Can You Chamber .38 Smith and Wesson Ammo in a .38 Special Revolver?

Paul tests if 38sw is interchangeable with 38sp ammo.
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[@PaulHarrell]

At aprroximatelt 9:15 I skipped the security six, an oversight on my part. But off camera I tried the Remington ammo and it fit perfectly. Also, I said 1/2,500 of a centimeter. I misspoke, it's about 1/375

[@Batmicheal]

Cool. You spoke of the .001”-.002” bullet diameter difference between 38 Special/357 Magnum and the old 38 S&W. I fire the same cast 125gn bullets sized to .3585 in my 38’s, my 357 and my 9mm. Not making an argument just the .002” bigger reminded me is all. Also in my limited experience a thousandth usually isn’t enough of a difference to make a difference though I start my load development at the lowest charge I can find data for and I don’t work up past the best groups, well once they start to open back up again I stop

[@Jacob45678Liam]

I wonder now if .38 S&W can chamber and load perfectly fine into a .357 magnum lever-action rifle. I would imagine it can, but there is only one way to know for sure. Is this something worthy of a video?

[@craigfinley2507]

What make the pressure so high as oppose to 38+p mean added extra powder so what makes the 357 more powerful. Let me know please.

[@pipbernadotte6707]

What about the Medusa revolver?

[@moreparrotsmoredereks2275]

2 videos in one day is definitely a prize

[@paraAA82]

is a treat!!

[@danielcurtis1434]

He’s trying to kill us!!! It’s complete overload!!! What else could he fit in his pockets!!!

[@valdanilow4466]

It's simple if it's not marked for you're gun then don't use the other ammo why chance it

[@ChiefChokeAHoe]

@@valdanilow4466 your*

[@VCBird6]

A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one

[@arturoharvey9733]

“That required one sharp slap and, somehow, I didn’t manage to poke a hole in my hand.” 😏 Nice callback Paul! 😂

[@joshuabessire9169]

I think Paul's father would be proud of him.

[@chasegilley1906]

Starting laughing as soon as I saw him hit it 😂

[@misters2837]

@@chasegilley1906 Me too...knowing full well that was gonna be a dig on Caleb....

[@Batmicheal]

Ah yes the young chair force Ranger SOF Seated Oblivious Fantasies guy.

[@Aaron48219]

*"HOLD MY POP TART!"* I needed a good chuckle today. Thanks Paul. I'll be using that in the future.

[@kellywalker8407]

The problem with pop tarts is the first bite usually burns your mouth....lol

[@markh.6687]

@@kellywalker8407 Eat 'em cold. You know the Klingon proverb that revenge and Pop-Tarts (TM) are dishes that are best served cold? It is very cold....in ssspppaaaccceee! (From ST: The Wrath of Khan/Paul).

[@johnpublic6582]

@@markh.6687 I believe you can only really understand poptart lore if you read it in the original Klingon.

[@tgiles9240]

Right😂😂😂

[@1978garfield]

I would say we need a "Hold my Pop Tart!" patch but I bet the lawyers from Kellogg's would not appricate the free advertising. "Hold my toaster pastry!" just doesn't work.

[@tommylitchfield3450]

Poor Caleb still lives on ,even if only when Paul decides to troll him... I got a good laugh out of Paul NOT stabbing a hole through his hand after SHARPLY whacking that ejector rod!

[@Hjerte_Verke]

Is that guy still around? Oddly and fortunately the Tube algorithm does not recommend that channel to me. Gotta laugh when a guy thinks you can bend an ejector rod with your hand. He must use some super cheap revolvers, maybe those RG saturday night specials from West Germany....?

[@moreparrotsmoredereks2275]

Only the long time subscribers got that reference

[@adamheywood113]

@@Hjerte_Verke He goes by "Mister Revolver" these days Deleted the relevant videos and denies any knowledge

[@peternorton5648]

⁠@@moreparrotsmoredereks2275 I’d actually forgotten that other guy’s name but did get the reference right off. Man that was one long rebuttal from Paul but an outstanding video for certain.

[@bisleyblackhawk1288]

@@user-UC7PfZyg-o4 yep 😜😜😜

[@CGR89]

"Somehow I managed not to poke a hole in my hand" STILL ripping on Caleb, love it!

[@mattbrown5511]

I'm constantly amazed by the number of people that suffer from selective hearing syndrome. Paul and crew are extremely thorough and professional in their presentations. Very rarely is the absolutist statement made. Thank you Paul and crew for the wonderful information you provided today. Be well and straight shooting.

[@Dick_Gozinya]

Only a Sith deals in absolutes, and Paul ain't no Sith!

[@IAmNotAHorse]

It’s funny cuz “only a sith deals in absolutes” is an absolute.

