Can I Make .38 Special Ammo with .357 Magnum Cases?

[@Isaac556x45]

I don't think that Elmer Keith gets enough credit for his wonderful contributions to the advancement of firearms and cartridge technology.

[@bobhill3941]

No he doesn't. I remember buying a copy of "Hell I was there" 20 years ago at a flea market and being very impressed. Before that, I read about him (Under a different name, Elmer Kaye) in the Earl Swagger book Pale horse coming.

[@roul3688]

Sorry to hear about Benny. Just now learning, didn’t get notified of the video.

[@markplatts5096]

I just discovered your channel a few days ago. I want to say thank you. I'm learning so much, your wealth of knowledge is immense, and I find listening to you relaxing. You are making the world better one view at a time. Take care, you are appreciated.

[@majohnson73]

I could sit down and have a cup of coffee and BS with you about firearms for hours. keep up the incredible work my friend. God bless

[@callawayken650]

Keep 'em coming. This would have been a good place to talk about cowboy loads for .357 Mag.

[@Dimitrius001]

Blue, it's Dimitri. Thanks again for your email, and thanks for making this wonderful video. As you pointed out in the video, my main concern was squib loads. I haven't ordered a Lyman manual yet. What I've been doing is using Lee load data for .38 special +P using Hodgdon HP 38. I went to the the range with my two .357's and these loads worked wonderfully. They are a real pussycat load in my colt SAA .357. The funnest part is the muzzle flash that powder generates. It's also seems to be a pretty clean burning powder as well. Not too much carbon buildup. Hand loading is definitely the way to go. Thanks again!

[@NickFrom1228]

Sorry to hear about Benny and other losses. I hope your channel increases and additional $ come in. God bless.

[@GunBlue490]

Much appreciated

[@paulmartin6895]

We had snow fly today. Sorry for your loss. Keep up the good work on the information.

[@franks.2544]

Thanks for taking the time to share your experience. God bless.

[@GunBlue490]

Thanks for watching

[@MRKSCH101]

Hey Blue I’m so sorry to hear about Benny and your close friend, you have my deepest condolences. Those old vids were fantastic when we got to see him saying hello. Glad to see you back at it and my prayers are with them

[@ColtDee]

Well said, food for thought, I hadn't realized all this.

[@RexH00ligan]

Guys listen, sometimes you want the 357 case but 38sp velocity. Another Exp: some lever guns cycle 357 perfectly but occasionally has issues with 38sp. I don’t know many who would trim a mag case to make a sp case, that is crazy cause I can find sp cases at range way eaiser and cheap if I need to buy them.

[@brianshaffer5090]

I always appreciate your insight on every subject that you cover. I know the fixed income feeling. We need a legitimate President.

[@krimke881]

Love this dense informational videos, but still light hearted and fun. You can't beat the algorithms, a lot has trouble with the changes going on. Keep the videos coming, they don't all need to be more than 8-9 minutes. It's so good info you've got every time. =)

[@kenneth5328]

So sorry about Benny! My condolences to your other losses as well!! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with us. I just became a member on Patreon, and look forward to some Patreon Only content. I wish you the best in your endeavors! Thanks again for everything!

[@MattHeere]

Just checked my Hornady manual. There are .357 mag loads down as low as 700fps. Not nearly as many projectile or powder choices at those velocities as for .38 special, but it is possible. There are even a few projectiles in the 158 gn class where the book has loads for both cartridges with the same projectile that result in similar velocities for both.

[@scottmann3002]

Happy All Hallows Eve and thanks for the video. Good to see you again and stay warm this winter.

[@CharlesRushing-ck2qm]

I am so sorry to hear about Benny. Hopefully, God will bring a new "family member" into your life for you to give your love and affection to. Ironically, I had just been thinking lovely off a long dead pet minutes before I watched this. May God sustain you in your losses.

[@Dardrum]

So sorry to hear about Benny, He was lucky to have you .

[@jerrychambers7267]

Love learning from this man, some great knowledge

[@anthonycandell5397]

Sorry to hear about Benny and your family member. Hunker down safely and thank you.

