Ask a Question
Our customer service team has published this Q&A information as a free service to the shooting community.
Please note that LuckyGunner.com expressly disclaims any and all liability with regard to how the shooting community
might use this Q&A information. See Terms of Use for more details.
Posted On: 10/29/2022
By: melissa shumard
A: Yes ma'am, your 357 Magnum revolvers can also safely fire 38 Special and 38 Special +P.
Posted On: 3/23/2022
By: Christopher burklin
A: Thanks for reaching out Christopher! This ammo is indeed safe for your Colt, and a good choice for target shooting at that. (Of course, I'd recommend a hollow point bullet for self-defense.) "Grains" actually has nothing directly to do with a round's chamber pressure – it just refers to the weight of the projectile. (1 grain = 1/437.5 ounces) So long as you purchase ammo that doesn't have "+P" after "38 Special" you will do just fine!
Posted On: 10/4/2021
By: Eric Shane Jordan
A: Thanks for reaching out Eric! This ammo should work perfectly in your revolver, no question. Now, for self-defense I'd recommend you choose 38 Special +P. Your revolver's shorter barrel means that ignition is going to give the bullet relatively less velocity and resultant energy (the shorter the barrel, the less time propellant gasses have to transfer their energy to the bullet – this is one of the reasons why rifles are more powerful than handguns). I think you'll be in great shape if you keep your M85 loaded with this ammo:
luckygunner.com/38-special-120-grain-p-jhp-federal-punch-20-rounds
The Punch bullet isn't designed to reliably penetrate car doors like police-grade bullets are, but aside from that this is a very effective and affordable choice for personal protection. Your handgun is rated to fire +P ammo, so with this and some FMJ ammo you'll be all set!
Posted On: 6/14/2021
By: Matthew Blankman
A: Thanks for reaching out Matthew! I believe your revolver has "38 S&W SPECIAL CTG" engraved on its barrel. It has been a while since I have held one. In any event, your revolver is indeed chambered for 38 Special. The convention is to drop the "S&W" from the cartridge's full name. You can fire any 38 Special ammo, including this one. Just take care never to order 38 Special +P, as that more powerful variant will likely damage your older wheelgun.