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Posted On: 1/3/2024
By: James Gray
A: Thanks for reaching out James! I can't say for sure, because the S&W Ladysmith has been chambered for various cartridges over the years: 22 Long, 32 H&R Magnum, 38 Special, 357 Magnum and 9mm. If yours is chambered for 38 Special or 357 Magnum, then it *may* be able to safely fire 38 S&W. I can't guarantee it, though, and even if it works the result would be suboptimal accuracy and increased barrel fouling. If I were you I'd play it safe and stick to whichever ammo your Ladysmith is actually chambered for.
Posted On: 2/20/2023
By: Tim Glinski
A: Thanks for reaching out Tim! That's a great question. Your revolver may have been created before the 38 Special (aka 38 S&W Special) cartridge even existed. Since a 38 Special fit in your Top Break's cylinder but was too long for it, it's safe to say it is chambered for 38 S&W (aka 38 S&W Short) ammunition. It's a good thing your cylinder was too short for 38 Special, or else ignition would have probably blown your revolver to smithereens. Oh, and yes, the ammunition on this page is 38 S&W and should function correctly in your Top Break.
Posted On: 11/21/2022
By: Mikel Burgan
A: Thanks for reaching out Mikel! The 38 Short Colt is not interchangeable with the 38 S&W, unfortunately. The 38 Short Colt has a bullet diameter of 0.375" (original) or 0.358" (modern); the 38 S&W has a bullet diameter of 0.361". I regret that we haven't got any 38 Short Colt ammo in stock for you!
Posted On: 9/4/2022
By: Michael Mitchell
A: Thanks for reaching out Michael! I'm glad you asked. The 38 S&W (aka 38 S&W Short) is not the same thing as the 38 S&W Special (aka 38 Special). Your revolver is chambered for 38 Special, which means it cannot fire 38 S&W. Fortunately, 38 Special is a much more popular cartridge that will give you many more options. Here's everything we currently have in stock: https://www.luckygunner.com/handgun/38-special-ammo
If you just want ammo for target shooting, then any of these options should treat you well: https://www.luckygunner.com/handgun/38-special-ammo?ammo_use_type=1439 (I personally recommend Blazer Brass, Federal or PMC)
If you're looking for self-defense ammunition, then you want a jacketed hollow point (JHP) bullet that will expand while penetrating soft tissue. I'd recommend this ammo particularly: https://www.luckygunner.com/38-special-125-gr-xtp-jhp-hornady-25-rounds-1
Note that some ammo is designated 38 Special +P. This ammo is loaded to a higher than standard pressure. The bullet will fly faster and hit harder, but also produce more recoil. If you have a modern Taurus handgun, then it is rated to safely fire +P ammo as well, although I cannot say for certain whether 38 Special +P is safe for your revolver based on the info you provided.
Posted On: 8/15/2022
By: Eric Kruger
A: Thanks for reaching out Eric! I want to make sure we're speaking on the same terms here. Now, to my understanding the Smith & Wesson Model 638 is only available chambered for 38 Special (full name: 38 S&W Special). The ammunition on this page is 38 S&W (also commonly known as 38 S&W Short). Since your revolver is chambered for 38 Special (as well as more powerful 38 Special +P), it cannot fire 38 S&W. The good news is 38 Special is a lot more popular. Your revolver can fire any of the ammo here: luckygunner.com/handgun/38-special-ammo
Perhaps you are accustomed to Remington's 38 Special 146gr LRN ammunition. I'm sorry we haven't got it in stock for you. I believe Black Hills 148gr wadcutter ammo will give you comparable (albeit not identical) recoil and ballistic performance: luckygunner.com/38-special-148-grain-hbwc-black-hills-ammunition-50-rounds
Please let me know if you have any other questions about 38 Special ammo!
Posted On: 6/11/2020
By: LIam gowers
A: I don't believe the 38 S&W had a big career in the U.S. Military, but the British issued Webley revolvers chambered for it. Now the 38 Special, on the other hand, that was developed by Smith & Wesson around the turn of the century specifically for the U.S. government. It was common for WWII airmen to carry a 38 Special in case their planes ever went down in unfriendly territory.
