Mass. regs: .38 vs .357 ??

[pupchow]

As per the Massachusetts hunting abstracts:

"... Rifles chambered to take
larger than .22 caliber long rifle rimfire ammunition
and pistols and revolvers larger than .38 caliber are
prohibited between the hours of 1/2 hour after
sunset and 1/2 hour before sunrise (night time)."


In this instance, would a .357 be classified as larger than a .38? I'm thinking a .357 loaded with .38 rounds would satisfy this requirement in a broad sense, being that the intent is to comply with the regulation. Thoughts?

 

[dbhn]

Technically, .357 is smaller than .38 in the way they write it. Based on the math, not reality. Larger/wider as opposed to more powerful.

I don't know for sure but I wouldn't ride the fence on it. If you want to be sure stick with a .38 with .38.

 

[edin508]

I was told that the .357's are OK.
They are NOT LARGER than a .38 so it's not an issue.
You can hunt Bear with a .357 in MA too Good luck with that one

 

[sig shooter]

its kind of a grey area in the law and i would watch your ass being in MA if you carryed your 357 in the woods with you. as far as the bear hunting regs go a 357 is only allowed to be in use during "black bear season" and in the zones that allow bear hunting.

 

[one-eyed Jack]

A Contender in .35 Rem?

 

[edin508]

its kind of a grey area in the law and i would watch your ass being in MA if you carryed your 357 in the woods with you. as far as the bear hunting regs go a 357 is only allowed to be in use during "black bear season" and in the zones that allow bear hunting.

It is technically smaller than a .38 and definitely not larger than. No grey area there.
You can only use the .357 during the first black bear season in Sept..
From the 08 abstracts
Zones 1-9 ONLY
Hunting only with rifle .23 cal. or larger, muzzleloader .44-.775 cal., bows with 40 lb. or greater, or revolvers .357 Magnum or .40 cal. or larger. Handguns permitted in September season only ---SHOTGUNS PROHIBITED.

 

[ephemeratta]

There's always that fancy new .327 fed mag.
135 gr cast lead moving at 1350 to 1450 could definitely be handy.

 

[Chris]

Another use for that 1911 in .38 Super. (^_^)

 

[M1911]

It is technically smaller than a .38 and definitely not larger than.

Huh? Actually, they have the same diameter. That's why you can shoot a .38 out of a .357.

The true diameter of the projectile is the same. A .38 bullet is not .38" in diameter. Check your reloading manuals.

 

[pupchow]

Thanks all for the responses.

re: cartridge physicalilty
http://homestudy.ihea.com/ammo/11b_magnum.htm

I think I may have come up with a reasonable solution -- I'll have to acquire both a New Single Six Hunter .22LR/Mag convertible for nocturnal predators, AND a .44 for larger beasts.

 

[sig shooter]

i realise this my friends but in the state of MA everything is ass backwards and i dont take a chances with grey areas in the law.