[@brianlegg6009]

8:24. I really love how Paul and crew record everything in real time just like if I was standing there watching in person and ever how it comes out is what they present as much as they possibly can. Example: When Paul started testing the second box of ammo and picked up the first revolver, which he originally said was his Model 36, he called it his Model 15. It was never corrected on screen and I'm OK with that. Paul is a real guy making real content in real time with real tools and equipment. Little errors and inconsistencies occur. That's life. But another great presentation by a seasoned Professional.

[@PaulHarrell]

I usually catch mistakes like that. This time I didn't notice until I read your comment. This is an example of the speech impediment that I occasionally mention.

[@brianlegg6009]

@@PaulHarrell No worries, Sir!

[@Hjerte_Verke]

I caught some grammatical or syntax errors in your comment that you have failed to correct. However, I'm going to let it go.

[@johnpublic6582]

@@Hjerte_Verke Don't worry someone will be along shortly to have a freakout about it.

[@randymartin5521]

I noticed that too, but figured, hey, everybody mis-speaks on occasion.

[@greggc8088]

While I'll say Paul Harrell is rarely wrong, rarely boring in his videos, and rarely unentertaining, I could never say he is always funny because it depends on your sense of humor, the size of your pistol's chamber, and the size of your ammo. But Paul always is the man and never ceases to educate.

[@mlrllama]

Nice reference to not poking a hole into your palm when you slap the ejector rod...the rebuttal to Gun Nuts from a few years back is still one of my favorite videos...

[@shawnmiller4781]

Does he even still have a channel?

[@splyntered]

What video is this referencing? I couldn’t find it.

[@ericc3327]

@@shawnmiller4781 changed name to mister revolver.

[@shawnmiller4781]

@@ericc3327 interesting

[@Hjerte_Verke]

@@splyntered The Paul video is a 1hr+ installment called "Rebuttal" and in it he references and features some of Caleb's stupid statements and refutes them all. Paul reminds us that words still have meaning LOL

[@johndoe-so2ef]

Love this guy, because even if I don't completely agree with something he says, I know that we both know that there are so many variables that we could both be wrong

[@Charles-A]

Just out of pure curiosity, what do you not agree with?

[@johndoe-so2ef]

@@Charles-A Some of his statements over the years on firearms choices, opinions. Nothing serious. Dude is clearly VERY knowledgeable. Frankly, if we were able to sit down and talk about it, I think we could easily get some common ground, even where we disagree.

[@markh.6687]

Or in an even stranger turn of events, both of you could be right with all those variables bouncing around the range.

[@johndoe-so2ef]

@@markh.6687 Perhaps, but as a general rule I don't go around with the idea that I am anything but an idiot, that way I don't make myself look stupid when I AM an idiot.

[@markh.6687]

@@johndoe-so2ef I'd attempt to argue with that, but there are days that I should have a shirt on reading "I'm stupid-don't talk to me" to avoid entrapping anyone in my Day of Stupidity (TM).

[@gumps1986]

“Some chambers are a little tighter than others.” Good advice.

[@nukiesduke6868]

Sadly not in 2023. Most chambers have had thousands of hot loads ran through them.

[@mrdizzy678]

​@@nukiesduke6868Zing!!!

[@sleigh4019]

Cleaning MT Dew off my walls ...thanks for the laughs

[@CtrlAltRetreat]

​@@nukiesduke6868 So are we supposed to keep 6 in rotation before trying to fill them up again?

[@darrionj707]

Ayyyyy lmao

[@sazarac28]

Two videos in one day! Thanks Paul!

[@66smithra]

I've read that the S&W uses a .361" bullet. I've got an Enfield from 1943 (WW2 surplus) and a S&W lemon squeezer from 1902 and both of them slug to a barrel diameter of about .361". Many modern manufacturers do exactly what modern reloaders do and just use incorrect .357 or .358" bullets, in which case they will fit into a 38/357 gun. They work in the old guns but won't be very accurate, but most people won't notice.

[@md_vandenberg]

I've never heard of a top-break revolver called a "lemon squeezer". Learned something new.

[@hazratmuhazmat8831]

@@md_vandenberg They have the addition of a squeeze safety (similar to a 1911). Not all top breaks have it.

[@66smithra]

@@md_vandenberg yeah these were called that because they actually have a grip safety that you have to squeeze.

[@tombrown4683]

​@@66smithraI own one too ! Inherited from my Grandfather. He Inherited it from his great uncle as he was a sheriff & it was his "dress clothes" revolver.

[@66smithra]

@@tombrown4683 they are neat little pieces!

[@lesspaul2241]

I'm glad you didn't hurt your hand Paul even after 2 slaps, I love the reference.

