.38 or .357 for DR?

Is there a notable performance difference when shooting a .38 Special over a .357 Magnum pistol?

BOB JONES A WELL KNOWN CUSTOM PPC REVOLVER BUILDER ONCE TOLD ME THAT HE HAD FOUND THE .38 SPL WAS BETTER AT 50 YDS. HE STATED THE DIFFERENCE WAS 10%. NOW HE HAD TESTED HUNDREDS OF REVOLVERS. I PERSONALLY DID FIND A DIFFERENCE ALSO. THE DIFFERENCE WAS SLIGHT. BUT YOU COULD TELL THAT THE .38SPL WAS MORE ACCURATE. JP

I read your question to ask if it is better to fire your 38 special out of a pistol like a model 14 that is dedicated to 38 special or out of a pistol like a model 19, 27, 28 or 686 that also shoots .357. The answer that I have found over the years is that it does not make any difference. I use a 14-6 with WC for Reeves matches or a 25-2 with SWC. For DR I use a 27-2 with 158gr RN bullets 38 special.

Len

I think it comes down to inherent vs practical accuracy & where you want to draw the line.
If your groups vary 1/4" at 50 from a machine rest but you still chasing the black, the gun doesn't matter.

Sorry about bragging, but I guess I must have earned DR the "hard" way with my M19...

I don’t like scrubbing the chambers of a revolver. 38 chambers are shorter than 357 Mag. That and I REALLY like my model 14...