.38+p vs 38 Special

**OneLungMcClung** · April 21st, 2008, 12:45 PM

Are they the same round? I get confused.

**JohnKos** · April 21st, 2008, 12:54 PM

Have them order one for you.

**JoeWilliams** · April 21st, 2008, 12:56 PM

The +Ps are simply regular .38 Specials loaded to higher pressures, and therefore velocities than standard pressure rounds of the same bullet weight.

If you buy a .38 revolver and want to shoot +Ps, make sure the manufacturer has approved the gun for +Ps. Guns that aren't approved can be damaged by the extra power.

**reverserboy** · April 21st, 2008, 01:10 PM

Yes, I am aware of the fact that there are small frame .357s, but the gun store here never carries them.

Shop at another store.

I have 3 smaller .357mags & like them. The S&W 340pd is the smallest/lighest .357mag revolver made. It sucks to shoot but it's great to carry. I like mine. Smith also has small steel revolvers in both .38 & .357mag.

**OneLungMcClung** · April 21st, 2008, 01:12 PM

Thanks for all the responses so far. I should have edited my orginal post, which is what i am going to do.

I really want to know about the ammo.

**Xringshooter** · April 21st, 2008, 01:24 PM

38+P is just a more powerful 38 Special round. The case dimensions are the same as any 38 Spec. The +P is loaded "hotter" but not quite as hot as a 357 Mag. There is also 38+P+ which has even more power than the 38 Spec and 38 +P rounds.

**Tokamak** · April 21st, 2008, 01:22 PM

Originally Posted by OneLungMcClung

Are they the same round? I get confused.

They are the same caliber but not the same round.

If you shoot +P loads out of a gun not rated for the extra pressure, you could ruin it.

My future son-in-law has a pistol not rated for +P and we shoot it all the time with normal .38s. However, he carries with +P rounds in the chambers for self defense. I would feel comfortable with that, too.