NO, a 38 Special is actually .357 caliber. NO, a 38 Special is actually .357 caliber. A 38 special is NOT a 357 magnum. Both bullet heads are about .357 in diameter. The difference between the 38 and 357 is the length of the brass case. The 357 brass case is a bit longer then the 38 special case, and the gun powder load is a bit higher then the 38 special load...... Further, you can shoot a 38 special case in the 357 magnum revolver, however, you cannot fire a 357 magnum round in the 38 special. The 38 special cylinder is too short for the 357 round......
your colt was probably made for lighter loads then 38 special. try a lighter re-load cartridge like 2.0 grains bulls eye powder
I believe 3 grains of black powder for a start
Open cylinder, insert ammunition.
38 special factory load or re-loads
You need to find a gunsmith or firearms instructor
In general, a .38 Special +P+ load can be more powerful than a mild .380.
Yes
No. .38 Long Colt was the forerunner to .38 Special- and was originally a black powder cartridge. The .38 Special is more powerful- the .357 magnum is MUCH more powerful. Neither the Special nor the magnum should be fired in a gun chambered for .38 Long Colt. This is VERY dangerous.
38 special
It's a .38 Special revolver. +P applies to the cartridge, and indicates a more powerful load than a standard round of the calibre. In this case, it would be a .38 S&W Special with a +P loading, hence .38 Special +P. You can fire regular .38 S&W Special cartridges through it. Whether or not it can fire +P or +P+ ammo, you need to read the instruction manual and find the manufacturer's information on this.
.38 Special is a higher pressure load. Overall metal quality is probably not so much a factor as things such as casing thickness.