Magnum vs Special

[@robearhart5796]

Hickok: “there’s hardly a gun shop in the country where you can’t find .38 or .357 ammunition. Guarantee it.” Those were the days...

[@shrimp-ln7nh]

That didn’t age well

[@dough9512]

@@shrimp-ln7nh 🙂

[@rustyquad513]

H45 said that a year ago...try finding any ammo online now. Just went to four major suppliers, couldn’t even find a single size shotgun shell any gauge or amount. NO 9mm, NO 40cal, NO 357mag or 38spl. NOTHING. I fear many are preparing for something in early 2021...or for an ammo ban. Who knows what the future holds.....

[@nick0332]

@@rustyquad513 glad I have been stocking up for years. Imo you should have a min 1k per caliber. Unfortunately I can't find squat for my new .300 aac right now unless I want to pay $60 for a 20 pack.

[@lukasrydelius6174]

justkiddingaround got 50rds of 300 for $64 (plus shipping) when you posted your comment.

[@NorthCountryOutdoorGuys]

This channel is invaluable to new gun owners like myself. I check your channel first for any info prior to a purchase. Thank you for all the time and effort you put in.

[@HavocHerseim]

+North Country Outdoor Guys I agree %100. My wife is new to this stuff but she needs to know it and we find ourselves watching hours of his videos. He is a great resource. I really can't find anything wrong with anything he says. I especially liked it when he talks about not being a tough guy. He is a very responsible gun owner and makes the past time and those who engage in it look better.

[@acyutanandadas1326]

+H. Herseim agreed. Question--why isn't it called .38 magnum ? what does .357 mean? sounds like a smaller caliber but fits in the same chamber

[@mark9531]

+Acyutananda das Ok. Now I am going to show my ignorance. But I THINK that .38 is the OD (size) of the casing. And .357 is the OD of the bullet. Both .38 and.357 are the same size diameter OD casing and bullet. But the casing of the .357 is LONGER than the .357. Both casing and frame of a .357 are tolerant of hotter loaded, longer .357

[@usa-rb5fi]

+mark9531 you're close, 38 special is actually .36 caliber, and .357 is .357 in bore, so same bore size, 38 before special came about used heel style bullets and they were actually .38 but later they became .36 but kept the name .38

[@mark9531]

usa2012 Thanks for the correction usa2012. I am much more of an admirer and collector of handguns than an expert. Although some jewels of my collection has suffered the ravages of 4 children's braces and college educations. That is why I like to watch hickok45. He makes the technical aspect of firearms interesting.

[@ToiletFinger]

Another thing I like about your channel is that you don't waste our time with a opening them/song. You get right down to business. Thank you.

[@godchi1dvonsteuben770]

Agreed...

[@seapimpnh.9307]

Obviously this is an old video . He has a theme song and you’d be hard pressed to find 38 or .357 in any gun shop now . Lol

[@surgicalshooter911]

@@seapimpnh.9307 I think he put this video out about 9yrs ago. 😉👍

[@lbear3321]

The way I remembered it as a kid was the special ones are a little slow.

[@fritzd2116]

That's funny! 😃

[@jestnutz]

And no one likes them

[@chriswilliams8862]

Lol

[@mchildress8972]

My god

[@rjwintl]

yep, and they ride the short bus !!! ... LOL !!! ... that's exactly what I was told too !!!

[@interstellarlapisthecccp4946]

.357 Magnums are my favorite revolvers; they have just the right ratio of power to recoil and they are really versatile. You can probably even load 9mm and .380 and get it to shoot. That's from the technical standpoint, but there is also the aesthetics to be considered. Rarely is a gun ever just a tool for people who carry and use them on a regular basis; if you're going to be spending a lot of time with it then you should also consider how much you like the way it looks and how it feels in the hand. The old revolvers from the 50's, 60's and early 70's are my personal favorites. They just look and feel great and they are associated with all the legendary actors and movies of the golden age of Hollywood. As silly as it may sound at first, feeling like a badass definitely helps improve your performance when you need it most. Confidence is key, and that comes from being confident in your own ability via many hours of practice as well as how good you personally feel about the gun you are shooting.

[@jackbookerjr.3047]

Ruger makes a 357 that has a 9mm cylinder you can swap out and shoot 38, 9mm, and 357.

[@jackbookerjr.3047]

Also, a 45 long colt and 45 acp version.

[@bmxriderforlife1234]

I like your point about considering what you like the look and feel of. I like the old cowboy revolvers and big ass semi auto pistols. Full size 1911 ftw. Shot a bunch but don't own anything besides antiques yet. Lol Canada. Getting my license soon. Lever gun to start, then probably a 1911 or a baretta 92 variant when I get my pistol license. Deffs gonna throw a cartridge conversion on one of my saa though. Unfortunately years ago they changed the rules and had to five em to my buddy till I get my license for hand guns. Despite being antique they got scared of the 45 for some reason and made them not exempt. But a bunch of Webleys in big ass calibers are fine even some cartridge shooting ones. Yet with just a basic rifle license I'll also essentially be able to buy a legal damn near sawn off mini shot gun. Was trying to decide on a bear gun for hiking and pistols are no Bueno so figured tiny lever action shot gun with slugs or if I get a 10mm lever action custom made(not sure if I can here legally or if any makers will do it) then just load some hot ass 10mm tweaked for a long barrel. Repeated shots and better ballistics then people realize. 230gr bullet supersonic with fast follow ups. Lol grizzlies scare the shit outa me. Was originally gonna be a 500s&w with the built in recoil suppression. Other choice was a 45 70 or 50 Alaskan rifle.

