The .38 Special & .357 Remington Magnum ~ Incomparable versatility!

Published on April 25, 2020
Duration: 45:44

This video provides an in-depth comparison of the .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges, detailing their historical development, ballistic performance, and optimal uses. The speaker, with apparent expertise in firearms instruction, explains how bullet design significantly impacts terminal ballistics, emphasizing tissue destruction over pure energy. He discusses the evolution of ammunition for both calibers, from early round-nose lead bullets to modern jacketed hollow-points, and advises on selecting appropriate loads based on barrel length and intended application, such as self-defense, small game hunting, or competitive shooting.

Quick Summary

The .357 Magnum offers greater velocity and tissue destruction than the .38 Special, partly due to its longer case and truncated-nose bullet design. While wadcutters are good for target practice, they are unsuitable for self-defense. For short-barreled .38 Special revolvers, lighter bullets like 110-grain are often more effective than heavier loads with slower powders.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Personal Update
  2. 00:36Introducing .38 Special & .357 Magnum
  3. 01:14History of the .38 Special
  4. 02:04.38 Special: Early Performance Issues
  5. 02:47Tissue Destruction vs. Energy
  6. 04:09.38 Special Performance Evolution
  7. 04:43Changing Law Enforcement Needs
  8. 05:42.38 Special Versatility: Target Loads
  9. 06:59Duty Ammunition & Liability
  10. 07:16.38 Special for Competitive Use
  11. 07:41Wadcutters: Not for Self-Defense
  12. 08:34Other .38 Special Bullet Types
  13. 09:27Modern Defensive .38 Special Loads
  14. 10:26Bullet Construction Considerations
  15. 10:41.38 Special as a Self-Defense Cartridge
  16. 11:47.38 Special vs. 9mm: Design Advantages
  17. 12:50Barrel Length & .38 Special Loads
  18. 14:15125 Grain Plus P .38 Special Loads
  19. 15:23.38 Special for Plinking & Small Game
  20. 16:05Bear Encounters & Firearm Choice
  21. 17:04Case Dimensions: .38 Special vs .357 Magnum
  22. 17:30Introduction of the .357 Magnum
  23. 18:38Bullet Design Differences
  24. 19:09Cartridge Naming Conventions
  25. 19:54.357 Magnum: Tissue Destruction
  26. 20:50Bullet Redesign in the 1970s
  27. 21:45Versatility of Both Cartridges
  28. 21:59.357 Magnum & Wadcutter Loads
  29. 22:34.357 Magnum in Law Enforcement History
  30. 23:38Police Officer Recoil Sensitivity
  31. 24:39Liability & Firearms Training
  32. 25:13Rise of Departmental Instructors
  33. 25:40Training Challenges with .357 Magnum
  34. 26:03Departments Carrying .357s, Loading .38s
  35. 26:28Evolution of .38 Special Plus P
  36. 27:01.357 Magnum as Law Enforcement Cartridge Debate
  37. 27:36Legal Ramifications for Departments
  38. 28:38.357 Magnum for Hunting
  39. 29:39.357 Magnum vs. .30-30 for Deer
  40. 30:33Recommended .357 Magnum Hunting Bullets
  41. 31:01Keith Style Bullets for Hunting
  42. 32:06Conclusion & Personal Anecdote
  43. 33:07Ticks and Bears: Field Concerns
  44. 34:33Final Thoughts on .38 Special & .357 Magnum
  45. 34:41Firearm Frame Weights
  46. 35:28L-Frame and Beyond
  47. 36:46.357 Magnum for Hunting Sidearms
  48. 37:19Closing Remarks & Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference in performance between the .38 Special and .357 Magnum cartridges?

The .357 Magnum generally offers higher velocity and energy than the .38 Special, leading to greater tissue destruction. This is partly due to its longer case allowing for more powder and its historically more effective truncated-nose bullet design, compared to the .38 Special's original round-nose lead bullets.

Are wadcutter bullets suitable for self-defense with a .38 Special?

No, wadcutter bullets are not recommended for self-defense. While they create clean holes for target shooting, they cannot be safely driven at high velocities required for effective self-defense without risking barrel leading or damage to the firearm.

How does barrel length affect .38 Special ammunition performance?

For short-barreled .38 Special revolvers (like 1 7/8" or 2"), lighter bullets (e.g., 110-grain) are often preferred. Heavier bullets with slower-burning powders may not fully ignite in short barrels, reducing velocity and effectiveness, and potentially increasing muzzle flash.

Why was the .357 Magnum considered for law enforcement, and what were the challenges?

The .357 Magnum offered superior stopping power, but its significant recoil made it difficult for many police officers to handle effectively during training and qualification. This led many departments to issue .357 Magnum revolvers but load them with less powerful .38 Special ammunition.

What bullet designs are recommended for hunting with a .357 Magnum?

For hunting with a .357 Magnum, bullet weights of 140 grains or better are recommended, with 158-grain jacketed soft points being a good choice. Elmer Keith-style semi-wadcutter bullets, made from hard lead alloy, are also highly effective due to their truncated cone and sharp shoulder design.

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