Snubbies: .38 Specials vs. .357 Magnums

[CJ]

That thread seems to support barrel length has more of an effect than does the speed of the powder.

Manufacturers do not load special rounds for short barrels, because in large barrels you get reduced velocity. The whole interested in the proposed test is to show just how effective it can be.

[Nash B.]

That thread seems to support barrel length has more of an effect than does the speed of the powder.

Well, yeah, but that's not relevant to the discussion we're having. In our discussion, barrel length is the constant (2" or so), powder type is the variable. With the exception of fecmech, everybody agrees that a fast powder will outperform a slow powder in a very short barrel.

[Bassics]

That thread seems to support barrel length has more of an effect than does the speed of the powder.

That is because of the time allowed for acceleration due to expansion. It is similar to the power stroke length of a bow.

Even in slower rifle powders, the powder should be completely burned in the first couple of inches. The gasses however continue expanding. there is a theoretical limit to rate of expansion for nitrocellulose of roughly 5000 fps.

The peak pressure point arrives before full burn; this point is extremely important because it must coincide with the swaging of the bullet, which varies depending on cylinders (for revolvers), forcing cone, rifling, taper, bullet crimp, material hardness, etc. A double base propellant varies the peak pressure point considerably because the nitroglycerin has different properties depending on how much pressure it is already under from the nitrocellulose burn.

It is an oldie but a goodie, (and someone still has my copy) but hatcher's notebook is a great source of internal ballistic info.

[ThreeFingerPete]

Cj, I know you wanted to chrono some loads, ill volunteer the alaskan if you want to test these theories

[Roger]

FYI, in case it helps your testing. Speer has some short barrel data for both 38+p and 357 Mag in their reloading book. They only do that with the lighter Gold Dot bullets but the same bullets and powders are listed with longer barrel lengths as well. You can see the reduction in velocity and that different powders acheive max velocity in the different barrel lengths.

[03trubluGT]

Well, yeah, but that's not relevant to the discussion we're having. In our discussion, barrel length is the constant (2" or so), powder type is the variable. With the exception of fecmech, everybody agrees that a fast powder will outperform a slow powder in a very short barrel.

I'm not saying that there is a difference, I'm just saying that length weighs more than speed.

I would doubt that one powder would chrono 875 fps and another would chrono 1600 fps out of a 2" barrel.

[Nash B.]

I'm not saying that there is a difference, I'm just saying that length weighs more than speed.

I would doubt that one powder would chrono 875 fps and another would chrono 1600 fps out of a 2" barrel.

you might be surprised. not sure about 2" barrels specifically, but take a look at some 460 S&W and 500 S&W loads. You can get 1800-2000 fps with Lil' Gun/H110/296, and then drop down to 1000 fps or less with Trail Boss.

I would really like to try some of this with a short-barreled 460 or 500 S&W. Guess that's another one to add to the list...

[aggie97]

damn, that's cheap.

too cheap?

same question. might need another wheel gun.

[CJ]

Cj, I know you wanted to chrono some loads, ill volunteer the alaskan if you want to test these theories

I'd like to test that actually. I wonder what kind of velocity that thing gets.

[ThreeFingerPete]

I'd like to test that actually. I wonder what kind of velocity that thing gets.

I'm busy until the 16th, but after that I'm game

[bigmuskie]

I was looking for snubbie for the wife and I came across this little gem at Cabelas and not bad priced either @ $279.00

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shoot...3Bcat105527880

I shot my EAA Windicator for the first time today. I don't know much about revolvers, but my first experience with this gun was excellent. I shot both .38 and .357 through the gun, and it shot flawless with both loads. It has some weight to it, but I'm sure that helps with recoil, especially when firing .357. Having never shot a 38/357, it was a considerable difference in sound and kick between the two rounds. For the price, you can't beat it. So far, no complaints here.