Maximum cartridge length .38 special

[twoshotc]

There is always plenty on information about the minimum overall cartridge length but I have not seen much about the maximum length. I have a Rossi .357 lever action that cycles .357s ok but it just flips .38s out the top as I work the lever. It seems that the .38s are just too short. So I was wondering if I could load .38 cases with a longer overall length to see if they would cycle and chamber?
What do you think?

[44Vaquero]

It's been done before, Rossi's and Henry's can be fussy about over-all length. The Cowboy action guys have been doing this for years. Just remember that they might not fit in a .38 caliber revolver, a .357 would not be a problem.

[mdi]

Make up some dummie rounds with different seating depths. Find the minimum length that will feed reliably. Check with Steve's Guns, Nate Kiowa Jones, for expert advise on Rossi leverguns...

[Mk42gunner]

My .357 Magnum Winchester Model 94AE Ranger Compact (the name is almost longer than the carbine) does the same thing. I figured it was because the 94 is really a rifle cartridge length action using a very short cartridge.

My solution is to use .357 brass for any kind of serious load, and only use .38 brass when plinking.

Robert

[Outpost75]

FWIW in the .38/.357 Marlins, rounds longer than 1.61" OAL will not allow the lifter to rise, and shorter than 1.40" may double-feed, either condition causing the famous "Marlin jam."

SAAMI Max. overall cartridge length is 1.55" for .38 Special and 1.59" for .357 Mag.

[twoshotc]

I loaded some 38 brass to 357 length with the same 158gr bullets. The Rossi cycled the long 38s perfectly and the bonus was that the accuracy was much better than the 357s.
How about that.

[mdi]

I loaded some 38 brass to 357 length with the same 158gr bullets. The Rossi cycled the long 38s perfectly and the bonus was that the accuracy was much better than the 357s.
How about that.
Excellent! I'm thinkin' 'bout a '92 in .357 Magnum so I'll have to remember this...