[prickett]

This is probably a stupid question, but here it goes anyway...
I have a Model 66 .38/.357. Can I shoot +P .38 Specials in it? (not sure if .38 Special +P's are higher pressure than .357's)

TIA

 

[NYPD]

+P .38 Specials are nowhere near the pressure level of any .357 Magnum cartridge. You're fine.

 

[Qwiks draw]

Good thing you got that question big N. I'd a come with the links.

 

[Qwiks draw]

On second thought.

There are over a dozen... more, closer to 2 dozen links I have on .357magnum and .38 Special ammo if prickett wants them. Just way yes and the data will flow.

Be aware though that it will take a while to read all the links. One of those 'get the beverages and snacks out, this'll take a while' type of things.

 

[Qwiks draw]

Been a busy little beaver. Came up with these that may be of interest.

http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=5747.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=2349.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=3192.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=791.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=2661.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=3383.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=2132.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=4916.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=346.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=2689.0
http://www.taurusarmed.net/forums/index.php?topic=935.0

Please realize that it's safe as NYPD in AZ has pointed out.

There will be rings of grime buildup where the .38 Special brass rests in the cylinder. These deposits need to be cleaned out with solvent and and a bronze brush after each range session in which .38 Specials are used. If this is not done an accumulation of hardened on debris can make insertion of magnum or .38 Special cartridges hard or impossible.

During a defense emergency reload this could have dire consequences as the ammo will refuse to go in fast or not at all when needed. Just somethng to be aware of and guard against.

 

[Robby]

There will be rings of grime buildup where the .38 Special brass rests in the cylinder. These deposits need to be cleaned out with solvent and and a bronze brush after each range session in which .38 Specials are used. If this is not done an accumulation of hardened on debris can make insertion of magnum or .38 Special cartridges hard or impossible.

During a defense emergency reload this could have dire consequences as the ammo will refuse to go in fast or not at all when needed. Just somethng to be aware of and guard against.

I knew you could not keep the links out of this. But thanks for the reminder about 38's and 357 cylinders. I tend to shoot almost totally 38's for practice, so far my 357 blazer aluminums are loading fine, but I sure plan to pay attention to that area on my next cleaning.

 

[NativeTexan]

One thing I love about my two 66s, they're extremely accurate with .38 special. Not all .357s are. I've owned a Ruger Security Six that wouldn't shoot a wadcutter into 3" at 25 yards from a rest. I'm a stickler for accuracy and that didn't make me happy. I had a Smith M19 that bettered that by an inch, but my 3" 66 puts 'em into 1.5" and my 4"er will make a one hole group if I can do my part that particular day. A ransom rest and lord knows how tight the group would be. It shoots .357s well, too, of course.

Now, most folks would think my accuracy fetish stupid, but in the case of my 4" 66, it's a hiking gun and could be needed for small game. I've shot squirrel with it, very accurate for that. Hunters and hikers who might need the gun for survival desire a higher level of inherent accuracy from the gun than do folks whose only desire is self defense. That Security Six was very accurate with .357s and adequate for self defense with any load, just that I needed more. That's why I still have my M66s and the 19 and the Security Six are gone. AND, the versatility of the .357 to shoot the light .38s (all .38s are light compared to .357 loads) is what makes a .357 revolver so useful to the outdoorsman.

 

[prickett]

Thanks for all the answers!

I had a "duh" moment and realized reloading manuals have pressures listed in them. I was surprised that +P pressures were so much less than magnums.

 

[Rebailey]

.38 Special +P is fine. Just clean the cylinder holes after each shooting session.