idea is to exchange information about shooting sports.
Great Question

DarthTedd · December 24, 2006, 06:56 PM

Anyone know of a picture of all rounds any where on the 'net (showing different calibers)?

NWCP · December 24, 2006, 07:18 PM

I know some folks that carry .38+P in their .357 especially if it's one of the lightweight models due to the magnum recoil. A .357 pistol gives you a lot of flexibility.

hoytinak · December 24, 2006, 07:36 PM

Even in my heavy .357 Mag., SP101 I carry .38 +P's. But yea, when it comes to a safety question like that it never hurts to ask, however it might hurt if you don't ask.

NCHornet · December 24, 2006, 08:10 PM

Not all of us are gun gurus and know everything there is about guns, although there are a few that think they do. For the rest of us, ask all the questions you want, how else are you or anybody else going to learn. For every question you ask that you think might is dumb there are probably 5 other people that are wondering the samething and are afraid to ask.
Now for your question, yes you can shoot 38 special rounds through your 357, as a matter of fact I highly suggest you do so for practice. They are much cheaper and less recoil than the magnums. It is still a good idea to shoot the magnums some especially if you are going to depend on the magnums for personal protection.

spyderdude · December 24, 2006, 08:37 PM

Yes, the Taurus M617 is a great CCW gun. I'm still kicking myself for trading mine in, but I'm happy with my Ruger SP101. Only downside is, compared to the 617, I'm down by two shots with my Ruger.

Old Gaffer · December 24, 2006, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Anyone know of a picture of all rounds any where on the 'net (showing different calibers)?

Try here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_handgun_cartridges

This doesn't show ALL cartridges, for example, the .45 colt is conspicuous by its absence. It does manage to get a fairly representative showing, however.

If you're looking for a particular round, the chances are that it can be found on wiki.

All the best,
Rob

RoyJackson · December 24, 2006, 08:54 PM

I had a 607 (predecessor to the 608...7 rounds rather then 8). Cool gun but I never shot it much. It was one of those "I gotta have one!" type guns.
I sold it to a coworker who uses it for what it is best suited...hunting small game.
Mine had a 6" barrel. If it had been a snubber or a 4" barrel, I'd of probably kept it for a house gun.
If you're not going to use that big 608 for hunting, you may want to consider the 627 Tracker in stainless steel. This revolver holds 7 rounds and shoots like a dream.

skipjack · December 24, 2006, 09:13 PM

Darth, it would be a very good idea to get some 38 special standard loads to shoot in your 357. The lighter recoil will allow you to get used to the trigger and practice your form much easier than 357 magnum loads. If you can find them, buy some wadcutters. They are designed for target shooting and are loaded very mild. Work your way up from there. Just make sure you clean the chambers on your cylinder as they will get dirtier than they will if you stick to the 357 round.

DarthTedd · December 24, 2006, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Now for your question, yes you can shoot 38 special rounds through your 357, as a matter of fact I highly suggest you do so for practice. They are much cheaper and less recoil than the magnums. It is still a good idea to shoot the magnums some especially if you are going to depend on the magnums for personal protection.

Quote:

Darth, it would be a very good idea to get some 38 special standard loads to shoot in your 357. The lighter recoil will allow you to get used to the trigger and practice your form much easier than 357 magnum loads. If you can find them, buy some wadcutters. They are designed for target shooting and are loaded very mild. Work your way up from there. Just make sure you clean the chambers on your cylinder as they will get dirtier than they will if you stick to the 357 round.

Thanks for the advice. I actually got some .38 special rounds and .357 rounds at Dick's a few days ago. I can't wait to go pick up w/ the 608.

Quote:

Try here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_handgun_cartridges

This doesn't show ALL cartridges, for example, the .45 colt is conspicuous by its absence. It does manage to get a fairly representative showing, however.

Wow, that's a ton of info. I like the pictures showing the difference in rounds.

kgpcr · December 24, 2006, 11:50 PM

I have a 617SS and i love it. I put it in my pocket when i walk my lab. Talk to the neighbors all the time and they have no clue i have it in my pocket. I live in a developlment and we all have 3 acre lots, I walk in back of the development to work my dog and have run into some interesting critters back there. I did get a coyote with it a year ago. Oh yeah the hood was happy i shot it.