[@nicholas73018]

I laughed more than I should have at this video. Between the “hold my pop tart” and “not poking a hole in your hand”. You have such a great delivery with your humor, it always catches me off guard. Keep up the good work Paul. You and your crew do excellent work.

[@mattcup8541]

Some chambers are tighter than others.

[@cfzippo]

Two videos in one day! Yay! And I have loved every “Long tedious presentation” as well as every “dawn of time” explanation Paul has ever done! 😊

[@bobroberts2371]

Usually one needs to pay extra for long drawn out painful. . . . .

[@BloopTube]

Yeah he's very easy to listen to.

[@tombrown4683]

cfzippo, I 100% agree !

[@keepall3818]

Why don’t this man have three million subscribers?

[@paraAA82]

haters...

[@Syphaxis]

KZbin no likey firearm knowledge.

[@blackhawk65589]

Because he's not tacticool who wears a $2k plate carrier to the airsoft range.

[@larrybrown6348]

Because mainstream only wants to be entertained without actually wanting to learn anything valuable. Keep up the GREAT work , Paul!

[@wlmrtdrvr6729]

Wow! Two videos in one day and this one even has a supplemental. Thanks Paul!

[@tombrown4683]

Bonus footage - YAY !

[@RichWhiteUM]

Two old adages to keep in mind: "Just because something shouldn't fit, doesn't mean it won't," and "Just because you think something will fit, doesn't mean it will."

[@williamgaines9784]

And of course the overarching adage, "Just because you can, does not mean you should."

[@tundranomad]

Or, "If it doesn't fit, force it. If it breaks, it needed replacing anyway".

[@jasonmcgovern262]

Call me crazy but being a big fan and avid watcher, it appears Paul has a new camera the picture quality is very vivid and HD. Thank you for all the useful info and entertainment over the years.

[@cameronnorton5898]

I love this channel. I have learned so many useful things from this man over the years.

[@ConradSzymczak]

Paul, as always, informative & entertaining!

[@mjones4220]

Nice very accurate demo. I personally would not load anything but a 357 mag or 38 special in my 357. Still good to see you show each of them.

[@whenpiratesattack]

Always smile when I see a Paul video pop up.

[@joshuabessire9169]

I read that as "Always smile when I see a Paul video pop tart," first time I saw it.

[@whenpiratesattack]

@@joshuabessire9169 also true!!!

[@terryschiller2625]

A twofer on Tuesday from Paul! Today is a good day! Thank you Sir for all your hard work and time you are appreciated.

[@pinsandscrews6459]

due to reloading at home, I learned to use Machinist Pin Gauges to measure the chambers on my .38's and .357's, as well as the Forcing Cone. The .38's I had, generally measured .358 at their tightest point. My .357's though, ran the gamut of .356 to .358, sometimes in the same cylinder. Btw, my set of Pin Gauges were .3550 to .3590 in .0005 increments.

[@bisleyblackhawk1288]

Back in the 1970s I purchased S&W model 10 on the cheap that had been reamed to accept .357…I had enough good sense to only shoot .38 Special or really down loaded to .38 Special data using .357 brass…I eventually sold it to a family member with the strict caveat to NOT SHOOT .357 mag ammo (he ignored my advice and never had issues with his foolish choice 🙄)…I lost contact with him years ago…never heard about him suffering Ill results from the Model 10.

[@DanTheWolfman]

Was it a Bull Heavy Barrel like PD or pencil barrel?

[@bisleyblackhawk1288]

@@DanTheWolfman heavy barrel.

[@bisleyblackhawk1288]

@@DanTheWolfman heavy barrel…the first one I had ever seen

[@BogeyTheBear]

If a bridge is rated for a 4000 pound load and you roll a 3-ton truck over it, the bridge is not going to collapse on that truck. The kicker is, the next ten cars that cross it afterwards might get across, but the eleventh car may end up in the river. Overloading may not result in instant and spectacular failure, but may impart enough damage that even repeated normal use afterwards will accumulate damage to the point of failure.

[@bisleyblackhawk1288]

@@BogeyTheBear AMEN my friend 👍👍👍

[@bertg.6056]

I was wondering about the compatibility of those two cartridges. Thanks, Paul !

[@IAmNotAHorse]

Your videos are so relaxing Paul.

[@JB-ux1oo]

during the ammo shortage, I accidentally bought the 38 S&W wheel gun because it was the only box on the shelf, when I got home and sized it up with my Colt King Cobra 357, I found that some rounds chambered easily while others needed "gentle persuasion", I asked my range master before shooting the stuff and he said, "it won't blow up your gun but it will be very dirty and be sure to clean the chambers well as there can be scoring in the cylinders that could obstruct seating of the proper ammo", he was correct with everything he said

[@leandrovm45]

According to the internet, in 1899 S&W introduced the model 1899(technically still being manufactured today, known as the model 10) with the caliber 38 special, a black powder cartridge.

