38 LC differ in case length, bullet diameter, weight, and design and are not interchangeable; however, modern production . 38 SC ammunition is now loaded with a smaller, internally-lubricated bullet which can be fired from firearms chambered in . 38 LC or . 38 Special.
How many 38 calibers are there?
Handgun cartridge table
| Cartridge name | Bullet diameter | Case length |
|---|---|---|
| .38 Special | .357 in (9.1 mm) | 1.15 in (29 mm) |
| .38 ACP | .358 in (9.1 mm) | .900 in (22.9 mm) |
| .38 Super | .358 in (9.1 mm) | .900 in (22.9 mm) |
| .38 Super Comp | .358 in (9.1 mm) | .896 in (22.8 mm) |
What’s the difference between 38 S&W and 38 special?
The larger case diameter of the 38 S&W will prevent it being inserted in a 38 Special firearm. Being the 38 Special is smaller it will fit into a gun chambered for 38 S&W but being smaller and higher pressure the case may rupture.
Can a 38 long colt shoot 38 S&W?
38 Short Colt cannot be shot in a . 38 S&W even though they look very much alike; their cases are slightly different as is the bullet diameter. 38 Short and Long Colt can be shot in a . 38 Special, although the accuracy is not the best because of the long bullet jump to where it engages the rifling.
Is 38 special a rimfire?
38 Special rounds are centerfire cartridges. Since centerfire cartridges use a primer that’s a component of the overall cartridge construction, they are inherently more complicated than rimfire cartridges. Large Rifle and Large Pistol primers are 0.210-inch in diameter. There are also Magnum versions of each of these.
Will 38 S&W work in a 38 special?
cartridge in its standard load. These two cartridges, because of their length and diameter differences, do not and should not interchange. 38 S&W ammunition is too large in diameter to fit in a . 38 Spl.