[@idarolaflsvik9230]

Thanks for a great knowledgeable video! Even when you go through difficult times, you deliver. Best wishes from Idar, here in Norway.

[@GunBlue490]

Many thanks!

[@gavocrazy]

Sir, I have a question I can't seem to find an answer to, I was wondering if you might not have one. This is my first 1911, it is a Springfield Armory Mil-Spec. I do carry it occasionally, and during regular checks and maintenance, when unloading the weapon I notice that my ammunition around the rim is progressively getting more chewed up and damaged as I unload and reload the ammo. I compared a few rounds by chambering them into my fathers Colt Commander and his Springfield Armory Range Officer and neither of his pistols seem disfigure the cases of the ammunition nearly as much my own. Is this a serious issue? Should I even be concerned about this? I worry that if I continue to carry this ammunition, that it might get too damaged and cause issues when extracting spent cases. I don't know if this assertion is founded in logic or not. I do not plan to reload the casings, so is this something purely cosmetic or something to be corrected? Thank You for your Content, and thank you ahead of time if you see this and decide to answer.

[@jeffthompson5840]

I'm happy to see you back dropping your wisdom and sharing your knowledge with us younger guys god bless you my friend stay warm

[@dannyfowler7055]

Just recently became a Patreon supporter of yours, and I would be very sad if you couldn’t make your videos. Always entertaining and most professional. Keep up the great work my Friend!

[@HitokiriRaiden]

my dad used to turn 44mag to 44sp and 357mag to 38sp brass all the time when the ends of the brass would star to crack, and use them as plinking loads and shot shells. When the brass was no longer useable, he would cut them down put powder and a new primer and take a powder wad over it and glue them on arrow shafts and shoot them up at a angle into a bunch of boulders and blow the case up for 4th of july when I was a kid lol.

[@4d4Spl]

I trim 44 Mag cases to make Specials and use Special data. I was given a ton of Mag brass and lost my Special cases in a move. Works just fine.

[@petercraw8188]

How do you go about shortening cases? I can’t find 41 Special cases anywhere. I have 41 Magnum cases that could work, but I’m not sure how to go about it.

[@4d4Spl]

@@petercraw8188 Use a case trimmer to shorten the case by 1/8" (0.125"). To speed things up, I attach a drill to my trimmer. Deburr inside and out and your good to go.

[@taylorharbin3948]

That was my thought…

[@stephenadsit2274]

As always, great information!

[@christopherhancock9041]

Great topic. Ran through this question before with .44. Thanks for the refresher on the subject.

[@MrRufusjax]

From here on out I'll watch to the very end and always give the thumbs up. I did not know you didn't get paid unless you watch to the very end.

[@zayacz123]

I’ve loaded both calibers for many years. The nickel coated cases I had all split at the case mouth years ago. My brass cases haven’t had that problem. I mostly shoot mild loads with lead bullets in both calibers. That helps too.

[@tp3521]

Good luck dealing with your losses & thanks for spreading your detailed knowledge!

[@nathanhuxtable5758]

I know people who load 357 OAL 38 spl cal rounds for cowboy action shooting. They feed reliably and are very soft shooting in "short stroke" modified lever guns. But definitely BE CAREFUL

[@nohillforahighstepper]

Another great video. Thank you. I don't remember which powder this applies to but with at least 1 powder, in the magnum load, if you use not enough powder, you could possibly get a considerably faster burn rate and unintentionally over-pressure the load. I would highly recommend staying between the recommended powder charges in your load manuals with pistol powders. 😊😊😊

[@Crankenfine]

I’ve been enjoying your informative talks for years! Thanks so much.👍

[@excavatoree]

Thank you for the information. .44 special is difficult to find in my area, so I asked someone who reloads if he could make me some .44 special. He said he couldn't get the cases. I asked him if he could just give me a "special" load in a magnum case. At the time, I didn't understand when he said he wouldn't/couldn't do that.

[@jimtewa8096]

As always great video Sir, I am happy you did this episode several months ago I purchased the new 3 in Colt Python it shoots fantastic, I loaded .38 Special + P in the .357 cases it shot just as accurate, granted if I carry it I will put .357 Mag as a carry round, have to be honest I miss seeing Benny next to, God Bless you and your family Sir.

