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Posted On: 4/26/2022
By: Robert
A: Thanks for reaching out Bob! I can't give you any definitive answers without seeing the revolver or the ammunition you have. That said, it is possible that you attempted to load 357 Magnum rounds into a 38 Special revolver. They are the same diameter, but the 357 Magnum rounds are just a little bit longer. It is also possible that your revolver is actually chambered for 38 S&W instead of 38 Special. If that is the case then its chambers would be too small to contain 38 Special cartridges. But all 38 Special cartridges should be 1.55" in overall length, so I'm not quite certain why 38 Special rounds would fail to fit in a 38 Special revolver regardless of how old the handgun is. Once again, you mustn't take any of my thoughts as definitive advice. I'd recommend showing your revolver to the staff of a local gunshop, as their in-person assessment will prove of far greater value than any my guesswork! Just make sure not to fire your revolver until you've made certain its ammo is safe.