[@thecommunistdoggo1008]

@@bmxriderforlife1234 And then Trudeau came to ruin our fun

[@MultiPurposeReviewer]

You're absolutely right about the feel and look of them. I recently started buying my first pistols, and I've gone all semi-auto so far. I like them, but when I'm at the store and I hold a revolver, it just feels GOOD. The weight, the shine, the smoothness, the satisfying click of the cylinder all combine to make a firearm that is just as much a piece of art as it is a tool and a weapon. I'm planning on getting a revolver next, just because.

[@hickok45]

@reynosamanA3 , Better watch it again and pay closer attention. That's my .44 Magnum Model 29. We have several other videos with it.

[@elijahsellers3727]

Nice! I've got a Ruger Redhawk chambered in .44 Magnum. It's stainless with rosewood grips. Beautiful gun, with a 6.5-7 inch barrel, I can't remember which one.

[@zyad48]

44 magnum: *_BOOM_* 44 special: pew

[@mr.a5117]

"My guns go BOOM BOOM yo guns go pow pow" -Big L

[@Deadbuck73]

I knew the comments would get to the point!... first comment... 💥

[@sogman7265]

Not with hand loads, only your pew pew factory ammo, lol! I have 44's that have never ever fired a factory round.

[@mspunk85]

SoGman nobody cares

[@bigrab.1748]

@@mr.a5117 and he died via 'pow pow' 🤣

[@BIGDADDYCANKOO]

Thanks for that. May my grandfather Rest In Peace. He always carried his 38 special and was just a good a shooter. For many many years that gun was his companion until old age and almost blind he was caught off guard by a coward with an assault riffle. Word has it he had his grandson in his arms when he heard the voice. He handed the child to his mom to reach for his gun but never stood a chance. I loved that gun as much as he did and till this day I’m trying to find out who has it. I love him so much and yet I can’t think of him without thinking of that gun. Men like him and the man in this video are so rare nowadays.

[@dorinriki]

So sorry to hear that. 😢

[@4suckaz]

May he rest in peace

[@codywhitmire8850]

My grandpa carried his smith and Wesson magnesium snub nose everywhere. Now my dad carries it one day I will be carrying it. I'm truly sorry to hear.

[@lashlarue7924]

Damn!

[@LycanWolf89]

Thank you so much for clearing that up for me. I just got my first 357 magnum. I looked up the rounds it can shoot and I was just so confused by what I read. This video was very helpful

[@rhubertjr01]

Hello sir, even though this video was made more than ten years ago it continues giving gun owner genuine and reliable sources of knowledge and experience that help us understand our guns and ammo better. I am a true follower of your videos and have gained a lot of understanding from them, as I feel as it is like going to gun school to learn about all the different guns, ammo and safety lessons. The videos you provide give us information to make wise decisions on gun purchases and how to be better gun owners for all those around us. Today was one of those days, the way you explained it made it very clear and easy to follow. I wanted to make sure that it was safe to shoot 44 sp out from my 44 mag gun. I thank you for your dedication and your sons excellent filming of your videos. Hope to see many more of your videos in the future. Thank you and God Bless Rod Hubert

[@vandahm]

The .38 Special is an old round based on some of the very first cartridge rounds designed for revolvers. Back then, they had not yet adopted modern naming standards that we have now (0.38" is the width of the brass case and not the bullet). Decades later, when S&W released the .357 Magnum, they wanted their customers to know that, even though the round was similar to .38 Special, it was a new and modern design. So they used a modern name (0.357" is the width of the bullet) to show that.

[@lashlarue7924]

THANK YOU 🙏, I was wondering

[@meatmissilef111]

These videos are excellent for bringing new shooters up to speed. You can really tell that Hickok has a background in teaching.

[@jasonsims5144]

Nice job Hickok! All magnums are special, but NO specials are magnums!

[@garyK.45ACP]

But I just created a .575 Special Magnum using .357" bullets (Well, that's what a .38 uses but they call it a .38 so why not call it a .575?) that is both special AND magnum.

[@FearScherer]

I like

[@kevinblanton7567]

👍

[@rocknrollforever8045]

Ha Ha Ha!

[@prostitutionsavedmymarriag3015]

@@garyK.45ACP nobody cares

[@namegoeshere833]

thank you for the info, I'm a fairly new gun owner and have a .357 mag I had no idea that I had the option to shoot .38 thanks again for helping me be a better knowledged gun owner

[@jackbutcher4485]

best channel on KZbin by far! absolutely can't get enough of it. hickok45 and his son do an amazing job going out of their way to creat extremely interesting and informative videos!

[@davidkgreen]

clone this guy and send him up here to teach school.What a concept .A teacher who really knows how to communicate

[@MaxwellAerialPhotography]

He used to be a univeristy prof in Tennesse.

[@davidkgreen]

Was a time not that long ago when they had rifle ranges in Canadian High Schools.The first victims of the social engineering vermin that now run our lives..

[@drewmandan]

If kids had the opportunity to learn from guys like hickok, nobody would have irrational fear of guns, that's for sure. And shootings would probably decrease too.

[@two2355]

True

[@jeddyhi]

@@MaxwellAerialPhotography He taught middle school English class.

[@christofergreen214]

"Any gun store in the country is gonna have this ammo." I remember those days pre 2020

[@jacobhollingsworth6941]

If you got 38 special you can use 38 long colt and that ammo is everywhere atleast where I'm at

[@FL_Dolfo]

@@jacobhollingsworth6941so you can shoot 38 long colt out of a 38 special is what you’re saying ?

[@Jacob82222]

@@FL_Dolfo yeah shot 100 rounds of long colt out of my 38 special nothing bad happened yet lol I looked it up and the 38 long colt has less pressure too

[@thombro705]

I love these videos when you post them. You've established yourself as a trusted source of information on firearms and you provide comprehensive coverage of these topics. Very useful! Thanks a lot Hickok45!!