[@cheesenoodles8316]

Always follow the manual... there is very wide selection. Good video.

[@billj5645]

In my barber shop they have a picture frame on the wall with a 686 barrel in it. I asked about it and they said it had 5 or 6 bullets stuck in the barrel. The gun was sent back to the factory for a new barrel and they framed the old barrel.

[@NMranchhand]

Some sophisticated points there I hadn’t thought of. Thanks.

[@876mpr]

I always use magnum brass in my magnum revolvers and find that it takes about a 10% increase in powder to equal the velocity of a special case using cast bullets. I definitely don’t see the sense in using jacketed bullets for plinking.

[@randywilson6068]

You just made my day!

[@ColtDee]

Thumbs up both of them, enjoyed fully.

[@BigRooster616]

So sorry for your loss of Benny. God bless

[@viejo2a]

Very well presented, my friend. We’ve had this very same discussion on several forums lately. When it comes down to it, there’s very little legitimacy in downloading a .357 to 38 values. When lighter loads are called for, use the 38. Same way in 44 where we have 44 Special and even Russian. Anyway, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. I get it about the retirement thing. My single teacher pension is Spartan at best, and my fledgling KZbin channel gives me zero after they took my previous channel down for demonstrating casting. In the meantime, happy casting, reloading and shooting to you! 🤛🏻🔫🇺🇸 p.s. I miss Benny! ❤️

[@66smithra]

It just keeps your chamber cleaner when you use 357 length brass.

[@Bob.W.]

I started all my kids on 158 grain wadcutters over 3.2 grains of 231 in .357 cases. Mild plinking load. Thx.

[@joefw2446]

Excellent thanks!

[@Bunkie57]

Luv your videos! Look forward to seeing more!

[@mississippichris]

This was the first news I have of Bennie's death. Sending condolences on the loss of your true and loyal companion.

[@hardball107]

I put 38 Special loads into 357 cases all the time although they are top 38 loads or I just add a grain of powder to the 38 loads. I have boxes of random cases in both 38 and 357 (44 Special and Magnum too) so I don't swap Specials into Magnums but if you do it's no problem. I also cut down my 357 cases when the mouth splits to 38 Special lengths and load them with 38 Special loads, yup, I'm cheap and I keep them segregated. With my home cast 125gr and wadcutter bullets I'm loading 38's and 357's for around $.07-$.08 apiece for target work and plinkers. I find Titegroup powder works best for that because it's very case position and size insensitive. It all boils down to lots of fun shooting.

[@jeffsilsbe]

Love the videos. I'll keep watching.

[@marksnow348]

I really enjoy your videos. I'll check out how to provide some financial support. Also, I recently gave to my nephew my dad's Winchester Model 88 .308 lever action rifle. (recoil was too strong for my arthritic shoulder). As a replacement I bought a Ruger American .243 rifle for deer hunting. ( less recoil) Could you maybe do another video on the .243 rifle versatility from varmint loads to white tail loads? Thanks & keep up the good work!

[@GunBlue490]

I placed that on my list! Thank you.

[@davidhandyman7571]

I would assume that to use .357 magnum cartridges in a .38 special, the cases would need to be trimmed to the correct .38 special size. That would also solve the load data issues.

[@roykiefer7713]

As always, an excellent video.

[@jeffroginsky4695]

With the right powers you can do it. Trail Boss and Tight Group are great for cowboy loads, and I shoot 600-700 fps in 357 and 44mag.

[@pfcparts7728]

Love this video, condolences for Benny

[@10karhu]

Thank you, very informative!

[@zen-Tii]

Good information. I will stick to .38 Soecial brass.

[@dennispeltier6142]

Prayers to you.😊😊😊😊😊

[@clintashmead3558]

Thanks for the knowledge!

