Looking for .38 Special +P+

[middlefinger]

.

if your gun is not rated for 357 +P+ puts you in kaboom territory

I read awhile back because there are plenty of 38 specials that will not handle +P+ or 357 loads

liability concerns is the reason ammo manufacturers have discontinued producing +P+

[Jimmy_Chimichanga]

.

if your gun is not rated for 357 +P+ puts you in kaboom territory

http://www.saami.org/PubResources/_C...-%20Pistol.pdf

there is no saami spec for .357 +p+ so no gun is going to be rated for it

[Hodgie]

http://www.saami.org/PubResources/_C...-%20Pistol.pdf

there is no saami spec for .357 +p+ so no gun is going to be rated for it

I believe what he is saying is one would need to run 38 special +P+ through a revolver chambered in .357 or you run the risk of a Kaboom in a standard 38 special revolver even if rated for 38 special +P.

[middlefinger]

.

The point is if you load a 357 round into a 38 there is no liability on their part because you clearly used the wrong ammo for the gun.

38 special ammo loaded to or near 357 pressures that is not designed for those pressures could cause a catastrophic failure and would open up the ammo manufacturer to a lawsuit just because one could argue it's labled 38 and you put it in a 38 caliber gun thinking it was ok

just because you can doesn't make it a good idea

if you want 357 pressures buy a 357.

don't try to make a 38 into a 357 with overloaded ammo

[Bang]

^^^^ especially in a 5-shot model 36 snubby.

[Tim Ault]

^^^^ especially in a 5-shot model 36 snubby.

I would agree . But in a good modern medium frame like a model 10 ,64 or any of the rugers chambered in 38 spl from back in the day , I also would have no qualms shooting those loads in a 38 only sp101 . As it's been said better to get the 357 mag but if all you own is a strong 38 special then so be it make the most of what you have .

[Bang]

I'm thinking that a revolver in good condition but not built for +P+ isn't going to blow up in six rounds of +P+.

The gun is going to get battered beyond what its build can withstand and continued abuse would lead to unpleasant effects such as a wide gap spewing gas-driven debris. That might take more than six rounds.

If I'm right, loading with +P+ for EDC knowing it's a one-time load for a defense problem more serious than a now-damaged revolver might be reasonable.

[Pizza Bob]

there is no saami spec for .357 +p+ so no gun is going to be rated for it

Not quite correct. There are some H&K's that, in the owner's manual, state they are approved for +P+. Also, there is a J-frame Smith that was approved for use with +P+ and had it laser etched on the frame - I believe on the underside of the top strap.

Since there is no SAAMI spec for +P+, as has been pointed out, you are buying a "pig-in-a-poke". You have no idea the pressure generated - which tells me that H&K has great (maybe misplaced) faith in their product. As for the Smith, you have to understand where +P+ ammo originated. Such ammo is made under contract for specific agencies, for use in specific, manufacturer approved firearms. That Smith mentioned previously would have been approved for a specific load, for a particular agency. Since we have no idea what load was approved for that gun, you are still taking a big chance by using +P+ ammo that has found its way to the commercial market.

The simple answer is "DON'T". If you want more power, buy a gun of the appropriate caliber.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

[Tim Ault]

We may not know the pressure that a +p+ runs at but sure a shit the manufacturer dose ,I highly doubt they would give that out with a random phone call though .

[GeneCC]

.

if your gun is not rated for 357 +P+ puts you in kaboom territory

I read awhile back because there are plenty of 38 specials that will not handle +P+ or 357 loads

liability concerns is the reason ammo manufacturers have discontinued producing +P+

Might also be that the 357 Magnum drove +P+ out of the market. Why take a chance with blowing up your 38 special pistol when you can get a 357 magnum?