38 S&W / 38 CBC SPL Short

Greetings everyone,
I have an old I/J revolver chambered in the 38 S&W round. As most know here, I'm certain, these are not the easiest to come by. I found a box of rounds labeled 38 CBC SPL Short by Megtech and was told by the proprietor of the shop that they were "the same" round. Since Magtech actually manufactures a 38 S&W round I was dubious whether they were identical. I looked up the info on Magtech's site and discovered they are indeed different but not terribly so. (See the stats below) My question is could the 38 CBC SPL Short round be used in lieu of the the actual 38 S&W, safely? Any and all information would be much appreciated. Thank you.

Symbol: 38G

BULLET
Bullet Style: LRN
Weight (Grains): 125
Weight (Grams): 8.10
Diameter (inches): 0.358
Sectional Density: 0.139
Ballistic Coefficient: 0.100

PRIMER
Type: Small Pistol Primer 1½
Style: Boxer

BALLISTICS
FPS M/S
Velocity (Muzzle) 686 209
Velocity (50 Yards/Meters) 649 199
Velocity (100 Yards/Meters) 628 189

Ft.Lbs J
Energy (Muzzle) 130 177
Energy (50 Yards/Meters) 120 160
Energy (100 Yards/Meters) 109 145


Inch Cm
Mid-Range Trajectory (50 Yards/Meters) 2 6.2
Mid-Range Trajectory (100 Yards/Meters) 9.7 29.6
Test Barrel Length 4-V 10.2-V

Power Factor (Estimated) 85.75


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Description:
38 S&W 146 Grain Lead Round Nose
Use: Sport Shooting Ammunition
Caliber: 38 S&W
Casing: Factory Brass

Symbol: 38SWA

BULLET
Bullet Style: LRN
Weight (Grains): 146
Weight (Grams): 9.46
Diameter (inches): 0.360
Sectional Density: 0.161
Ballistic Coefficient: 0.119

PRIMER
Type: Small Pistol Primer 1½
Style: Boxer

BALLISTICS
FPS M/S
Velocity (Muzzle) 686 209
Velocity (50 Yards/Meters) 655 199
Velocity (100 Yards/Meters) 267 190

Ft.Lbs J
Energy (Muzzle) 152 207
Energy (50 Yards/Meters) 139 188
Energy (100 Yards/Meters) 127 170


Inch Cm
Mid-Range Trajectory (50 Yards/Meters) 2.3 6.9
Mid-Range Trajectory (100 Yards/Meters) 9.6 29.3
Test Barrel Length 4-V 10.2-V

Power Factor (Estimated) 100.16

Product Search Results

My guess is the .38 CBC SPL Short is the same as the .38 Special case in diameter, but shorter. It appears to be made for Cowboy Action shooting to extract faster than the standard-length case.

If it is the exact same length as the .38 S & W it will chamber, but the Special case is of a smaller diameter than the S & W and the cases will probably split on firing. This is a common dilemma in .38 S & W Victory Models from WW II, with chambers lengthened for the Special but too large in diameter.

Thanks for the info, Alan. Sounds like it's definitely not worth the risk. I sure wish the 38 S&W round was more plentiful.

IMO it depends upon what revolver you're using. I doubt the accuracy will be good because the short round used a bullet with a .358" diameter instead of .360".

Like you said, it's probably not worth the risk.

Welcome to the forum...