I have one Model 1899 S & W 'M&P' Revolver to refer to.

It is Serial No. 9112.

Left side of Barrel, is stamped "38 S&W Special Ct'g"

Cylinder Chambers are Stepped.


I thought the original BP Loadings were 21.5 Grains 3F ( and, of course, the 158 Grain RNL Bullet).


18 Grains sounds a little shy.


I can get 18 or a little teeny bit more into a present day Case if I compress hard...this acheiving the same OAL then, with the same Bullet, as the originals.

If I had Balloon Head Cases, as they did then, 21.5 ought to fit just fine.


Actuyally, I think it was the .38 Long Colt Cartridge, which was 18 Grains BP.


I suspect an error there in the Book in which the Author inadvertently transposed the .38 LC Loading, to the earliest .38 S&W Special Loading.