38 SUPER In a .357 MAGNUM!....Can You? Should You? How does It Perform?

Published on February 14, 2023
Duration: 14:45

This video tests the performance of 38 Super, 38 Special +P, and 357 Magnum ammunition fired from a Ruger GP100 .357 Magnum revolver. It demonstrates that 38 Super can be chambered and fired in a .357 Magnum revolver due to its semi-rimmed case, but performance is significantly degraded. The test includes chronograph readings, gel penetration, and projectile expansion analysis for each caliber.

Quick Summary

Firing 38 Super in a .357 Magnum revolver is possible due to its semi-rimmed case, but performance is significantly degraded. Ballistic tests show lower velocities, minimal expansion, and excessive penetration for 38 Super compared to 38 Special +P and 357 Magnum fired from the same revolver.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Setup
  2. 00:33Ammunition Overview: 38 Super, 38 Special +P, 357 Magnum
  3. 01:15Can You Run 38 Super in a .357 Magnum Revolver?
  4. 02:21Chronograph Readings: 38 Super
  5. 03:48Chronograph Readings: 38 Special +P
  6. 04:57Chronograph Readings: 357 Magnum
  7. 06:07Gel Testing: Can You But Should You?
  8. 06:2738 Super Gel Test Results
  9. 07:0038 Special +P Gel Test Results
  10. 07:16357 Magnum Gel Test Results
  11. 07:46Gel Test Analysis: Penetration and Expansion
  12. 10:16Projectile Recovery and Weight Analysis
  13. 12:31Conclusion: 38 Super in .357 Magnum Performance
  14. 13:31Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

Can 38 Super ammunition be fired in a .357 Magnum revolver?

Yes, 38 Super can be fired in a .357 Magnum revolver. Its semi-rimmed case allows it to chamber and be extracted by the revolver's ejector. However, this is not recommended due to significantly reduced performance and potential safety concerns if not properly understood.

How does 38 Super perform when fired from a .357 Magnum revolver?

When fired from a .357 Magnum revolver, 38 Super exhibits significantly lower velocities, inconsistent performance, minimal expansion, and excessive penetration in ballistic gel tests, indicating a loss of efficiency compared to its intended firearm platform.

What are the key differences in performance between 38 Super, 38 Special +P, and 357 Magnum?

In a .357 Magnum revolver, 357 Magnum provides the highest velocity and best expansion/energy transfer. 38 Special +P offers moderate performance, while 38 Super shows the weakest results with excessive penetration and minimal expansion, likely due to pressure loss.

What are the projectile weights and expansion characteristics tested?

The test included 115-grain 38 Super (minimal expansion), 125-grain 38 Special +P (good expansion), and 125-grain 357 Magnum (massive expansion and fragmentation). Projectile weights were measured after recovery.

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