[@williamgaines9784]

On the converse, one can load 38 spl. brass to .357 mag. pressures and that should NEVER be done if one has a .38 spl. revolver that they shoot. Same for .44 spl. and .44 mag. If you have both types of revolvers, spl. & mag. keep the loads within specs for the cartridges. Like the old warning label on the Yazoo belt drive lawnmovers, "fingers don't grow back". 👍👍

[@mkshffr4936]

Two applications come to mind. Of course Cowboy Action loads but also getting 38+P velocities in 357 cases.

[@johngarrie2633]

Grate video like allways thinks 👍🏻

[@timvest8141]

God bless you sir. I wish I could help you out but I'm on a fixed income too and can barely make. Maybe things will get better.

[@GunBlue490]

I appreciate that

[@ritesideofthefence5857]

Hey Blue, I’m am so sorry to hear about Benny. I dread the day pup passes on.

[@mikedurhan9941]

Thank you for the video.

[@happymotoring4674]

You should write a book, nothing beats real world knowledge and life time events.

[@ipodwalker]

If you use the same powder and measure the powder volume (weight) for both , can you make up the difference in volume in the .357 cartridge by using oatmeal filler ,like they do in black powder shooting when shooting lower powered rounds.?Sorry to hear about bennie?

[@Paladin1873]

We were enjoying a beautiful Montana fall until last week, then a polar blast came through and dropped the temperature over 50 degrees while dumping nine inches of snow. It's let up some but the snow remains. 😞 On the topic of reloading, have you ever encountered a condition where a very light load in a large case has led to detonation and the destruction of the handgun. I've read about it, but never witnessed it.

[@Putinhuylo3]

Thumbs up, shared and made sure to get to the end.

[@SteveM0732]

I have a Lee 38 Special case trim tool. When the 357 Magnum case mouths get damaged I trim them down into 38 Special brass. You could do that in a pinch with good brass. When I first started loading one of the few powders that I was able to get that was suitable for 357 Magnum was SR4756. Load data was a problem, but on page 525 of the Lee manual I found data for 125 grain lead bullets. 5.0 grains was to give me 1034 FPS, but I got 606 FPS and practically giggled at how weak the load was. 6.0 grains of SR4756 should have given me 1169 FPS, but I got 793 FPS. So can you load a 357 Magnum to 38 Special velocities? Yes, if you have an unreliable data source like the Lee manual then you can. I stopped using the Lee manual after that experience and I wince when I hear people extolling its virtues.

[@Hippo0529]

Thanks gunblue!

[@66smithra]

2.8 gr of bullseye with a 148 gr wadcutter seated flush is a fine target load in Magnum brass.

[@nerradnosnhoj5122]

Hello , I make a point to direct new enthusiasts to your channel , Top shelf channel here , I am going to check budget to try and help you on Patreon, I am in Canada and I am disabled , I will do my best to direct attention your way Keep 'em coming !

[@rickyyeldell7262]

Thanks.

[@beetlefang]

I and others appreciate your expertise and applying it on the web in light of your family tragedies. A question for future video maybe...does the revolver capacity in a particular frame size make the revolver more susceptible to go out of time or have maintenance issues? Like I see these N frames with 8 shots and L frames with 7 shots - do you think that they are just as durable as their 6 shot counterparts?

[@brettphillips3091]

My Hornady book shows identical data for both with Unique powder, only gives higher charges for 357

[@jamjinn786]

Hm...strangely, I have been doing exactly that for years now...loading my .38 loads in .357 cases to avoid the carbon ring. Haven't seen any difference to the normal .38 loads, the only trouble I had was with some heavies who were too long to fit .357 spec length. Happy plinking.

[@donz8501]

Dear sir, I don't know any other way to reach you so I thought to do it like this. I think you are one of the most knowledgeable people on KZbin if it comes to everything that has to do with rifle stuff, so therefore I'd seek your advice. I have made a mistake in reloading. I was loading 9mm with Vithavuori N320. There was 66gr left in the powder dispenser. Then I had to load .223 which I Load with Swiss Reload RS40. The container is almost new but not fully filled anymore. A second of negligence and I dumped my 66gr N320 pistol powder in the RS40 rifle powder container. Given the extremely high prices of powder nowadays I think it would be a shame to just dump the (mixed) powder in the burn-pit and light it. So my question to you is, do you think it's dangerous to keep using this now mixed powder even it was just with 66 grain? Or do you think it will be ok? A shooting buddy of mine said it wouldn't be a problem because it was just a very small amount of N320. I would really really appreciate your wisdom and input in this question. Use it or destroy it 😊 I truly hope to hear from you. Al the best: Donz

[@chriss1911]

And away we go.