[@PaulHarrell]

There's some debate as to whether the 1899 version of the revolver was a .38 S/W and the special came later, or the 1899 was the special. I've heard it both ways. But yes, originally the .38 special was black powder.

[@glennsammon4465]

and they say that in 1902 it was switched to smokeless powder.

[@2326TX]

I have 2 Ruger SP101s. One has had the cylinder chamfered for fast reloads. It will load and fire 357 mag, 38spl, 38 colt, 38lc, 38 s&w, and 38 long S&W. The other will not chamber the 38 S&W cartridges. Like you said, it depends.

[@jasonshults368]

That may be a cylinder throat issue. My experience with Rugers is that they have widely varying cylinder throat diameters, often among chambers in the same cylinder.

[@JuggoJuggo]

Can you put 9mm with a moon clip in it?

[@2326TX]

@@jasonshults368 not a throat issue, one I took to a gunsmith and had it chamfered for fast reloads. The other I bought a few years later and never had it chamfered. Somehow I'm the guy that friends come to if they want to try out a gun or learn to shoot. Anyway I found that handing someone a heavy stainless steel revolver with mild recoil ammo boost their confidence in mastering the defense tool that they had a little fear of. That said, I would hand a 70 year old friend of my mother my SP101 or GP100 that was loaded with 38 Colts. When she was confident with it, I'd load .38 Long Colts, then progress to .38 Spl. At that point, to a lighter revolver. But that's not what I want to get into right now. I buy or reload .38 Colts and .38LCs for that reason. One day I was in Academy ( a sporting goods store here is Texas) looked up and saw they had .38 Colts on the shelf. Well, factory load Remington green and yellow box all look the same. What I grabbed was .38 S&W, didn't notice till I got home. Was a little upset because I couldn't return them. However, out of curiosity I checked to see if any would chamber them. To my surprise the chambered SP101 and a couple others did. .38 Colt is the parent case to .38spl so all 357 or 38 spl revolvers should be fine with modern factory loaded 38 colt or long colts. .38 S&W is a tapered wall cartridge, it's base is slightly larger than that of the 38 Colt, 38 Spl., 357 Rem Mag. So some guns have loose enough tolerance to chamber the. 38 S&W and some may need to be chamfered.

[@GashimahironChl]

@@2326TX I was slightly worried of the slightly larger projectile of the .38sw combined with the weaker charge behind it causing the bullet to get stuck in the barrel, but since Paul just blasted a bunch of those out of a 357 and never mentioned this being a possibility, i guess it's fine?

[@panderson9561]

Video posted just 7 minutes ago. Last time I was this early Paul only had one caveat.

[@anthonyuchello2031]

Plus, in TEOTWAWKI, you can't rely on finding the exact ammo that is guaranteed to fit in the weapon you have/found. Best to come up with a different plan you can rely on.

[@jimmieburleigh9549]

Lol. I spit coffee when he said here hold my poptart instead of the typical hold my beer.

[@oscargustavoarcosruiz8793]

Yeah! 😂

[@jwarehouse1]

I had some .38 s&w that fit in a Model 10 Smith......Buffalo Bore makes a hi velocity round that is not safe for Top Break type revolvers. Even in regular form...it is a very good round for older/ recoil shy shooters. Even though slow moving....with the 145 grain bullet...it has the knockdown power similar to a .380. It would be interesting to see you test the two. But swing out cylinder revolvers like Colt Police Positive and S&W Terriers/ Regulation Police are getting expensive, and harder to find.

[@tombrown4683]

Paul Herrell always tells me facts & provides evidence. When I watch a Paul Herrell presentation he never steers me wrong !

[@jeffroalpha700]

15:45 So, to sum up what Paul is saying, Paul is claiming that .38 S&W is the devil’s caliber!

[@MightyBjorn]

2 videos in 1 day, we really have won a prize. Ty Paul.

[@ronroche3138]

Very well presented, as usual. Thanks Paul.

[@876mpr]

Buffalo Bore offers a 125 grain cast flat nose at 950 fps from a 4” barrel that’s supposed to be within the 13,000 CUP limit.

[@jb6027]

I just discovered this channel. I'm enjoying it immensely!

[@mtgAzim]

The sky is so blue, and the grass is so green. Beautiful scenery there.

[@shootshellz]

Eastern Oregon.

[@notparadox86]

A double upload? Hurray!

[@StudSupreme]

Look at all the flowers in that field, in between the tree stands. Quite beautiful.