[@sjr9076]

Hard to beat a good S&W revolver in 38 spl or 357 mag..two of my favorite calibers. So versatile.

[@DuellingTubers]

Thanks for taking the time to explain the details,and then showing the "proof of concept" showing how the ballistics changes the tragectory -- something we can "know" in our brain, but when you see it coming out of the barrel, it really sets in. I'm very grateful for your excellent work, but mostly for your ability to slow down for the people not up to your speed (yet!) :)

[@bigorangetrucker]

at 8:53 you have a little note that pops up that says "All the bullets are 38 caliber..." Correction: all the bullets are .357 caliber. A .38 special really shoots a .357 bullet. The cases both measure .38 inches. and that's where the name for the .38 special really originated. I love your channel Hickock. I have a snub nose .38 special myself and absolutely love that little gun. Just didn't want other viewers to be missled.

[@Mr1971danman]

Great video! I have had a .44 special for many years and always had this question. Now I clearly understand due to your clear concise explanation with visuals. This is probably the video of yours I have learned the most from. **You mentioned the .40 / 10mm similarities, it would be awesome if you made a video, with your easy style, and explained max capabilities for calibers and weapons. Ex: .38/.357 in a .357, .40/10mm in a Glock 20 and expand to what simple barrel changes for glocks add.

[@alanlabar7722]

Always The Gentleman - Always The Instructor - Always The Best - Thank You.

[@larryanderson9786]

Always a treat to view your shows. I enjoy them very much

[@RioLajasWolF]

Best person that I found to explain things! Thank's for your videos, they are much appreciated.

[@tenacious645]

He is/was a school teacher in real life. A good one too I'd bet. So it makes sense why he's so informative. He actually capture your attention too. He's exactly the kind of teacher I always respected in high school.

[@RioLajasWolF]

tenacious645 That's exactly right. I don't even remember how I ended in one of his videos but let me tell you, it got my attention to the point that I'm learning so much of guns because of him. He is an excellent teacher!

[@michaelschaffer5984]

tenacious645 o

[@marcusfagaragan6919]

Real talk proper and punctual.

[@damienrotter491]

great explaining. love his ability to analyze and explain in simple terms.. his shooting technique is so solid...357s barely recoil with his grip.. fascinating

[@edwardpadgett8595]

Makes a difference if you're 6' 9".

[@eiji81]

I've never been a revolver guy, but after watching this, now I want a 357 Revolver. Thanks for the great info.

[@walden6272]

Thanks hickok45. I learn so much from you about revolvers. My initial attraction to 357 revolvers is the numbers 357, it has a powerful ring to it when you say three-fifty-seven. And I also like the word Magnum, sounds rugged. So when I hear three-fifty-seven Magnum together, I knew right away that is the gun for me. Ironically, My Smith & Wesson 686+ has never shot a 357 Magnum because of the ammo shortage, poor thing only has 38 specials to feed on. LOL

[@MADXBLU]

I always wondered the difference between them calibers. Thank you! Nobody could have explained them better than you! 👍🇺🇸👍🇺🇸

[@labby2]

Hicock, this really cleared up a lot of questions for me. I cannot truly express how much I've learned from you. Keep up the great work! =)

[@harrycallahan692]

Gotta love hickok45. He's the benchmark of firearm knowledge.

[@HistoryandReviews]

The Wikipedia of firearms

[@lightningandodinify]

@@HistoryandReviews hickok and forgotten weapons :0

[@carminesilverado]

when I was a little kid in the 50's my Dad was a cop and the standard issue revolver was a 38 but there was a controversy about the 38 being too weak a round ,it would bounce off a windshield for example so they went to the 38special which I think is plenty of stopping power up close and the 357 mag is a beast ,as you say owning a 357 mag allows a person to shoot the other 2 rounds

[@BaetaJose]

Hickok 45 you are one of the best shooters I have ever seen! My two favorite calibers for a handgun are .357mag and .45ACP+P

[@SirHiggalot]

Wow with the .44 you could clearly hear the difference between the magnum and the special. Neat.

[@David-sr4ug]

I'm sick af right now and have been on a Hickok marathon

[@davesbackyardchickensandou3905]

Hopefully your feeling better now??

[@alexryder8550]

Dave's backyard chickens and outdoors. 😂😂😂

[@scottyj6226]

Well don't leave us in suspense. Did you die or not?

[@supertrinigamer]

You're sick af? Did you do some awesome tricks at the skate Park?

[@JK-wn3cc]

You dead man?

[@hiirienmetsastaja0006]

7:07 revolver is best and coolest

[@brandonshand4718]

Love my s&w model 649, shrouded hammer, .38 special. I don't think they make the 649 anymore. All the versions have internal hammers. There may be a standard ext. Hammer version im not sure. But I love it thanks to its shrouded hammer but also its single action mode which you can't get anymore with these internal hammer versions

[@niklasmolen4753]

It should be a Colt army in that case.

[@TheAlbyzoe]

Thanks for the knowledge. I was thinking about buying a 38 spec, after this video I decide a 357 is better because I can target practice with 38 and save the 357's for the "animals" . Love your channel, thanxs

[@dmrmuzik25]

I'm feeling the same way!!!!

[@somerandomguy5977]

You should practice with the ammunition you can plan on using for self defence so you know the characteristics of how they shoot before having to use them in a real situation

[@joeydoesthings4955]

Some Random Guy yeah but getting a .357 is always the smart choice. It shoots the .38sp and it’s variants, and it makes shooting .38sp a breeze. I would suggest just getting the .357 even if you only ever plan to shoot .38.

[@seapimpnh.9307]

It’s not a good to shoot just 38 in a .357 . Mix it up occasionally so you don’t get a ring in your cylinder .

