I just asked about this and got two conflicting answers. What ammo can I use in my s&w mdl 642. One answer seemed to say 38spl or 38spl +p but not regular 38 cal rounds the other answer seemed to say regular 38 cal, 38 spl or 38 spl +p. I bought some 33613 fiocchi 380 acp ammo will it fit? Thanks

Question

I just asked about this and got two conflicting answers. What ammo can I use in my s&w mdl 642.  One answer seemed to say 38spl or 38spl +p but not regular 38 cal rounds the other answer seemed to say regular 38 cal, 38 spl or 38 spl +p. I bought some 33613 fiocchi 380 acp ammo will it fit? Thanks

Ed C. · Answer

Hi John, sorry if my answer was confusing. I read both answers and do not see where they are conflicting. You can use regular .38sp rounds, or .38sp +P.
I do not see where I said you cannot use reg 38 cal rounds.
And NO, you cannot use Fiocchi 380 acp ammo, .380acp is not the same as .38 special.
.38 Special ammo here budsgunshop.com/search.php/type/ammo/caliber/10000566-38+special ,
Stay safe & have a great day!

James G. · Answer

Hi John and welcome back. Can you clarify what you mean by regular .38? .380ACP is not regular .38 as it is a semi-auto rimless cartridge and would not work directly in a .38 Special revolver. If you mean 38 S&W, then no as .38 S&W will not fit the cylinder. 38 Short and 38 Long Colt can both be fired from a .38 Special revolver. (These should help you): ------------ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.38_Short_Colt#:~:text=This%20cartridge%20can%20be%20safely,357%20Magnum. ----------------------------------- https://www.targetbarn.com/broad-side/38-sw-vs-38-special/#:~:text=38%20Special%20technically%20are%20not,in%20the%20cylinder%20of%20most%20. ----------------- If your original question had stated .380 ACP instead of regular .38, we would have avoided any confusion. Cheers, stay safe and enjoy!

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