[@baconandbullets]

Thank you for all the hard work you do Paul. I enjoy your videos and channel. You are entertaining and informative. Keep up the amazing content.

[@dariusweezer2]

Hey your presentations are awesome it would be really great if you did a presentation on 32 revolvers some of the modern 32 Ammunition and pistols I think would be awesome for self-defense but the meat Target would show better but from 32 short to the 32 Magnums made today it would be a very educational video I watch 99% of your stuff and I've never seen anything on 32

[@jagx234]

I've been wondering about buying a 327 fed mag for all of those lesser loads it could fire.

[@Neomalthusiano]

@@jagx234 if your intent is saving money, they aren't that much cheaper like the difference between.38 and .357. If you want versatility for an adverse scenario, while you're technically correct, none of those are easy to come by, at least in no way .38/357 is. But if you're recoil sensitive, and want to train with something that won't disturb you, now that's a great choice. Training with less powerful loads is a great way to get used to a gun, even if you intend to load it with something much more powerful in a real scenario.

[@jagx234]

@Neomalthusiano is specifically for the gamut of recoil level options that o was wondering about it. I don't subscribe to the scavenging at the end of times scenario. Just using one common round makes more sense to me there. 327 adding another round to a revolver, and being able to have say 32 h&r mag for myself but 32 long for my wife or daughter was intriguing

[@Neomalthusiano]

@@jagx234 I used to shoot "brute calibers" at ease. But, after I got a work injury, even a regular .357 mag load is too much for me. Where I live, I have no access to .327 mag, so have no experience to share. However, my father owns a .32 S&W L revolver, and I would have no problem spending an afternoon shooting it, if ammo was easier to come by. In case of a .327 mag revolver (with 32 S&W L ammo), which, due being more robust, in theory, may be slightly heavier, and thus, have even less recoil than a .32 S&W L only gun, it would have everything to be a pleasant experience for other family members to get into shooting, while still presenting a large room of flexibility for you to shoot more powerful loads. If you have no difficulty getting both the gun and ammo where you live, I say you should do it. My creed is that every family member should have some experience with a gun. They don't need to go to a range often or make it a hobby. Yet, knowing how to handle a gun safely and shoot it with a reasonable degree of competency may make the difference in a life or death situation. And that's a good choice of a gun for both experienced and novices. Just, if you can, try the revolver before buying to check if it matches your expectations. Due the lack of models available, maybe it doesn't and another (unfortunately more complex) solution could be getting into handloading, buy a .357 revolver, if don't own one already, and start handloading tailored to your needs. Tame 115 gr loads for the ladies and more powerful loads to yourself.

[@paraAA82]

Greetings from Arizona Mr. Harrell

[@Ivanxxyyzz]

Let me begin by saying that although I have one of the firearms discussed in this video, I have no experience in this discussion. However, I have heard "somewhere" said by "someone" a long time ago ... I'm 79 years old ... that shooting the shorter rounds in a revolver before shooting the longer rounds in the same gun could be problematic. Residue left by the shorter rounds could ... not would" ... interfere with the longer rounds performing well. This is in no way rebuttal of anything you have said. Thanks for all that you do in this and other forums. Forever a fan.

[@snupermoto723]

Did I win a prize ?

[@mtgAzim]

Uh huh. ^_^

[@ronoutwest]

Sure

[@oscargustavoarcosruiz8793]

Of course:: 2 videos of Paul un one day

[@Mn-yh2bp]

I think it’s important to point out that just because the round will chamber does not necessarily mean it would be safe to fire.

[@tomarmstrong4761]

I was pondering this point as well. For the rifling in the barrel to work well, the bullet diameter has to just barely have some friction with the grooves. Far too much friction would lead to Really Bad Things(tm) happening. "Barely too much?" Maybe not Really Bad Things (tm), but certainly could be poor performance. In hypothesis, at least. I think I'll stick with using ammunition in the designated caliber for any gun I'm going to use. I don't feel need to test that hypothesis.

[@nfaisnfgay]

If it seats it yeats bud

[@genericyoutubeuser1700]

Paul said that.

[@generaljackripper666]

This is true, you may experience some lead splash from an un-jacketed round. But the bullet will still exit the barrel.

[@Gameprojordan]

Paul literally talked about that within the first minute of the video 😂 it starts at 0:48

[@Hines1971]

I've been hand loading for.38 SW for years. If you can find 38sw bullets there are .361 or .362. Once the brass has been fired it will no longer fit in any of my .357 bore guns even after resizing. I use hollow base wadcutters. The expand nicely to the bore and are very accurate. You have to load them with a 3rd of the bullet proud due to the short case length. You can flip the wadcutters around to make a sort of ad hoc hollow point and they shoot ok and will flatten out pretty well but with the velocity inherent to the caliber, penetration would be problematic. I started reloading for it when I got an ex-hong kong police webley mk4. I noticed a few years ago that hornady xtp hollow points for 9mm makarov can be seated without drama and chamber normally( at least in my gun, try at your own risk.) They group fine but not to point of aim. Also 9mak cartridges will drop right in to the cylinder but lacking a rim, they will sink to just below flush and the extractor star cannot grip them. Never tried to actually fire them however. If I ever stumble across a lend lease model 10 in 38SW I'd be tempted to have it cut for moon clips and shoot 9mak through it.