[@Nam8Macs]

Can you seat the bullet 1 tenth of an inch deeper in the .357 magnum case, to simulate the internal volume of the .38 special case? I have loaded very weak loads in .44 magnum brass by using .44 special IMR 4227 load data and seating the bullet a bit deeper into the .44 magnum case.

[@davidcolter]

An odd question - say you want to shoot a .38/44 Heavy Duty with original power loads, using .357 cases cut down to .38 Spl length because you dont want to load that hot into a .38 headstamp and risk it getting into a .38 Spl revolver. If you started low and worked up in the usual way would there be any reason not to do this?

[@redrock425]

I wouldn't do that. The reduced volume in the .38Sp length case will increase pressure considerably and likely blow your gun up.

[@66smithra]

@@redrock42538/44 loads used 38 special cases.

[@troyelder56]

well said

[@davetenney5800]

Snowing right now here in northern Ohio!

[@disturbedmaynard3873]

The snow flew for us today. Over 3 inches landed. And all my leaves are under it.

[@Zap_R0sdower]

Could you try to make a .45 Long Colt cartridge out of a cut down .410 shotshell? I've wondered if it was technically possible just as an experiment for a while now. Even if the case ruptures

[@lukethomas3296]

will you review the BFR .45-70

[@excelsior6365]

With the prices of components today, I would not be "wasting" load cycles of 357 brass if I could help it.

[@victorjubinville5720]

Ideal situation not real-life in the field encounters

[@bigracer3867]

I would rather have loads that way. Keep the cylinder from getting the”ring” to clean out. I just make mine light 357 data. Not much difference to me. Think of 45 70. Those smokeless loads got enough room left to park a 747 in it!! Creeps me out. 😂😅

[@larrymor]

So do you need to cut down the 357 magnum case to use it for 38 special?

[@GunBlue490]

Genuine .38 Special loads require .38 Special cases. Yes, they can be made with shortened .357 Magnum cases, but that's an inconvenient alternative.

[@jimtewa8096]

No Sir. load .38 Special + P loads in the .357 Case and you will be just fine, I use the same COL as the .357 Mag

[@mississippichris]

With some powders, the end results could be catastrophic.

[@tommcqueen3145]

🙂👍 Can you trim a 357 case down to a 38 case

[@rapidsept6136]

CAN YOU TRIM A 357 CASE OR SEAT THE BULLET TO MAKE UP THE DIFFERENCE

[@GunBlue490]

You may trim a 357 case to 38 Special length. Ogive taper restricts seating depth. 38 Special cases are made for 38 Special loads. Keep it simple.

[@TimHill-ov6me]

Is there another way to support other then patreon? Paypal account or direct . Thanks

[@GunBlue490]

Thank you. You may contribute directly via PayPal via [e-mail] God bless.

[@TimHill-ov6me]

@@GunBlue490 I just sent you contibution , it may not register immediatley . Did you receive it ?

[@Peter-od7op]

I am not sure, but the retired police officers get Social Security

[@alexanderkvitrovn9828]

I’m here because of sweet Jacob from the bonfire, crackle crackle

[@gwcracker]

Please provide supporting documentation to validate your claims.

[@chaimafaghet7343]

"please attach every loading manual to your video" Man you're thick.

[@GunBlue490]

Open any reloading manual.

[@SPACEgatHIPSTER]

No, the 38 Special was invented in 1898 and introduced in 1899. Not 1902 contrary to your incorrect assertion. And there is quite a bit of information out there that substantiates this. Good video all in all but you are just flat wrong on the 1902 date.

[@MikeJones-jn2pb]

ALL I CAN DO IS COMMENT AND LIKE THANKS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@frankbutta9344]

I don’t see a Patreon link in your channel description. *EDIT* Found you on Patreon’s website! 👍🫡