[@jackbookerjr.3047]

@@seapimpnh.9307 Yeah I'm sure that's why he just shoots lighter 357 loads instead of 38 spec.

[@shawnjohnson7724]

12 Minutes not wasted as usual!!! thanks mr. Hickock45

[@charlie-qm9gz]

This was a very good video explained everything I need to know between special and magnum rounds love your channel. Keep The great videos coming

[@RocKiteman]

THANK YOU for explaining the magnum vs special thing....

[@Ensign_Cthulhu]

When revolvers went over from cap & ball to cartridge, a lot of the early cartridges had a bullet the same max. diameter as the outside of the cartridge case, rather than the same diameter as the inside of the case mouth as it is today. In the case of .38 special, that outside diameter is 0.379 inch, close enough to .38 which "reads" easier. The .44 cartridges have .429 inside diameter but one of the early ones, the .44-40, has a .443 external case mouth diameter. Again, ".44" is easier to say.

[@troy9477]

Dirty Harry said: "I use a light Special". In this size gun it gives me better control and less recoil than a .357 with wadcutters". That is more or less verbatim from the range scene in Magnum Force. Now, who remembers who played the young (and 1 older) motorcyle cops? :)

[@hickok45]

Oops, I mentioned this in my previous comment before I saw this. Should have known you'd be familiar with this scene, too. :-)

[@jimh3500]

Troy Ortega David Soul from Starsky and Hutch - I think that was the blonde biker cop??? Good trivia question

[@asingh4056]

Woah. 12 YEARS!! Congrats brother!!! 🎉 it’s now hitting me how long I’ve been seeing your videos along and across KZbin’s wonderful life! 👌🏽 Thankyou for past present and future 🙏🏽

[@deovindice7139]

@DragonofDarkness13 The .38 Special was designed in 1898 to replace the .38 Long Colt cartridge, after complaints from soldiers of the Philippine-American War that the LC was ineffective at stopping enemy charges. So yes, when it was invented, the Special was pretty special.

[@jerryparks3103]

Great video hickok45 as always great infomation.

[@tonygharman]

I have a 44 mag in an old model 29 Smith and Wesson and I didn't know you could shoot 44 special ammo through. I had a 44 special in a Charter arms and didn't like it that much. I still have some of the special ammo left, I'm glad I can use it in my mag. Damn you learn something every day.

[@rainstand2772]

I’ve got a .44 special it’s awesome

[@alneal100]

You must reload. I have searched everywhere, including online, and .44 Special factory loads seem to have disappeared.

[@shlomo_jewinstien-Doodoowitz]

I've never even heard of the 44 special let alone finding ammo

[@mattlauborough1733]

Outstanding educational video for people that don't understand the difference between .38/357 etc. thanks Hickok45! Another great video... (-:

[@DonJefeDelBarrio]

Thank you for this video. I'm not totally new to shooting, but I'm new enough to be confused by a few things and not wanting to ask dumb questions. So, this was excellent, especially with all of the cartridges side-by-side and the firing demo. Even on the video, I can see the difference in "kick" between rounds.

[@meshugunner]

Great vid - as usual. Might mention that the .38Sp case is only about 1/4 - 1/3 full of powder (smokeless) and is mostly empty space. The .357 mag is more powerful, not because it has room for more powder but just because it is loaded hotter. The extra length is there to prevent it being accidentaly chambered in a .38Sp gun.

[@joeyscaniaman6391]

I wish handguns where easier to get in Australia

[@joeyscaniaman6391]

+Steve Johnson mate nearly all gun owners tried to fight to keep handguns. but australia's gun control lobby wants to ban guns from the county

[@alexmoore1506]

+Joe Scania man I guess they felt Port Arthur shooting was their best chance to brainwash people

[@joeyscaniaman6391]

Victor Korgoth really restricted you can't even defend yourself against a home invader with a gun or defend yourself at all without going to jail. different hear in down under the gun control lobby has more power than the gun lobby. You guys in the US your gun lobby has more power than your gun control lobby. Australia imported a leaver action shotgun it holds five rounds and the gun control lobby say's aw a mad man will go around killing people with it. Us gun owners in Australia are treated like criminal's. •Semi auto rifles •Semi auto shotguns •Pump action shotguns are banned to the normal gun owner in Australia you have to have a special permit to own them three fire arms. Handguns can only be used for sport shooting or primary produces licences ( used in the station country in the outback) and the Greens party in Australia says the only thing handguns are used for is mass murder. So hicok45 you make awsome videos mate and to all the rest of you good American gun owners never give up your rights because once there gone you'll never get them back.

[@aaronteaby4638]

Joe Scania Man Wow. It's looking like that's going to be the US pretty soon here.

[@ivanrios2417]

No it won't @@aaronteaby4638

[@MrMallychapman]

This guys accuracy is something else

[@LudwigLeopard]

*A man's got to know his limitations........*

[@zenbooter]

Ulfzark Lol, and now he’s got a new one out. CE that is. Did I get that?.

[@tonyrebel63]

I sure know mine when the bullet leave my chamber and hit the scum bag thats my limit. Then I call 911

[@christianmagrum3282]

I’ve been on the force for 15 years Callahan; and I never drew my weapon once........ (read above)

[@Exitthematrix2020]

This is why I subscribed; knowledge displayed is unmatched. Thank you!

[@7633J]

Some channels on YT I have to watch a few times before subscribing, but not with Hickok! I subscribed to him the first time I heard him and have never looked back!

[@brottarnacke]

I'm new to guns, but one thing I always wondered is how come the .45 Long Colt is less powerful than a .44 Magnum round, even though the .45 cartridge is both thicker and longer? Is the powder in the .44 stronger in itself, or do they just leave the .45 cartridge partially empty? How does this work?