Big Don · December 24, 2006, 11:51 PM

DarthTedd,
Loved the "post whore" comment! Gotta get out of that rookie league in a hurry

Try www.ammoguide.com for more information than you may ever need. It's run by a VERY solid Second Amendment supporter here in Kalifornia.

skeeter1 · December 25, 2006, 12:27 AM

Quote:

There are no dumb questions. A dumb person does not ask questions. Asking questions is an indication of someone with intellectual curiosity. A very unpleasant person is someone who is inpolite to someone who is asking basic questions.

You might get dumb answers, but there's no such thing as a dumb question.

As for your initial question, yes, you can fire .38Spls out of a .357 Mag just fine. Several people I know prefer .38Spl +Ps in their .357s.

gzone · March 4, 2009, 04:01 PM

Does anyone have an opinion on "Taurus TRIAD85B 38SP/357/9mm 2""

Firepower! · March 4, 2009, 04:11 PM

orionengnr, sir you should think twice before gathering the nerve to insult OP. I say an apology is needed and demanded!

I find your post rude, arrogant and absurd.

A/C Guy · March 4, 2009, 06:39 PM

Quote:

I'm picking up a Taurus Model 608 this next week after I get my permit (it's the .38/.357 model). Can all .357 shot .38 caliber?

I know, it's a dumb question

You are not alone in your confusion. The reason people confuse these calibers is because the .38 is actually the case diameter and it shoots a .359 bullet in a gun that has a .357 bore. As mentioned, the .357 Mag (not to be confused with the .357 Max) is basically a high pressure .38 case that is 1/8" longer. The .357 Mag has much higher pressure than the standard .38 load.

Normally, the caliber of the gun is the bore diameter. The .38 Special is one of the exceptions to the rule.

December 24, 2006, 04:10 PM	#1
DarthTedd Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2006 Location: Kansas City Posts: 625	.38 vs. .357 I'm picking up a Taurus Model 608 this next week after I get my permit (it's the .38/.357 model). Can all .357 shot .38 caliber? I know, it's a dumb question.

December 24, 2006, 04:19 PM	#3
sanson Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2006 Location: FL panhandle Posts: 547	I miss my .357 revolver(686 smith) __________________ www.sansoneservices.com

December 24, 2006, 06:04 PM	#6
dahermit Senior Member Join Date: October 28, 2006 Location: South Central Michigan...near Posts: 6,501	Dumb Question I am a retired teacher. There are no dumb questions. A dumb person does not ask questions. Asking questions is an indication of someone with intellectual curiosity. A very unpleasant person is someone who is inpolite to someone who is asking basic questions. Regards, dahermit

December 24, 2006, 06:50 PM	#10
auburnboattail Senior Member Join Date: December 16, 2006 Posts: 179	No such thing as dumb questions No such thing as a dumb question.Especially when asking about safety. The idea is to exchange information about shooting sports. Great Question

December 24, 2006, 07:36 PM	#13
hoytinak Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 5,721	Even in my heavy .357 Mag., SP101 I carry .38 +P's. But yea, when it comes to a safety question like that it never hurts to ask, however it might hurt if you don't ask. Last edited by hoytinak; December 24, 2006 at 08:15 PM.

December 24, 2006, 04:14 PM	#2
Doug.38PR Junior member Join Date: January 18, 2005 Posts: 3,298	yes they can. All a .357 magnum is is a .38 special with a 1/8th longer (and hence A LOT more powerful) cartridge. Any .357 gun hand handle any factory .38 special cartridge. In fact, most people that shoot a .357 practice 75% of the time with some kind of .38 special and carry .357 magnum (or if they don't like all the recoil behind a magnum, they carry an effective .38 Special round.)

December 24, 2006, 06:27 PM	#7
Doug.38PR Junior member Join Date: January 18, 2005 Posts: 3,298	+1 dahermit

December 24, 2006, 06:45 PM	#8
orionengnr Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2004 Posts: 5,177	dahermit, pm sent.

December 24, 2006, 06:46 PM	#9
orionengnr Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2004 Posts: 5,177	edited.

December 24, 2006, 06:56 PM	#11
DarthTedd Senior Member Join Date: December 19, 2006 Location: Kansas City Posts: 625	Anyone know of a picture of all rounds any where on the 'net (showing different calibers)?

