38/357Mag from 357Max brass.

I got this idea some time ago, and lets face it folks....those shot capsules just aren't always around. Not to mention the LGS told me those lighter revolvers (namely the 38Spl) have a tendency to have a bit more felt recoil and the shot capsules want to back out of the case.

I got in some 357Max brass, and I trimmed some down to 1.520 from the 1.600 factory 357Max length. For the 357Mag loads you can just leave it alone since the 1.600 length will work just fine.

I'm pretty much using regular loading data despite the fact I'm using more shot.

For these I'm using 4.5gr of B-Eye which in my revolver works just fine, and it's a 357Mag.

Once I prime I put the powder in and I'm using an aluminum 8mm (.323) as an over powder wad which works just fine. Factory shot load is 100gr using the shot capsules Speer makes when you can find them. These hold a bit more and I put in 120gr (20% increase) in these. The Speer ammo for 38Spl holds 100gr of #9 and I'm using #8 since that's the smallest I have right now, which is a 20% increase in payload.

Here's the Stats on the factor 38Spl shot shells. http://www.midwayusa.com/s?targetLoc...temsPerPage=48

Now what I use is something called a notching die, it comes from CH-4D and this is what it looks like. Granted the link takes you to the die but that 1 in particular is for a 50BMG but I didn't look around for the exact same thing I have although I know it's in there site (somewhere). 50 BMG Blank Crimp Die : CH4D



Now your going to need to reduce the diameter a bit so that it'll clear the forcing cone. For that I used a 22Rem Jet #1 form die, and I know not everyone has that. But I'm sure you folks have a LEE push through sizer in 356 which should work just fine.

Attachment 191721

From left to right: 357Mag with 135gr #8 shot....Speer capsules loaded in 38Spl.....38Spl made from 357Max with a 120gr load.

All but the Speer shot capsules will cycle in a lever gun.

Attachment 191809

I know it's hard to tell by the picture, but they do split after being 1x fired.

Want to prevent that?.....Just roll crimp the end just like jmorris did and the problem is solved.

Nice job Grumpa. Got any pics of the brass after firing?

I like it, but Max brass isn't exactly cheap, can it be reused (for shot) after firing?

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Originally Posted by tigweldit

Nice job Grumpa. Got any pics of the brass after firing?

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I'll check and see if I have it laying around, if I can find it I'll post a picture of it. If you've ever used a 22 shot load it looks the same.

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Originally Posted by JimB..

I like it, but Max brass isn't exactly cheap, can it be reused (for shot) after firing?

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I really wouldn't try and reuse it. I came up with this idea for the LGS to be honest. Those they use once and that's it and the price is still cheaper making your own from 357Max brass.

The only way to get around it is to use a gas check as an over shot card and roll crimp. Just don't plan on using it in anything but a revolver though. Just finding the factory loads is hit and miss even going through a supplier, as the LGS is all to familiar with.

I just have to try the 8mm aluminum gas checks myself, I love this idea.

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The only way to get around it is to use a gas check as an over shot card and roll crimp.

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Thats what I did, because it was easier to make the die to do it.

http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/v...psiz72ki2m.jpg

http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/v...ps5glrrhnm.jpg

I worked up a straight case load in a ruger sp-101 and had one chamber bored straight through. Roll crimp a gas check or stiff card wad with a bit of glue over the mouth . I just use that as my first one up for snakes. I based my propellant off the speer shot capsule charges although as stated it carries more shot. I load with 9 shot instead of 11 like speer if memory serves. Cylinders to modify for a Ruger SP-101 are obtained on e-bay for around $45. That way you don't modify your original cylinder. I'm contemplating the same idea by boring out a blackhawk which would take a full length 444 marlin, cut shorter of course. I've made a bottle neck in the marlin brass before. You just fire form with the tapered 444 marlin. Then resize to reload the front part with a 44 mag die. I had to turn rim down a bit too I think. Sorry don't remember payload/ load data for .444 but got it from Handloading for Handgunners.( great old book with data on shotloads).

was that a gas check for 8mm over the powder or just a circle of aluminum 8mm in diameter.

The 8mm checks I got from here: http://www.sagesoutdoors.com/

He's a member here and the ones he made me are the real thin aluminum gas checks. The price wasn't bad either since I requested the real thin type and not the run of the mill thicker type that would be used on a 8mm boolit.

I've been thinking about doing some of these. How terrible is the leading when fired?