[@hickok45]

brottarnacke The origins of the .45 Colt are the Colt SAA revolver. It's a fine revolver and plenty powerful, especially with the original black powder cartridges. I've loaded many .45 Colt cartridges with black powder (full case). It is an absolute magnum experience! With smokeless powder, though, the pressure curve is different, and it's not safe to load up the .45 Colt cartridge to magnum power levels unless you're going to shoot it in a modern firearm designed for that sort of .44 Magnum pressure. A Ruger or Marlin Rifle can handle it, but there's the fear that really hot .45 Colt rounds could end up in a Colt SAA, which is not designed for magnum pressures with smokeless powder. It's the same reason most .45-70 factory loadings are not too overly hot; they could end up in the original rifle for .45-70, the Trapdoor Springfield. It also was originally a black powder cartridge. In modern rifles, such as the Marlin lever guns, the .45-70 can be loaded up much warmer than what you get with most factory loadings. All this said, unless you are doing some serious hunting, either of the cartridges are probably adequate for about anything you want to do. Big pieces of lead moving fast enough for most purposes. :-)

[@brottarnacke]

Thank you very much! :-)

[@carolinabull]

hickok45 i have a comanche 3 357 look on my page watch my latest video an tell me what you think it's very rare !

[@brottarnacke]

faultroy Hickok45 straightened out most of the question marks, but thanks for the additional info and clarifications!

[@MaxwellAerialPhotography]

***** no not really, it was a term that came about in order to help differentiate it from the the .45 ACP which is sometimes erroneously called a .45 Colt also, as well Colt did have other cartridges called Long Colt from that same area thus making the term period correct if not inaccurate.

[@FTStratLP]

Thanks for the info, much appreciated. Now I see clearer. Just one question, why is called .357 Magnum and not .38 Magnum?

[@jorgesolis9468]

.38 is what they called heeled bullets but to differentiate they called it .357 mag and also because .357 was the real size

[@Cap5332]

Always thought .38 Mag sounded better.. ha

[@gregshock]

The more I think about it, the more I believe there’s more merit to the “New York reload” than speed strips, speed loaders or maybe even magazines in an auto loader. They’re making guns so small and light anymore that it might be easier to just carry two guns than think about reloading.

[@noturfather1106]

"Remember, switching to your sidearm is always faster than reloading."

[@TheROMaNProject]

About 42 years ago, when I had recently divorced and buying things impulsively wasn’t limited by a wife’s sharp criticism, I bought a used - but as new - Dan Wesson .44 magnum in a 4 inch barrel with the perhaps fool-hearty idea of carrying it for bear protection when hiking in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Several months later, a good friend and I were walking down an old forestry road going back to our hunting campsite… the sun had just set and the shadows were becoming thick & dark. My friend bet me that I couldn’t hit a fist-sized dirt clod maybe 30 feet before us. After handing him my rifle, I drew the revolver, aimed, and squeezed a double action shot. There is no describing the fearsome ball of orange-red flame that seared our retinas, nor the ungodly “WHUMP!” that left our ears ringing for hours afterwards! We could barely see the logging road for the residual sun-like image in our eyes, but somehow we managed to find our way back to camp. The next week I sold my 4 inch .44 magnum in “as new condition” to its next happy owner… having fired a single cartridge during my brief ownership. Neither one of us could tell if my shot had hit the dirt clod, nor at that point was that important! In later years, during my 9 year stint as a reserve deputy sheriff, I occasionally shot my 6 inch S&W .357 magnum without hearing protection (just a few rounds each time) because in a LEO gunfight there’s no time to put on ear muffs and without practice there’s no way to get off a 2nd or 3rd shot if you are standing there - stunned. The 2 extra inches significantly reduced the muzzle blast and roar compared to a 4 inch model I also owned. But in my entire 74 years I have only fired a single round of .44 magnum sans hearing protection!

[@xXxDuckOnQuackxXx]

Great video hickok. If i ever have a question about anything i can always count on finding it on your channel explained in great detail.

[@piperspalace2461]

I love this, I leaned a lot and now feel smarter for it.

[@HistoryandReviews]

And you’ve forgotten

[@travisj.1938]

Taurus 692 comes with a 9mm cylinder so you can shoot .380, 9x18, 9x19 and then swap to the .357 mag cylinder you can shoot .38 short, .38 long, 38 spec & .357 mag. The Perfect SHTF gun!

[@coreyshier7526]

Do you guys know WHY guns have specific caliber designations, yet the bullets fired in them are not exactly the same as the name would imply? For instance: the .38 SPC fires a jacketed bullet aprox .356-.357 inches and a cast lead bullet that is .358 inches +/-0.001" ??? Which is the same as the .357 Mag??? A 9mm and a 380ACP fires the same exact bullet size 0.355" (except for the weight); despite the fact that 9.00mm does not perfectly convert to .355" or vise-versa. Did you know the the .44Mag fires a .429" bullet? WHY does the .45ACP fire a .451" jacketed bullet, but cast lead bullets are .452" and the 45 Colt fires a .454" jacketed round, but cast cast bullets are between .454-.458"? WHY?? Just because! No reason, Just Because! Just Because that's the way they did it. So, don't get caught up in the math and physics, just accept it and move on, read a reloading manual and study Ballistics, not Physics or traditional math. Trust me, it'll save your brain.

[@hickok45]

Corey Shier A lot of it goes back to the old percussion revolvers and the "heel-type" bullets that were used early on in cartridges. I touch on this in the recent .357 Magnum Tribute video.

