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Can a 38-40 SA Rev. safely fire .40S&W rounds

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7 comments

  • buckdeer
    not to long ago i owned a ruger convertible revolver with to cylinders one a 38-40 and the other 10mm. the 10mm and 40 s&w have the same sammi pressure maximums so as far a pressure goes it should work. BUT, THE UBERTI IS NOT A RUGER AND I DON'T KNOW IF THE 40 S&W WILL EVEN FIT IN THE 38-40 CHAMBER. IF THEY WOULD EVEN FIT IT WOULD MOST LIKELY SWELL THE CASES UP IF FIRED. you would be better off just ordering 38-40 brass and reloading them. there is no reason i can think of to chance ruining a fine firearm or you day if you get my meaning
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  • richbug
    There were some Rugers with interchangeable cylinders, I thought they were 10mm and 38-40. but not in the same cylinder. the 38-40 headspaces on the rim and the 40 on the mouth The 38-40 has a pronounced shoulder like a rifle ctg. they can shoot the same bullet, but I think you would have a hard time geting a 40 to go off in the chamber of a 38-40 as it would most likely just rattle arround. Also the 40 operates at nearly 3 times the pressure of the 38-40. If you did get one to go off, it would be like a proof load plus some, most likely resulting in spontaneous disassembly of the pistol.

    Why does everyone feel the need to burn that much powder?
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  • buckdeer
    i just checked the hornady manuel for the chamber specs and here are the cartridge differences. 40 s&w has a .424 " rimless case head; 38-40 has a .525 rimmed casehead so i the 40 s&w couldn't headspace correctly. the 40 also has a case diameter of .424 and the 38-40 has a diameter of .454 in front of where it neck down to.417

    i just don't think there is anyway this will work safely
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  • RancheroPaul
    John:
    You haven't been sneakin' into the Cookin' Sherry have you? What you want to do, Man? Better wait 'til the Buzz wears off and re-think this deal........just a little bit! Hahahahaha!!!


    "Life is FRAGILE!" Handle With Care!
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  • capecod
    Well guys, I rethunk it!! I'll stick to shooting 38-40's in the revolver - I have no desire to end up with the revolver's hammer up my nose.
    Seriously - this is the great thing about this forum - there are people like you who know what they are talking about and believe me, I would no more shoot a 40S&W in my 38-40 without checking with experts first (especially now that the cooking sherry has worn off!) :)
    Thanks again for all the information - if you ever need any tips on making Cooking Sherry/Kool Aid cocktails - just let me know!!! :)
    John


    Member NRA & GOA

    For All The Fallen Heroes And All The Forgotten Victims
    (Christopher Hyde)
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  • RancheroPaul
    Good Man,......I knew you'd "Share the Recipe!" Enjoy!

    "Life is FRAGILE!" Handle With Care!
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  • captkirk3@dslextreme.com
    Good Call Guys.....Best....Captain Kirk

    Captain Kirk, Tech Staff
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