I own a Smith and Wesson Model 36 and understand the ammo to be used as 38 special. What is good range ammo?


I also own a Ruger 357 Mag. Security Six -

I know many of you have more than one handgun so I'm looking to ensure I am buying the right ammo. With the Ruger can I use the .38 special ammo for it?

What is the main diff. between .38 and .38 special ammo.

38 is obsolete and hard to find (used in pre-WWI top break revolvers), it is a much shorter round, usually can only be found in LRN. Not sure if it is advisable to fire a 38 in a 38 special. The 38 is slightly larger than the 38 Sp. in diameter if memory serves me. 38 Special can be used in a 357 but not vice versa.

I believe 12string is referring to 38 S&W ammo, which you are unlikely to find at your local gun store. As far as good range ammo your 38 Special Model 36, I would just use whatever factory stuff you can find these days. It is range ammo for poking holes in paper, so you don't need hollow points or fancy defensive ammo. Anything in lead round nose, semiwadcutter, or full metal jacket should work just fine. Your 357 magnum Ruger will safely fire 38 special, too.

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Proud anachronism

Thanks very much 12 String and nawilson. I like this forum. Good information and nice people. I don't feel stupid asking questions.

The 38 special and 357 mag are the same diameter round. The case on a 357 is longer on purpose so it can't be chambered in a 38 special firearm but the 38 special (being shorter) can be chambered in a 357. One piece of advise, if you shoot 38 special in a 357, clean out the chamber(s) before you shoot magnum loads because the magnum loads may get jammed on debris left by the shorter rounds.

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Minimize the variables

Best price for 38 special ammo for target and plinking right now seems to be the 130gr fmj or the 158 Lswc if you can find them.
Most "Target" 148 hbwc ammo is premium stuff and will usually cost more than the rest.............

Just hope you can find ammo.............any kind, these days.

Most 357 magnum target ammo is 38 special ammo...........
SD and hunting is normally the full load "Magnum ammo".

Good shooting.

I've had a model 36 since 1971 and also acquired a second one last year. I find that Remington UMC is a great target round. I stay away from Blazer, cause i find them extra dirty. Whenever i come across wad cutter reloads at the LGS i'll pick em up..Makes it a lot easier to see where I'm hitting. We all ask questions from time to time, so don't worry about feeling stupid. I have a wife to do that for me.