Chamber variance

unspellable · 11-28-2002, 05:05 PM

The nominal diameter of both the case and the bullet of the Webley 38/200 or 38 S&W is larger than that of the 38 Special/357 Magnum family. You are likely to end up with split cases if you use shortend 38 Special or 357 Magnum brass. Stick to 38 S&W brass and get the proper dies for it. Note also, that the bullet should be larger.

This problem usually pops up when somebody gets a S&W M&P that was originally chambered for the 38/200. It ends up back on this side of the pond and somebody runs a 38 Sepcial reamer through the chambers, ignoring the fact that the rear part of the resulting chamber will be oversized for a 38 Special.

In my own case, I do so little shooting with my 38 Webley that I don't bother loading for it, just use factory stuff. Incidentally, the difference in a revolver "chambered" for 38/200 and 38 S&W is in the height of the front sight. The 38/200 is traditionally loaded with a 200 grain bullet while the 38 S&W is usually loaded with a 148 grain bullet, although a 200 grain factory load was once available.

11-28-2002, 05:05 PM	#5
unspellable User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Iowa Posts: 769 Thanks: 0 Thanked 20 Times in 12 Posts	The nominal diameter of both the case and the bullet of the Webley 38/200 or 38 S&W is larger than that of the 38 Special/357 Magnum family. You are likely to end up with split cases if you use shortend 38 Special or 357 Magnum brass. Stick to 38 S&W brass and get the proper dies for it. Note also, that the bullet should be larger. This problem usually pops up when somebody gets a S&W M&P that was originally chambered for the 38/200. It ends up back on this side of the pond and somebody runs a 38 Sepcial reamer through the chambers, ignoring the fact that the rear part of the resulting chamber will be oversized for a 38 Special. In my own case, I do so little shooting with my 38 Webley that I don't bother loading for it, just use factory stuff. Incidentally, the difference in a revolver "chambered" for 38/200 and 38 S&W is in the height of the front sight. The 38/200 is traditionally loaded with a 200 grain bullet while the 38 S&W is usually loaded with a 148 grain bullet, although a 200 grain factory load was once available.