.38 Wadcutter in .357 Magnum Case

I just learned today the advantages of using .357 magnum cases while loading .38 wadcutters for use in a revolver but what primer and load?  The load I used for .38 Special cases is 2.7 of WST.

Well, my database doesn't have WST, but running 2.7 of 231, the software said only .2 gr more grains of powder were needed for the Hornady DEWC in a .357 case seated flush was needed to get the velocity back up to 710 or so FPS.

That's so close I would just start the same charge weight and accuracy test it up in .2 grain increments until you find the load with the best combination of accuracy and repeatability and I guess recoil. Running 2, 3-round groups per load won't tell you anything useful, if ya know what I mean.

What are the advantages if you periodically clean the cylinder?

Position sensitive powders in 357 brass?   http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=607180    The full wadcutter would be my first choice over other bullet types.

james r chapman wrote:What are the advantages if you periodically clean the cylinder?

Ya, I never got that myself. I run mostly 38spc in my model 19, and have had zero issues. Ive run full wadcutters, and "normal" 158gr LRN buy the hundreds, and still no issue chambering a 357mag. Ive never had to preform anymore then a basic clean up afterwards.

In theory there is supposed to be some accuracy advantage to have the bullets jump a shorter distance to the throat.

That's why my Dad decided to go with a 6-inch round gun, he bought a K-38 (Model 14 I think) instead of another Model 19. He was shooting PPC then and reported that he never really shot any better with the 6-inch .38 than the 4-inch .357.  But he was only in the top 5 scores in most matches most of the time as I recall.

Fred Schmidt sort of pioneered the short cylinder 38 revolver for PPC back in the 80s.. They did reasonably shoot well. But having tested the concept extensively, other factors contributed more to the accuracy, than the short cylinder concept..The best groups, most of which were less than an inch at 50 yards, were from the standard 38 cylinder length of 1.562 .  In all fairness to Fred, numerous advances in machining and fitting were used that were not in use at the time of his guns.. All of his short cylinders used the Taylor Throat, or bullet diameter free bore, as I refer to it, which was not highly advertised at the time..and, prevented the poorly supported barrel extension from cracking.. The TT will always improve accuracy over the forcing cone, and eliminates almost all leading..  
Jerry