[@foreversone7834]

Corey Shier The developer of the cartridge gets to name it. Caliber (.38, .45, 9mm) is usually the first part of the name. The second part of the name is what really defines the geometry of the cartridge, and by extension, what types of firearms can chamber that cartridge. Although caliber has pretty much been standardized over time (albeit some are holdovers, such as the .38 special, from an earlier time), the second part of the name is left to the developer. It can be the name of the manufacture (Smith & Wesson), or a person who developed it (Luger), or some sophistication (“parabellum” - Latin for prepare for war) or a combo name (Automatic Colt Pistol that rolls into a nice sounding acronym - ACP), or simply something special (“Special”) or to invoke a metaphor (“Magnum”), or just plain Jane (“Auto”). In fact, they can even have different names for the same thing. The 9mm Luger and 9mm Parabellum are different names for the same cartridge. But what we don't want is the same name for different cartridges. That is disaster waiting to happen. So the industry polices itself and keeps the names unique by adding that unique name qualifier at the end. This is why the cartridge name is stamped on the firearm, not just the caliber. The cartridge name tells you the cartridge that can be fired in that firearm. My Beretta 92FS is a 9mm weapon, but it doesn't just have 9mm stamped on it; there are many 9mm cartridges out there, many which are NOT designed to fire in my Beretta. My Beretta has “9mm Parabellum” stamped on it. The parabellum specifically defines the 9mm cartridge the firearm is designed to chamber. I can also fire the 9mm Luger, knowing that the 9mm Luger and the 9mm Parabellum are different names for the same cartridge.

[@tenacious645]

so true lol. Thanks man :)

[@MarioKaiba]

I've known the difference between .38 Special and .357 Magnum for years... but it's nice to have someone who can explain it properly. The only handgun I own is a Charter Arms Undercover from the original factory, so it's chambered in .38 Special. I personally like lighter rounds, but I do understand why people prefer magnum as well. I'm hoping to get a 1851 Navy with the .38 Special conversion in the future.

[@kellycollins515]

Hi Hickok, just bought my first handgun and am looking for education and practical, no BS knowledge, and I've found your style and demonstrations very helpful. Im 45, female and always been fall of guns, until I found myself MORE fearful of being able to protect myself and my child, so put my big girl panties on, watching the videos, practicing with an ex Maine sharpshooter and getting my conceal and carry. Looking forward to more videos. ....... life is good.

[@Graymanone]

Good info! The majority of gun owners will never spend the money on any kind of real training so for home defense a good revolver is the way to go. Simple and easy to maintain.

[@blakedavis2447]

I disagree I think most polymer guns are easier to maintain. I mean I’ve put hundred of rounds through a Glock 19 and I never clean it but if I shoot a revolver I clean like every hundred rounds.

[@boogitybear2283]

Revolvers are my preference. They’re a lot easier to clean!

[@RonMinton-wq2iy]

i really like the 44 mag over any but. I don't know anything really but am willing to learn ,I just learned how to work a touch screen phone and found Hickok channel ,am so amazed with him ,the speaker is so knowledgeable ,wow I once had 52 rifles and ,but had to sell most of them I have no idea how that hurt pistols in my collectio

[@FFmed1c]

Awesome. Thanks Hickok. As a Glock and Smith owner… Love those classic S&W!

[@firebuster01]

thanks for that very interesting knowledge about revolvers. Philippines

[@stratiosvuchsas6889]

this takes me back, I learned on the .38 model 19 had to break down clean and assemble for 6 months before I was even allowed to put my first round into it.

[@OneTyler2Many]

I'm kind of sad there is never an add on these videos. I'd gladly sit through 11 seconds of bull to support this channel. Love it.

[@dahlski]

Thank you, sir. That's something I've been wondering about for a longtime. Could you do the same comparison with .22 longrifles vs. .22 magnum rounds? You know for us Europeans? I am in the prcess of jumping through the hoops to obtain a handgun license and in Sweden the first you can get is for a .22. And I'm a revolver fetischist so I'm going with a revolver. You have any advice on wich will be able to fire .22 magnums?

[@KevinCCucumber]

You should move dude

[@scvandy3129]

To dahlski: By now I hope you have been granted your handgun license, purchased a .22 Magnum revolver or pistol, and have become proficient, all the while enjoying our shared hobby. I hope one of your considerations is / was The Rock Island Armory XT 22 Magnum is a 1911 style semi automatic rimfire pistol. That looks like fun; well built; historical style. I feel fortunate to own a revolver, a vintage 1970 Colt .22 single action with a 6 1/2" barrel length (about 16.33 mm). It comes with two cylinders: .22 long rifle and .22 Magnum. The gun is beautiful and accurate; a delight to shoot in both calibers. I trust this answer was heads-and-tails better than "Kevin C Cucumber's" insensitive replay -- the kind where KZbin and Hickok45 viewers wonder "Why bother? If you can't help, 'pass' and read on to the next group of remarks where there just might be a question you can intelligently answer with a sense of kindness and politeness."

[@callmehanson9466]

I'm not a gun person, but the bottom middle revolver is beautiful.

[@VCBird6]

"Moderate magnum loads" he says, as his targets get launched into orbit... Awesome

[@jorgecallico9177]

The .44 magnum had lots of muzzle flash. Whereas the .44 special had no flames at all. I've noticed the same thing on my .357 magnum vs .38 special loads. The .357 magnum sends out flaming gases in a very hot load. You can see it especially when looking down those dark shooting ranges. The magnum round really lights the whole aisle up when fired. When the special just smokes a tiny bit.

[@Jonathanlexy]

What I really like about your videos is how much you love teaching. Great video.

[@georgeclark2349]

only real difference is what you can control on every shot, that is all that matters, if you cannot control the gun on every shot then it is useless no matter what anyone ever tells you, if you cannot control your self defense round well you are dead.

