I had to get out my Barnes book to check the 2 cartridges. Both calibers used a .357" bullet and the diameters of both cases are almost identical. Cartridge lengths and rim diameters differ. Case length of the 38 Special is 1.16" and 38 LC is 1.03". Rim diameter of 38 Special is .440" and 38 LC is .433".

The difference does not seem to be great enouogh to cause any great difference in accuracy, but the shorter 38 LC could lose some accuracy when shot in longer chamber of the 38 Special.

Is there anyone out there that have trouble chambering the 38 Special in the 38 LC chamber?