December 24, 2006, 07:18 PM	#12
NWCP Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 2006 Posts: 1,903	I know some folks that carry .38+P in their .357 especially if it's one of the lightweight models due to the magnum recoil. A .357 pistol gives you a lot of flexibility.

December 24, 2006, 08:10 PM	#14
NCHornet Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2006 Posts: 1,001	Not all of us are gun gurus and know everything there is about guns, although there are a few that think they do. For the rest of us, ask all the questions you want, how else are you or anybody else going to learn. For every question you ask that you think might is dumb there are probably 5 other people that are wondering the samething and are afraid to ask. Now for your question, yes you can shoot 38 special rounds through your 357, as a matter of fact I highly suggest you do so for practice. They are much cheaper and less recoil than the magnums. It is still a good idea to shoot the magnums some especially if you are going to depend on the magnums for personal protection. __________________ When seconds count, the cops are just minutes away!! Carry ON!! NCHornet

December 24, 2006, 08:37 PM	#15
spyderdude Senior Member Join Date: March 6, 2006 Posts: 579	Yes, the Taurus M617 is a great CCW gun. I'm still kicking myself for trading mine in, but I'm happy with my Ruger SP101. Only downside is, compared to the 617, I'm down by two shots with my Ruger.

December 24, 2006, 08:54 PM	#17
RoyJackson Member Join Date: December 23, 2006 Posts: 22	I had a 607 (predecessor to the 608...7 rounds rather then 8). Cool gun but I never shot it much. It was one of those "I gotta have one!" type guns. I sold it to a coworker who uses it for what it is best suited...hunting small game. Mine had a 6" barrel. If it had been a snubber or a 4" barrel, I'd of probably kept it for a house gun. If you're not going to use that big 608 for hunting, you may want to consider the 627 Tracker in stainless steel. This revolver holds 7 rounds and shoots like a dream.

December 24, 2006, 09:13 PM	#18
skipjack Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2002 Location: Maryland, USA Posts: 140	Darth, it would be a very good idea to get some 38 special standard loads to shoot in your 357. The lighter recoil will allow you to get used to the trigger and practice your form much easier than 357 magnum loads. If you can find them, buy some wadcutters. They are designed for target shooting and are loaded very mild. Work your way up from there. Just make sure you clean the chambers on your cylinder as they will get dirtier than they will if you stick to the 357 round.

December 24, 2006, 11:50 PM	#20
kgpcr Senior Member Join Date: May 23, 2005 Posts: 955	I have a 617SS and i love it. I put it in my pocket when i walk my lab. Talk to the neighbors all the time and they have no clue i have it in my pocket. I live in a developlment and we all have 3 acre lots, I walk in back of the development to work my dog and have run into some interesting critters back there. I did get a coyote with it a year ago. Oh yeah the hood was happy i shot it. __________________ Colt King Cobra .357 Colt Anaconda .44mag Springfield Armory .45 Double stack Loaded XD40 service XD45 Taurus 617 .357mag Smith M&P 40

December 24, 2006, 11:51 PM	#21
Big Don Senior Member Join Date: June 13, 2006 Location: Hayden, ID Posts: 375	More ammo info DarthTedd, Loved the "post whore" comment! Gotta get out of that rookie league in a hurry Try www.ammoguide.com for more information than you may ever need. It's run by a VERY solid Second Amendment supporter here in Kalifornia. __________________ [SIZE="3"][SIZE="2"]Don't pick a fight with an old man. If he's too old to fight, he'll just kill you. "If men are so wicked with religion, what would they be if without it?"- Benjamin Franklin

March 4, 2009, 04:01 PM	#23
gzone Junior Member Join Date: March 4, 2009 Location: Canyon Country, CA Posts: 1	in need of feed back Does anyone have an opinion on "Taurus TRIAD85B 38SP/357/9mm 2"" __________________ Greg

March 4, 2009, 04:11 PM	#24
Firepower! Senior Member Join Date: February 3, 2008 Posts: 2,109	orionengnr, sir you should think twice before gathering the nerve to insult OP. I say an apology is needed and demanded! I find your post rude, arrogant and absurd.