[@arcticjoe1142]

Thank you very much for making this video. I've asked the question before, but nobody has ever explained it so clearly. I'm currently shopping for my first pistol and didn't know what I should be looking at. This helps me understand better. I'd still like to know a little more history of the rounds (and the guns). Obviously the specials came first, and then the more powerful magnums were introduced. But, was there ever a 38 standard? Or a 44 standard? Where did the "special" term come from?

[@tinchin6328]

Before the 38 special, there was a 38. But I do not aware of was there a 44 before the 44 special. 🤔🤔🤔

[@jasonshortphd]

That was fantastic. Thanks for posting all these videos. Have had a blast watching. I didn't know that you could shoot the 38 special in a 357... Learned something new.

[@JZ-X]

Just bought a SW 686. Great video on my new revolver journey!! Merica!!!

[@rudy52350]

Fun to watch these old vid's again .

[@zyad48]

why is it called 357 magnum instead of 38 magnum? they're the same caliber... they did it with the 44s...

[@zyad48]

The USA That's what caliber stands for... 50 caliber bullets are .50 in diameter .44 magnum is .44 in diameter... my question is why was it changed from 38 to 357 if they're the same caliber?

[@zyad48]

The USA at this point I'm assuming they made it 357 just to make it sound cooler

[@OtterVonBiscuit]

Because back in the blackpowder days, 38s were actually 38s. Then when projectile design started to advance more into smokeless powder and self contained cartridges, they "shrunk" down to a 36, or more exactly, at 357. The '38' designation stuck though, since everyone knew what it was. So when the 357 magnum was invented, they called it what it actually was instead of keeping the "misidentified" 38 name going.

[@zyad48]

Chris Hunt Actually, according to wikipedia(so take it with a grain of salt I guess) .38 special cartridges were actually .357s in that the bullet diameter was actually .357

[@OtterVonBiscuit]

Yes, 38 specials were always .357 diameter, but they evolved from the cap and ball revolvers which were .36 caliber or .38 caliber.

[@SierraBravo347]

Life IS good when you're shooting Magnums!

[@jacktorrance7639]

Awesome! I learned something new. thanks for sharing this awesome vid.

[@Mrmarcus501]

Thx sir. I always learn alot watching your channel

[@poughkeepsieblue]

Ive always been a big fan of the s&w .38 police special.

[@mariejames9705]

A .357 magnum revolver was the first gun I ever shot. Had more of a kick than I was expecting, but after the first one you kinda know what to expect.

[@enzowarren9832]

Can you do a comparison between a .38 Special and a .950 JDJ? They are very similar rounds.

[@jlove24]

I have that exact 38 special it’s my everyday carry

[@joshuamarvin7400]

hickok has the best laugh of any individual. I wish he was my grandpa.

[@TheMyfly45]

thanks for the info it cleared up all my questions about why you can use .38 sp in a .357 very informative

[@atlyvwire]

Great vid! I reload specials for wife and kids & Mags for me. 😁.

[@Harrymasonx04]

When it comes to using .38 special in a .357, is it okay to use .38 special +p in a .357? I've tried to consult the the website for my specific gun (Ruger Security Six) but I did not see anything on it there.

[@SchizophenicMongoloid]

Yes. +P is still only half the muzzle energy of .357 Mag. Definitely hotter than .38 SPL, but nowhere even remotely close to the power of .357 Mag

[@bigidiotdumbstupidguy9329]

I know I'm a little late to the party, but would anyone recommend revolver over semi auto? My father served 25~ years in the Navy and was lucky enough to receive one of about 1,500 ingrained S&W 1911 with the Seabee insignia near the foresight and an American flag towards the rear sight and we both love that weapon to death. He taught me how to shoot when I was about 10 and that was the first weapon I fired, (though it was a range rental) and I have the utmost respect for any firearm. Now I'm approaching the time that I go into college and I'm turning 18 soon and I would love to purchase a S&W Model 19. After I get all the necessary permits and trainings (if needed) of course. I just need someone who's better versed in handguns to help me out and kind of "guide me" towards a good purchase, where to buy, whether or not I can just buy from preference and bias. Really any help would be much appreciated. Godspeed.

[@jacobcelo7040]

I'm no expert by any means, but I've got some experience under my belt. I've fired a number of handguns, everything from little S&W Escorts, to 10mm Glocks. I also grew up shooting my uncle's 1911 series 70, and lusted over the S&W model 19(none better in my eyes). Still a dream gun of mine. But I think the first thing you should do is decide what you want to do with the handgun. Recreational, hunting, personal protection, be it carry or home defense. then make up a short list of what you want in said handgun. caliber, size, weight, etc. I think the 19 is perfection for a gun of its class, but I wouldn't go to one for a carry gun. just as I wouldn't shoot that little S&W escort for fun. Model 19 is a bulky, heavy piece to carry, but if you are comfortable with that its an outstanding choice. If you're looking for a collectible/recreational gun there's none better in my eyes. Ammo can be costly and rare depending on your area. Another thing to consider. I'd say go to a gun shops if possible and feel one for yourself. Try different guns, different grips, even better if you can shoot one(I guarantee you'll love shooting the 19) and get a better feel for them.

[@bigidiotdumbstupidguy9329]

Jake Celo Well I'm in California, so it's a helluva lot more difficult to get any weapon in general. But I would be using whatever handgun (or if it were a rifle, it'd be a range rifle, like a Mauser K98 or, preferably, an M1 Garand) as a target shooter. So it would be something like a Sig Sauer P226, the Model 19, or an M1911 from whichever company is getting the best response. Something with a duel purpose of home defense and target practise. High enough caliber that it'll drop someone if necessary, but in the words of my father, "not punch through the guy, through the wall, and kill the neighbor."

