What's the difference?

Jorge

January 02, 2012 07:36

I got asked this question a little while ago, and I couldn't answer. I should have been able to, but I don't deal with " little ammo " very much. Here you go...It might be a stupid question, but....

" What is the difference between .38 and .380 ammo? "

I *THINK* the difference would be that one is shaped to function in semi-automatics, while the other is revolver-only. But I don't
*KNOW*. You guys have to set me straight!

" God is in His Heaven, All is Right in the World. "

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  Jorge

  January 02, 2012 07:36

  What's the difference - if any - between chamfering and recessing the charge holes in a revolver's cylinder?
  
  Adavantages or disadvantages?
  
  Thanks all for your replies, and Happy New Year!
  
  
  
  
  Edit: Outstanding pictures iceracer! Thanks.

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  iceracerx

  January 02, 2012 09:14

  'Chamfering' allows for rapid reloading of a revolver for shooting competition (PPC, etc). 'Chamfering' removes metal from the cylinder mouth that normally supports the base of the cartridge. 'Chamfering' is NOT a good idea for high pressure or magnum loads.
  
  'Recessing' or 'counter boring' the cylinder allows the cartridge to be completely supported by the cylinder.
  
  Happy New Year to you Doc.
  
  Edit: At times, pictures are worth 1000 words. The photo of the 'chamfer' shows the suggested method where only the cylinder is chamfered and the star is untouched. This is done to keep as much material around the cartridge base as possible. My old PPC revolver has both the star and cylinder chamfered to aide speed-loading flush seated 148 gr wadcutters.
  
  First image: Chamfered cylinder.
  
  2nd image: Recessed cylinder and un-recessed cylinder.
  
  
  
  

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  tsr1965

  January 02, 2012 09:36

  Chamfering enables slightly faster loads, using speed loaders. A slight chamfer will not hurt the revolver's function as it is.
  
  Recessing is something that needs to be done when the revolver is being built and fitted at the factory. Recessing a cylinder after the build will create excessive headspace, which certainly is not good. The recessing at the factory was taken away by the bean counters, trying to justify their existance.
  
  Best

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  62fuelie

  January 02, 2012 12:35

  A "chamfer" is usually an angled cut that forms a funnel into the chamber. The "recess" is a flat bottomed cut that allows the rim of the cartridge to settle in so the case is flush with the face of the cylinder.

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  Laredo Lefty

  January 03, 2012 08:21

  As stated, chamfering is done to speed up or aid in faster loading usually while using moon clips.
  
  Recessing will actually allow the case head to seat deeper into the cylinder as was done on the Smith model 19 and others years ago. If you recess a cylinder, without making other adjustments, it will likely cause missfires since the case head will be further from the firing pin.

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  Oakie

  January 04, 2012 13:02

  quote:Originally posted by iceracerx
  'Chamfering' allows for rapid reloading of a revolver for shooting competition (PPC, etc). 'Chamfering' removes metal from the cylinder mouth that normally supports the base of the cartridge. 'Chamfering' is NOT a good idea for high pressure or magnum loads.
  
  'Recessing' or 'counter boring' the cylinder allows the cartridge to be completely supported by the cylinder.
  
  Happy New Year to you Doc.
  
  Edit: At times, pictures are worth 1000 words. The photo of the 'chamfer' shows the suggested method where only the cylinder is chamfered and the star is untouched. This is done to keep as much material around the cartridge base as possible. My old PPC revolver has both the star and cylinder chamfered to aide speed-loading flush seated 148 gr wadcutters.
  
  First image: Chamfered cylinder.
  
  2nd image: Recessed cylinder and un-recessed cylinder.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Thank you, I just learned something new.[;)]Oak

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  Hawk Carse

  January 04, 2012 13:37

  The cylinder shown in the first of iceracerx's pictures has been recessed for full moon clipped ammunition. The extractor star has been considerably thinned, certainly not untouched even though not chamfered.
  
  I do not know the purpose of a recessed cylinder for a centerfire caliber. It seems to have originated with the S&W .357 Magnum which has certainly not been loaded with folded head cases to need the support like a .22 rimfire. It seems to serve only to help date a gun to "the good old days."

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