38S&W-38S&WSPL

[M-61]

Is there anything wrong with trimming 38SPL brass to S&W 38 length ? And if not can 357 brass also be trimmed to 38 S&W? Of course starting with a light load for the 38SW.
Purpose is just have the brass, not to improve the ballistics of the 38SW .
Thanks

 

[GLShooter]

The actual case diameter is different , which precludes shortening the taller cases. The Special is about 0.008 smaller than the S&W. Cases will often split when fired in the bigger chamber.

 

[K22]

The actual case diameter is different , which precludes shortening the taller cases.

This is correct - so the answer is NO if you intend to shoot the modified case out of a 38 S&W pistol.

 

[dellet]

Starline actually makes 38 S&W, not real expensive.

38 S&W Cases .780

This Starline brass case in 38 Smith & Wesson uses a RCBS #6, Lyman X1 or a Lyman X21 shell holder. Item numbers RCB9206, LYM7738040 or LYM7738075. 0.767 - 0.773 O.A.L. Also known as the .38 Colt New Police and the .38 Super Police. CANNOT BE USED IN 38 SPECIAL.

www.buffaloarms.com

 

[Bill K]

With the old 38S&W case and bullet being slightly bigger than the 38 Special, the whole body needs sized down.
It is best to just obtain 38special brass and work with it, rather than have to, in a sense, reform the 38 S&W brass, at least my opinion.

 

[762plinker]

With the old 38S&W case and bullet being slightly bigger than the 38 Special, the whole body needs sized down.
It is best to just obtain 38special brass and work with it, rather than have to, in a sense, reform the 38 S&W brass, at least my opinion.

i think you read that backwards

 

[Bill K]

You are correct. Sorry.

i think you read that backwards

 

[BigBolt]

Here are the drawings from SAAMI.

 

[divingin]

Cartridge data:

38 Special:

Parent case	.38 Long Colt
Case type	Rimmed, straight
Bullet diameter	.357 in (9.1 mm)
Land diameter	.346 in (8.8 mm)
Neck diameter	.379 in (9.6 mm)
Base diameter	.379 in (9.6 mm)
Rim diameter	.44 in (11 mm)
Rim thickness	.058 in (1.5 mm)
Case length	1.155 in (29.3 mm)
Overall length	1.550 in (39.4 mm)
Case capacity	23.4 gr H2O (1.52 cm3)
Primer type	Small pistol
Maximum pressure (CIP)	22,000 psi (150 MPa)
Maximum pressure (SAAMI)	17,500 psi (121 MPa)
Maximum CUP	15,000 CUP

38 Smith and Wesson:

Bullet diameter	.361 in (9.2 mm)
Land diameter	.350 in (8.9 mm)
Neck diameter	.3855 in (9.79 mm)
Base diameter	.3865 in (9.82 mm)
Rim diameter	.440 in (11.2 mm)
Rim thickness	.055 in (1.4 mm)
Case length	.775 in (19.7 mm)
Overall length	1.240 in (31.5 mm)
Primer type	Small pistol
Maximum pressure	14,500 psi (100 MPa)