[@michaelmcatee221]

It's really cool that you keep that old Webley running! A really piece of history!

[@jefferyfite7122]

A post WW2 Parker Hale marked British issued Smith & Wesson .38/.200 Victory rechambered for .38 Special might be able to accommodate the .38 S&W. Parker Hale rechambered the cylinders rather than replace them. They are considered unsafe.

[@KenA4ilu]

Thanks, Paul. Wonderful video! I have 2 old 38S&W revolvers. I love to shoot them, accurate with very light recoil. Not too many companies make this ammo now. Would you do a video on who does it best? Best performance for self defense? Sorry if this sounds silly. Like racing Model T’s. But fun! Thanks again! Ken

[@jeffreyelliott622]

I like PPU 145gr. LRN and of course the Remington 146gr. LRN and I have bought some Fiocchi 145gr LRN and FMJ ammo as well and all 3 seem to be pretty comparable in comparrison and all 3 are smoking accurate out of my 4 standard barrel !!! My revolver is a 1952 post war Smith & Wesson Regulation Police in .38s&w ctg./caliber !!! This ammo is quite abit on the expensive side but I get 1 or 2 boxes at least 3 times a year and stock up on it just like any other caliber but within reason due to cost !!!

[@PaulHarrell]

There aren't many companies making .38 S/W ammo, but as far as I can tell, the Remington green and yellow box ammo is Very good.

[@jeffreyelliott622]

@@PaulHarrell That PPU is smoking accurate at least out to 15 yards it's like I can't miss my target unless I do so on purpose but who wants to miss hitting their target I sure don't but I am shocked as to how accurate my 52 post war Regulation Police revolver really is !! I just got to go and take time in an indoor range at 7 yards and see it I can put 5 shots in one hole in the bullseye !!! I believe I can and I might just video it for the added pressure !!! Hahhhaa !!!

[@DougGruchy]

2 videos one day? Now thats a great day

[@RandallWeeks]

Hi Paul. I'm the Randall Weeks you mentioned in this presentation. I am not trying to dispute your videos. I'm a subscriber and I've learned a lot watching your videos. Also. I'm not someone who has any input on foraging ammo or the end of the world etc etc. I understand why people make caliber selections based on commonality. But I didn't comment on the end of the world thing or caliber selections or such. I have an Enfield .38 S&W and being a kinda obsolete caliber I've accumulated a lot of brands of ammo for it. A bunch. As you know you have to take what you can find with those. It's a sweetheart to shoot and it is a good woods gun where I live. I've tried to drop multiple brands of cartridges in about a dozen revolvers and none went in. Not even close. Same with my old army buddies and so on. Luck of the draw? I dunno. Evidently? You were right. I was wrong. I sincerely believed I was correct. Now I know. It happens though. Live and learn. Bottom line you demonstrated you were right. Respectfully. I do pose the question to chew on even though it may not hold much water. Maybe Remington saves money by not tooling to cast the brass in actual 38 S&W original tapered shape? I live pretty close to where Remington manufacturers pretty much all their ammo but I don't think I have ammo in that cartridge. But I wonder. At any rate. I enjoy you videos and look forward to learning more. Slight side note. I knew a fellow that swore on his life that he fired 9mm Makarov out of a 9x19mm Luger/NATO. I attempted this several times, different handguns.. It was like putting 12ga in a 20ga. (Being retired 11b that joined in the end of the Cold War, my understanding was the Soviets did that intentionally with a lot of ammunition so that NATO couldn't use captured ammunition.) I'd be interested in your insights on that and may you'd do a presentation on it.

[@PaulHarrell]

There's someone in the comments of this presentation who claimed he put 9X18 into the 9X19 cylinder of his black hawk. Based on my limited experience and what I've read, that's not possible. HOWEVER... I'm not going to declare him wrong because my experience is incomplete and I never know what mods may have been done to his gun. I have heard my whole life that "during the war..." (whichever war that was) that "they" could use our ammo in their guns, but we couldn't use their ammo in ours. I have never seen anything that supports this. The idea that the soviets deliberately made the 9X18 a little fatter so we couldn't use their ammo would seem less plausible than just making theirs a 9X20 so they could use NATO ammo but not vice verse. However, the Soviets may have designed the 9X18 that way, I really don't know. This whole thing about foraging for ammo dates back to the early days of prepping circa 1980 when revolvers were what most people were using and calibers like .38 short/long Colt and .38 S&W were still somewhat common, then the versatility made sense. Today, in my opinion, it doesn't. It also made sense for people who (like me) had the experience that most of the time .38 S&W would fit. It makes no sense for people like you who had the opposite experience.

