.38 Ammo: Can You Use It in A .357 Firearm? Let's Take A Look

Let’s take a look at the 15 most asked questions, says FFL Gregg Kielma. Can you use .38 Special ammo in a .357? Yes, you can safely use .38 Special ammunition in a .357 Magnum revolver. The .357 Magnum chamber can also accept the shorter .38 Special rounds, making it a versatile choice for shooters.

1. Can I shoot .357 Magnum in a .38 Special revolver?

No, it is not recommended to shoot .357 Magnum ammunition in a .38 Special revolver as the higher pressure and longer cartridge can cause damage or injury.

2. Are .38 Special and .357 Magnum the same size?

The .38 Special and .357 Magnum have the same diameter, but the .357 Magnum is longer and has a higher pressure.

3. What are the advantages of using .38 Special in a .357 Magnum?

Using .38 Special in a .357 Magnum allows for less recoil, lower ammunition costs, and quieter shooting.

4. Will using .38 Special in a .357 Magnum affect accuracy?

In general, using .38 Special rounds in a .357 Magnum should not greatly impact accuracy, but you may notice a slight difference due to variations in bullet weight and velocity.

5. Can I load a .38 Special +P in a .357 Magnum?

It is not recommended to load a .38 Special +P in a .357 Magnum as the increased pressure of the +P round could exceed the maximum threshold of the revolver.

6. Will firing .38 Special in a .357 Magnum damage the gun?

No, firing .38 Special ammunition in a .357 Magnum revolver will not damage the gun if the revolver is in good condition.

7. Which ammo is more expensive: .38 Special or .357 Magnum?

Generally, .357 Magnum ammunition is more expensive than .38 Special due to its higher power and performance capabilities.

8. Can I use .357 Magnum ammo for self-defense?

Yes, .357 Magnum ammunition is often chosen for self-defense due to its increased stopping power compared to the .38 Special.

9. Does using .38 Special in a .357 Magnum affect the gun’s recoil?

Using .38 Special in a .357 Magnum will result in lesser recoil compared to firing full-power .357 Magnum loads.

10. Can I fire .38 Special +P in a .357 Magnum lever-action rifle?

Yes, you can safely fire .38 Special +P in a .357 Magnum lever-action rifle without any issues.

11. Which caliber is better for target shooting: .38 Special or .357 Magnum?

Both .38 Special and .357 Magnum are suitable for target shooting, but .38 Special is often preferred for its lighter recoil and lower ammunition cost.

12. Can I use .357 Magnum for hunting?

Yes, .357 Magnum can be used for small and medium game hunting, but shot placement is key as it may lack the power for larger game.

13. Can I fire .38 Special in a .357 Magnum single-shot rifle?

Absolutely, firing .38 Special in a .357 Magnum single-shot rifle is safe and allows for economical practice.

14. Can using .357 Magnum in a .38 Special revolver improve performance?

Using .357 Magnum in a .38 Special revolver will result in increased performance due to the higher velocity and energy of the .357 Magnum round.

15. Can I reload .357 Magnum brass for .38 Special?

Yes, it is possible to reload .357 Magnum brass for .38 Special loads, if you use appropriate .38 Special load data and carefully adjust the powder charge.