Quote:
Originally Posted by PALADIN85020
Little known fact: .38 Super and .38 ACP cartridges will fit and function in .357 Magnum revolver chambers... the semi-rim is the reason - it provides the necessary headspace to keep the round from falling through the chamber. That semi-rim is a bit slimmer than the .357's, but it's close enough to allow firing.
The .38 Super and .38 ACP have identical dimensions, but the Super round, loaded to much higher pressure, should never be fired in a .38 ACP pistol such as the Colt 1903 Pocket Hammer. When the Super was first offered, the cases were nickeled to distinguish them from .38 ACP rounds.
John
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Not exactly correct, and it is fairly widely known. Some makes of .38 Super ammo will chamber OK in some .38 Special and .357 revolvers. And some will not. It is a matter of diameter tolerances for the cartridge cases and revolver chambers. I have a friend who has a Ruger Security Six which will chamber and fire all brands of .38 Super ammo, but it is probably because its chambers are on the sloppy side. You have to try it and see. If .38 Super ammo fits and you want to shoot it, fine. Same idea as firing .32 ACP ammo in .32 S&W Long revolvers. For several reasons I do not recommend the latter, but it can be done.