[@RandallWeeks]

Something a little ironic. In Kosovo we shared a mutual guard duty with a Russian unit on and off a couple months or so. The ones that had sidearms were in 9x19 NATO/Luger. And said that was increasingly common across the Russian army. (I dunno how valid that is but the ones I talked to about it certainly certainly had the same 9x19mm as our M9.) The irony. Every country that defeated the Germans seems to be using their handgun cartridge in military service darn near a century later.

[@rwcochran8603]

I have a S&W M&P Model of 1905 manufactured in 1941 and covered with British proof marks. It is “chambered” in 38 Special and the Brits even remarked it as such too. However, looking at the chambers you can see someone honed the first portion of each chamber and 38 S&W fit and fire in all 6 chambers. Not a surprise since the 38/200 (38 S&W) was the Brit revolver cartridge for WWII. Nice video and points well made. You shouldn’t use absolutes when discussing generalities of firearms. Each piece and load is unique.

[@triggerbarPhD]

Okay, which of you will be the subject of next week’s video? 🍿🍿

[@tundranomad]

🤐 me.

[@rodgerneeb301]

Well Paul, now you've put the mental picture of you in the bar eating PopTarts while all the other patrons are holding each other's beers ...

[@eaton33a]

Thanks for another great presentation. Regarding a source of high performance 38 S&W, Buffalo Bore offer 125 gr load @ 1000fps, if that counts.

[@OdeeOz]

Boy how I miss my original Dan Wesson. Great presentation, Paul, and thanks countless times for keeping on sharing these. 👍👍👏 10⭐

[@Sverd_Ok_Skjoldr]

With God, all things are possible.

[@ligaar0849]

....what?

[@Quadrenaro]

​@@ligaar0849 With the power of God, we can chamber the 38 s&w, maybe even fire it.

[@mattgeiger8247]

God and America

[@GustavoRubioGSR]

Does the .38 Smith and Wesson chamber in the Ruger Security Six revolver? You skip it while trying to extract the ammo from the previous Ruger

[@PaulHarrell]

Yes it does.

[@GustavoRubioGSR]

@@PaulHarrell Thanx for the answer!! And for the material you upload. Very educational. Greetings from Argentina.

[@jasonbuck489]

I love these videos where you prove people wrong!... What a great feeling that must be!... There is always at least 1 exception to the rule every time!... Some people can be showed and proven they are totally incorrect, and yet still insist they are right!... Haha!... Great Video!

[@thefrogking481]

As someone who's been trying to force a large diameter object into places for many years, I support Paul's findings. You knew this type of comment was bound to happen.

[@iboopedyournose]

The real prize was 2 videos in 1 day :)

[@jamescampbell9992]

Love your stuff! I would love your opinion on “bear guns”-as in pistols for bear defense while hiking and camping.

[@shawnr771]

One small enough to make carrying it comfortable while being accurate enough to take out your friends knee while they are trying to tie their shoes.

[@michaelblacktree]

I think 10mm is a popular handgun cartridge for bear defense.

[@ScottinWV-bgij]

Bears are defensive enough. Never give one a gun.

[@shawnr771]

@@ScottinWV-bgij lol. The best defense is a good offense.

[@shootshellz]

@@ScottinWV-bgij Support your right to arm bears!

[@croissant8540]

ANOTHER VIDEO? Hell yeah!

[@raymondward1009]

I worked in an automotive parts machining company back in the 2000’s. This global sized company had changed from “1000s” measuring to custom gauge trees that check in a very, very small “micron” scale. It’s a whole lot closer tolerance than the old 10/1000s system that was used in automotive parts production applications prior to the late 1980’s. I’m sure everyone remembers the worthless cars America made in the 80’s. I wonder if any of the firearms manufacturers have done the same thing? That may explain a little of the difference in cylinder bore your experiencing here.

[@Tadicuslegion78]

I didn't realize they still made 38 Smith and Wesson

[@shootshellz]

Difficult to find and very expensive if you do find some.

[@Chris_the_Dingo]

Yeah...I have some PPU and Fiocchi. I think Remington still makes it too.

[@jeffreyelliott622]

@@Chris_the_Dingo Yep I buy all 3 brands when I can but mostly PPU and Fiocchi !!!

