This is a discussion on Ruger SP101 .357M vs. Ruger SP101 .38+P within the Defensive Carry Guns forums, part of the Defensive Carry Discussions category; Ruger is offering the SP101 and GP100 series in .357 Magnum and in .38 Special +P chamberings. I always thought that you could shoot .38 ...
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Ruger is offering the SP101 and GP100 series in .357 Magnum and in .38 Special +P
chamberings.
I always thought that you could shoot .38 Special +P through a .357 Magnum without a significant decline in accuracy. There must be a signficant decline in accuracy, however, or Ruger would not be offering separate chamberings for .38 Special +P.
Is my reasoning correct?
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Not really...while it's true that shooting lots of 38s in a 357 makes it harder to clean due to the shorter catridge in a longer cylinder, many agencies (guard companies) that allow revolvers only allow 38. So it's more of a liablilty issue since not everyone can be trusted to load 38s in a 357 if told to do so...of course, a 38 will have a little more bullet jump in a 357 but I'm not sure it would affect the acuracy enough to notice...I could be wrong though...it does happen...
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LoveLeather is right. The caliber difference is to allow SP101 revolvers to be an option for ".38 Special Only" approval restrictions. Ruger designates .38 Spl. +P so folks who are restricted to that caliber can be certain of the SP101's ability to handle the higher pressures of +P loadings. In my personal experience, the SP101 is the EASIEST among the "J-framed" sized pistols to comfortably shoot HOT loads (.38 +P OR .357 Mag.). Airweights need not apply.
It isn't an accuracy issue. The SP101 is surprising capable in either caliber.
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