Are 38 Special and 357 interchangeable?

But here’s the deal: Because the two rounds are loaded with bullets that are the same diameters, but the 357 Magnum merely has a longer case and more powder, the 38 Special cartridge can be safely fired in guns marked 357 Magnum, but not vice-versa.

Can a 357 Magnum shoot 38 long colt?

357 Magnum revolver can safely fire . 38 Long Colt. In 1877 it was one of the introductory calibers of Colt’s double action, soon nicknamed the “Lightning.” Case length was 0.88″ and heel-type bullet weights were 130–150 grains over about 18 grains of black powder.

What ammo can a 38 Special shoot?

What Type of Ammunition Can I Fire In My Revolver?

If Your Revolver Is Marked …	It Will Safely Fire These Cartridges …
.327 Federal Magnum	.327 Federal Magnum, .32 H&R Magnum, .32 S&W Long
.38 Special	.38 Special
.38 Special +P	.38 Special +P, .38 Special
.357 Magnum	.357 Magnum, .38 Special +P, .38 Special

Is 38 long colt the same as 38 special?

38 Special revolvers, because diameter of . 38 Long colt is bigger than diameter of . 38 Special (9,7 vs 9,6mm).

Is a 38 Special the same diameter as a 357 magnum?

Except for case length, the . 38 and . 357 are virtually identical. . 38 cartridges can be fired from revolvers chambered for the ….Comparison chart.

	.357 Magnum	.38 Special
Base diameter	.379 in (9.6 mm)	0.379 in (9.6mm)
Designed	1934	1898
Rim diameter	.440 in (11.2 mm)	0.44 in (11mm)

What does +p mean in 38 Special?

Overpressure ammunition, commonly designated as +P or +P+, is small arms ammunition that has been loaded to produce a higher internal pressure when fired than is standard for ammunition of its caliber (see internal ballistics), but less than the pressures generated by a proof round.