Hello to all,
I have an older Colt Police Positive Revolver marked .38 Caliber. I was sold a box of 38 S&W ammo which seems to fit the cylinders. Colt replied that it was a 38 special, which sticks way out the back. Is there a danger using the S&W if the revolver is indeed a 38 Short Colt? Can these cartridges be upgraded by using lighter bullets with the saami pressures?
Thanks for any help.
Glenn Ceero

Glenn,

Slug the barrel. 38 Long and Short Colt barrels measure .376-.380". I doubt it is either. If it is closer to .360 then it is 38 S&W or 38 Colt New Police (same thing).

Slug the barrel, find a cast bullet maker that will size bullets to the correct size and go to town. Light bullet loads can use .380 data. Buying cases from starline is easier than trimming 38 Special cases, and the fit is not so sloppy.

DOC

Here's some loads form my old lyman manual
125 gr
bullseye 2.0 to 3.0
150 gr
bullseye 2.0 to 3.0
unique 3.0 to 4.7
148 gr
bullseye 2.0 to 3.0
unique 3.0 to 4.7 all for lead bullets 38 s@w or 38 coolt N.P.

Glenn; If it is any help, I slightly lengthened the chambers of my Webley .38 S&W
to take .38 Spl.-WC's seated flush. What is called the .38 midrange loading.

It shoots them fine. I am told that as a war expedient, british officers would squeeze 9mm para. cartridge rims with pliers and shoot them in it also. (I dont recommend it)

I would have no problem with the .38 S&W load in your wheel gun if it is in good condition.
Redd

If you're interested, I believe that Lee will make a slightly larger than average bullet mold for you. Costs a little extra, but well worth it to have a ready source of bullets. You can also have it in the tumble lube design, which will allow you to shoot without running these bullets through a sizer.

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Happiness is a 200 yard bughole.

Your responses have been interesting and helpful. Why do lead bullets of a certain caliber have different diameters from different manufacturers? I've seen the .357/38 Special sold as .356, .357 and .358? I am narrowing down the reloading setup I want. Leaning to the RCBS Rockchucker Starter Kit. Then let the mayhem begin. What are some good manuals that are considered as STANDARD?
Thanx GlennC