[@jacobcelo7040]

***** All three of those are fine choices. If cost isn't an issue, I'd go for the Sig if you want a semi. I've never handled a 226 myself, but my cousin has had a 228 since the 1990s and it's performed like a champ. 1911 is also great, but less rounds and I personally prefer the DA/SA setup of the Sigs. but that's entirely preference. 9mm is also more cost effective than .45, but 1911s do come in 9mm(But round counts probably about half the Sig, may not matter in Cali however). Model 19 would be my pick of the 3. Solid choice for home defense, 6 rounds of either .38s or .357s. I've had a model 10-8 on my bedside table for a long time, never felt like I needed more(But I did switch it with a Glock, my Smiths are safe queens now) I've always ran .38 special 158 grain hollow points in my .357s for defense. Less penetration, decent power, and a hell of a lot less recoil and noise. I'd hate to fire a .357 in my home. You can also shoot .38 wadcutters for target shooting and then get the more premium ammo for defensive purposes. Revolvers will also run any kind of ammo you want, where as semis can get picky(I've heard this to be true with 1911s). I think you should see if you can handle all three of those before making your choice. Might be worth getting the handgun for target shooting and something like a 12 gauge shotgun for home defense.

[@bigidiotdumbstupidguy9329]

I agree with almost everything you said here. I'm going to make plans to go down to the local indoor range (the nearest outdoor range is almost an hour away and charges a fortune and you can't even use your own guns unless they're shotguns... For some reason) and see if I could test out a .357 and a few 9mm's, maybe a .38 if they have one. My only problem with say, a Mossberg 500 or a Remington 870 (both of which at some point I would love to own) for home defense seems a little ridiculous. Unless you're in a ranchouse or a huge open area, you're going to blow out your ears on the first blast. Same goes for a .357, though I think there are some revolvers that can reduce the noise significantly due to their construction. A .38 might be something pretty nice to look out for and I hadn't thought of that. Anything in .38 comes at a pretty high cost around here. But the 1911 + Model 19 will both always be on my radar. Along with my beloved M1 Garand and Mauser K98. Thank you very much for the advice. I'll be sure to look around and try a few different ranges.

[@jacobcelo7040]

+Jack Petry Hopefully you can try out some good guns. Sucks about the range. I'm glad I don't live in Cal. .38 and .357 ammo is expensive here too, but I find it a lot more often than 9mm, .40, .45 or .22 which is always nice. I agree with you on the shotgun, I'd never want to fire it indoors. I keep a 9mm and shotgun by the bedside, but we have a lot of land. If for whatever reason I need to venture beyond my bedroom I'd take the shotgun. It's an 870 with a side saddle. But for indoors I'd stick to the 9mm. M1 Garand is a heck of a lot of fun to shoot. M1 Carbine will always be my favorite rifle though. I hope you can shoot all those (or even own them) someday. Good luck with your purchase!

[@dejanvasic918]

I am learning so much watching you'r videos they are very educational, especially this one ... The most quality thirteen minute video about gun science :) Thank you Mr.Hickok ...

[@calculatedrisk6369]

I would almost feel bad for anyone that would try to rob or cause harm to you Hickok.. What a legend. Lol

[@Terminvtor]

S/O to your cam man💪

[@thegonz9]

Thanks for the video. It was very interesting and informative.

[@alexanderson6758]

hey Hickok, love your videos. quick question for you though. is there any risk of ballooning the cylinder on a .357 if you shoot too many .38 specials out of it. Seeing as the casing is shorter, will the powder and the force expand the end of the cylinder? or have you heard of any problems like that? a gentleman at my range warned me against shooting .38s out of it regularly. if that question makes any sense, thanks!

[@isaacbarden8365]

You can shoot .38s all day long without worrying. Check your manual before you try a +P, however. Your manual should specify for your specific gun.

[@alexanderson6758]

Isaac Barden alright thank you very much!

[@1digitalwatcher]

I thought that too... when I read on here that a lady had her gun cleaned because she had shot to many 38's out of a 357. It is the same I guess shooting a 22 short out of a 22lr cylinder. What always gets me is the ring's...... in side the cylinder when I bought my new GP 100 , I guess because the cylinder is made of diff material than barrel.

[@gordongrimes6773]

You can shoot .38 spl forever. Operating pressure is different 17K psi for a .38 versus about 2.5X greater for a .357 that is the reason for the differerence in case length so you cannot try and shoot a .357 out of a .e38spl. I shoot and reload both and have never heard or seen the problem it might occur if a .38 became "stuck" in the cylinder during shooting by being dirty. Would have to be really dirty or something else happennning during shot.

[@shanekingsley251]

Old comment, but the answer is still no it wont. That would be the equivalent of ballooning out your barrel because it extends beyond the tip of the bullet. And add to the the fact that any firearm designed for a magnum load is built exceptionally sturdy, and there's no reason to be concerned. Firing a round that leaves a considerable amount of space in the chamber(like .22 out of a .22lr) will gunk up the cylinder over time, but you can prevemt that simply by running the occasional patch through it.

[@philryan7254]

I can't believe the difference in power from a 44 and a 357 and a 38 specials well demonstrated I only wish here in England I could get myself a 38 Special myself. One of my favourite little guns is the snub nose 38 nickel-plated...Cheers Phil from Newark

[@MrShysterme]

Slugs ordinarily fit into the lands and about to the depth of the grooves. The difference between the land to land diameter and groove to groove diameter will depend upon the individual manufacturer as they differ in rifling depth. The groove to groove diameter is what is usually standardized. The depth of rifling is for most barrels is around 0.005 inches. Assuming you are right, if we double that to 0.01 and then add it to .357 you will see that it only means a gr to gr diam of 0.367.