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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.
