At the range for my S&W 640 I use 38 spl, but when loaded for self defense carry I use 357 mag HP's. With this 2" barrel revolver, is there much difference in effectiveness between the two rounds when used for close-in self defense?
Hello Vito
The .357 is Much more effective at any range over the .38 special. It would be like comparing a .22 Short round to a .22 Long Rifle. The .357 has a Third average more Velocity than the .38 special loads. Hammer It.
I chronoed some 357 handloads using H110 5% below the max recommended and 158 g jacketed bullets. MV was around 1000FPS. I don't think you'll be able to get that with 38 spl loads. Pistol was an sp101 2 1/4 in barrel.
There would be a difference in performance between the two obviously.
In that size gun,I would use the load I shot most accurately and reliably with imo.
