TOTALLY CONFUSED now...help with 38S&W

yomomma

yomomma

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Ontario - Hamilton area
OK so I am getting into reloading my S&W revolver

I have always thought that it was a .38 S&W /.38-200

I have been researching my serial number and came across this

M&P Model of 1905 4th Change mfg. 1915 - 1942 (approx 458,300)
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and

Evolved from the Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector Model of 1902, the .38 Smith & Wesson Model Military & Police Model of 1905 is the third evolution of the S&W Model 10 (1948 to date) and the forerunner of the S&W Victory revolver. A six-shot hand-ejector swing-out cylinder) K-Frame revolver chambered in .38 Special (aka 38 S&W Special & 38 Colt Special) with either round-butt or square-butt and checkered walnut or hard rubber grips. Some models may also have a lanyard "D" ring on the grip butt. Blue or nickel finish, barrel length 2", 4", 5", 6", or 6.5". Four-screw cover plate, S&W logo on right side.

Five specific variations are noted below, not including the British .38/200 caliber Service Revolver (1940 - 1945) or the S&W Victory Model (1942 - 1945)
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So now I am wondering exactly what caliber my gun is. It does say 38 S&W on the side, it also has a less "official" stamp of 38/380 on it.

Anybody in the Hamilton area that can lend me a 38 special case??? I'd take it to the gun shop but dont want to go through all the paper work hassel

Thanks
 
Drop a 9mm case in. If it fits well, it is a 38 S&W. 9mm and 38S&W are about the same size.

9mmin38SW1.jpg
 
yomomma said:
Measured the chamber.....38S&W .753 chamber length
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That would be the shorter 38S&W case.

The red part in your quote is still valid and correct. The key is that it says .38 S&W Special. This is the correct FULL name for the cartridge. It doesn't mean that it is a reference to the older and shorter 38 S&W.
 
If a loaded factory 38 S&W case drops fully into cylinder it is 38 S&W. A 38 S&W case is larger in diameter than a 38 special. A 38 S&W case will not go into a 38 special cylinder.
 
It refers to the WEBLEY .380 WHICH i BELIEVE was the Brit equivalent to .38 S&W they were metal cased conical bullet, same thing just adapted to military non mushrooming bullet so nobody got hurt.
 
Some have been rechambered to fire 38 special, though it isn't recommended. A lot of guys use 9mm Makarov dies for 38 s&w. I had a custom made mold from Lee for the 200 gr bullet. A lot of ammo today has a lighter bullet.
 
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