A while back i was talking with some other shooters, and they said that if you shoot 38 special bullets out of a 357 magnum overtime it will mess up your accuracy when shooting 357 rounds. is this true?

mud,

Welcome to HHM. To answer your question, NO. However, after shooting 38 Spls. in the longer 357 Mag chambers, you will need to thoroughly clean the lead, residue, etc. from each chamber before using the 357s. If you don't, you may have difficulty chambering the longer 357s. The decreased chamber space, MAY cause increased pressures for the mags. This is an issue discussed ad infinatum by gun folks. Hope this helps.

Doc

Like Doc said, the crud ring is the only issue with shooting the shorter cases. If you load and want reduced power it is best to use 357 cases for that as well as better accuracy due to the lack of freebore.

Well said guy's

Just to add my 2c here, another thing to consider is that the impact point will be different from a 38spl compared to a 357mag, this would effect your accuracy. Particularly with different bullet weights.

I've always cleaned my guns after every shooting and never had a problem using .38's out of my .357/cause I keep it clean.The same goes with my .22 match barrel in my Contender,I've shot .22 shorts and its never affected my barrel when shooting .22 long rifle ammo/I have a good buddy who just cringes when I tell him that...

My wifes 686 "House Gun" has never had a 357 Magnum shot out of it so far, except test firing at the factory. I have had it for a very long time, and we have always fired 38 Specials out of it. No problem's and it drives tacks.
I am sure 357's will drop in it with no issues. Like was said by everyone above, clean it.

Bob