.357 and .38 S&W

snowman0384

February 06, 2005 10:26

I just came across a Smith & Wesson Model 13-2 from my grandpa, and it is a .357 but I have also heard that this model can shoot .38 specials as well. Is this true?

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  dg101win

  February 06, 2005 10:35

  Yes, if chambered for 357Mag you can use 38 Specials in it.
  
  Retired Air Force Msgt--NRA Life Member since 1971

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  Laredo Lefty

  February 06, 2005 12:17

  .357 magnum is just a longer chamber than the .38spl. Both bullets are the same diameter. The main difference being the magnum case is about 1/8" longer than the .38.
  
  Magnums are generally built on stronger frames to handle the increased pressure generated by magnum ammo.
  
  .38 spl can be fired in any gun chambered for .357 mag, but .357 ammo is too long to fit in a .38 spl chamber for obvious safety reasons.
  
  Joe
  "Never let school interfere with your education"

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  Contender Man

  February 06, 2005 14:30

  Just be sure to carefully clean the cylinder after using 38 special or the buildup from firing the shorter cased round can cause problems when going back to the longer 357 cartridge.
  
  
  
  
  If you only have time to do two things so-so, or one thing well ... do the one thing!

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