...snip...the cylinder is higher grade steel...snip...
I read just about every article I can on the LCRs, coupled with perusing Ruger's website specifications page for each version.
I can't find anywhere alluding to different grade steels for the cylinders of each model.
The cylinders ARE different, certainly... Length and the fluting.
Not at all saying that you're incorrect, only that I've looked (to no avail) to corroborate.
-J-
I considered this but I picked up a Ruger SP-101 instead. The LCR seems too light for a .357 round IMO.
The following is mostly from a recent Guns & Ammo magazine on the Ruger LCR 357 Magnum revolver. Pg 92 of the April 2011 issue to be precise.
Winchester .38Special Super-X 158g lead SWC: 757 FPS This gives 201 ft. lbs of energy at the muzzle.
Winchester .38Special Super-X 158g lead SWC HP +p: 761 FPS This gives 203.1 ft. lbs of energy at the muzzle (hardly worth it to me!)
Winchester .38Special Supreme 130g SXT +p: 870 FPS This gives 218.5 ft. lbs of energy at the muzzle
Contrast
Hornady .357mag Custom 140g JHP/XTP: 1086 FPS This gives 366.6 ft. lbs energy at the muzzle
Winchester/USA .357mag 110g JHP: 1110 FPS This gives 300.9 ft. lbs energy at the muzzle
As one can plainly see, there is indeed a GREAT benefit to using .357mag ammo in your .357 snubby. It's most certainly not at all "noise and flash" as is often talked about.
Whether or not you can stand training with the 357 is another issue. And whether you can follow up shot #1 with the other 4 is also another issue.
But please don't question the use of 357 in a snubby. Simple physics proves that it works just fine.
-J-
Too BAD, you didn't post the difference in recoil between those 38 SPECIAL loads & 357 MAGNUM loads