2007-09-22 04:16:39 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Outdoor Recreation ➔ Hunting
There are many .38 cal rounds for handguns:
the .380 auto, the .38 ACP, the .38 Super, which are all semi auto rounds. In the revolver rounds you have .38 S&W, the .38 Long Colt, and the .38 Special.
The difference in all these rounds is their effectiveness as a defensive round. The .38 super is a high velocity round which sometimes exceeds 9mm Luger [about 1200 fps], the .38 special is an elongated .38 Long Colt and has a standard velocity of about 850 fps. In the +P loading , near 1000fps.
2007-09-22 07:42:12 · answer #1 · answered by WC 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
In your case they're probably the same thing. While there have been a lot of .38 caliber rounds over the years the .38 Special is so prevalent that .38 has become a slang term for the .38 Special. The .38 Special fires a .357 inch diameter projectile (thus the .357 magnum can be thought of a .38 magnum); the .38 caliber designation refers to the diameter of the loaded cartridge (.397 inch) rather than the more conventional practice of projectile diameter. The .38 Special round should never be fired in any firearm not designated for that round. Also, modern +P and +P+ loadings may damage early .38 Special firearms not rated for these higher pressure loads.
2007-09-22 07:20:42 · answer #2 · answered by John T 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are several calibers that do this. Usually a smaller cartridge comes first (called the Parent Cartridge) and then with better technology, metal alloys, etc a new one that is similar is developed. (called the Child). First we had the 38 Special. Thirty or so years later someone decided to create a more powerful version of the same cartridge that also fit the basic same design of the firearms - and the 357mag was born. All "38 Special" ammo can be fired in a 357 magnum - that include P, +P, and +P+. "38 Special" is a specific design type. There are other totally different designs of ammo that will have '38' in it - like '38 Super' - but these are very, very different. Likewise there are many types of ammo with the word 'Special' in it - like '44 Special' that also have nothing to do with '38 Special'. If you want to fire something else in a 357 besides 357mag ammunition it needs to be stamped '38 Special' on the box - anything else would be wrong. As a general rule - what ever is stamped on a firearms barrel or receiver as the cartridge - this is exactly what the box of ammo should have stamped on it. There are exceptions - but not many. You cant just grab a box that says '357' and expect it to work - because there is the '357 Sig' and '357 Super Magnum' that are different than '357 Magnum'.
2016-05-20 23:32:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could be the same, could be different. All .38 Specials are .38s , but all .38s are not Special.
You could have a .38 Smith and Wesson, or .38 Short or Long Colt. You could also, have a .38 Colt automatic, or a .38 Colt super Automatic.
2007-09-22 05:40:28 · answer #4 · answered by eferrell01 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Years ago there was a .38 Colt cartidge. Later, they lengthened the cartridge a bit so they could get more powder into it. This lengthened cartridge was designated the .38 Special. Later, the .38 special was lengthened again to form the .357 Magnum.
2007-09-22 06:19:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
38 is a revolver a 38 special is a round
2007-09-22 04:30:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 9⤋
Pathfinder pretty well covered it, broadly speaking.
H
2007-09-22 09:10:47 · answer #7 · answered by H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the ft.lb.of energy
2007-09-22 06:57:00 · answer #8 · answered by hunter1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