38 s&w in a 38 long hand gun

hickeyny

can i use 38 s&w in my 38 long colt ?

336marlin

The 38 S&W case is about .008 larger in diameter than the 38 Long Colt so it won't fit in the chamber.

hickeyny

can i use 38 spl with light loads ?

dcs shooters

The 38spl case is about .126 longer than the 38 long colt. The rim thickness is a little thicker. You will have to trim the special brass back to fit your cylinder.

hickeyny

thanks for the info i am haveing a hard time finding 38 long dies if you have any more info please post it tom

jsuggs

you can use 38spc/357 dies. Remember the 38 long colt is only about .015-.020 in shorter. I have a colt DA revolver in 38 long colt and the chambers are cut deep enough to use 38 spc brass. I use 38spc brass and blackhorn 209 powder, but any light load should work.

machine gun moran

Some .38 Long Colt guns had chambers that were bored all the way through, and would accept .38 specials when they were developed, and later even the .357's. Watch what you put in it.