[@SCH292]

According to one of my FFL dealer he said that when come to certain calibers companies only make small amount, stop, wait till they sell out their stockpile and produce small amount again. Repeat.

[@Hines1971]

It's an easy caliber to reload for. Ive been able to use 9mm makarov hornady XTPs in my webley (I reload for 9mak too). The seat fine in the case and chamber without issue in my webly

[@bigbones916]

Hey Paul in a previous video you said you could hunt with a 556. Could you do a meat target test using a 556 and ammo that you would use in that type of scenario and compare it to a more traditional hunting cartridge. If youve already made a video like this I apologize I couldnt find it

[@PaulHarrell]

We have a presentation on shooting the AR pistol at 200 yards. This includes a demo of different hunting ammunitions vs. the meat target fired from 10.5 and 20 inch barrels.

[@bigbones916]

@@PaulHarrell Thank you Paul Ill do more due diligence and find it. I appreciate you taking the time to reply.

[@Fudmottin]

Without going into the pedantic details, 38S&W is really a different caliber in more ways than just length. That said, I do use the 38S&W reloading data as a guide for loading 38 Short Colt. It's the data I have. I also have 38 Long Colt brass. It's pre-covid brass made by Starline. The reason I have it is to reduce the case volume for light loads. This raises chamber pressure but also increases powder burn efficiency and consistency. I have also used 9mm Luger reload data. In all cases, I'm shooting with a 357 Magnum revolver. I've also found that when shooting lead bullets (I like the Hi-Tek coated ones), 0.358" bullets form a better seal in the barrel for less leading or blow by gasses. Again, that probably leads to higher pressures. I'm typically running somewhere between 3.5-4.5gr of Unique, so I don't think I'm going to blow up a gun. It really speaks to the versatility of the revolver that this can be done with appropriate prudence.

[@laurogarza4953]

Thanks for another clear, scientific, myth busting, production. Adding to the confusion is the fact that 38 Special is more correctly titled "38 S&W Special." It is very revealing to discover that modern revolvers have loose chambers that accommodate the old cousin. On the other hand, 38 Special and 357 revolvers should chamber the predecessors of the Special including the 38 Long and Short Colt. Yet again, the 38-40 Winchester, a revolver and rifle cartridge, is not a 357, 36 or 38 but actually a 401! Yes, confusing, isn't it. Cue the illustrations!

[@_ArsNova]

What about .38/200 British in a .357 magnum? :^)

[@michaelmcatee221]

"somehow I managed not to poke a hole in my hand" made me so giddy! I love when Paul gets salty!

[@ED-2.0.9.]

A consideration (haven't skimmed the comments): 38S&W (and Colt/Long Colt), where they will reliably chamber, have shorter cases such that even the snubbys notoriously short ejection rods WILL almost always reliably and wholly eject them (as they are longer in ejection throw than the cases length themselves). Also, where used w/speedloaders they can oft work with grips or configurations that don't otherwise allow room for a speedloader to line up well e'nuff to release drop them into the chambers. If you can roll your own one can size them down, or trim regular .38spcl cases down to equivalent lengths. Lotsa good load data out there for all.

[@1248dl]

38 Special was introduced in the Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector in 1898 and that revolver, aka S&W M&P, S&W Model 10, has been in continuous production since then. The 38 Short Colt and 38 Long Colt case are the ancestors of the 38 Special as the Special is the direct ancestor of the 357 Magnum. Having tried putting Remington 38 S&W into various 38 Special revolvers, I'm stunned that what you found fits. I speculate that it might be just that lot or that the new factory is using different specs to dimensions. Very interesting video, appreciated.

[@scaleworksRC]

Outstanding presentation by our beloved professor Harrell.

[@bradleybarnhart4188]

A little tip I learned a long time ago, you can use 9x19 dies with a 38 Special shell holder and load .38 S&W ammunition. You may want to change expander to accommodate the larger bullet, but I never have done it. Back in the 70s I saw a set of Lyman dies that were labeled for ".38 S&W, 9 mm Luger, .38 Super". These rounds can be loaded in 9mm dies with different shell holders and careful adjustments. As Paul would say, "...dies, chambers, and brass differ..." but it works for me and at least one person that shared his results with me. I have also found that 148 grain hollow based wadcutters expand nicely in the larger S&W barrel giving excellent results.

[@pgeorg01]

"HOLD MY POPTART!" I chuckled pretty hard at this. Thank you Paul!

[@Oldtimeypistolero]

Came for the revolver content but got the bonus of Paul dunking on a psude.

[@alanh8664]

amusing you correctly advised, a person needs to check with their guns and their ammo, to see compatibility. Then ended with correct advice, don't try this at home, I'm what you might call a professional. You are so very good at this, no ego, facts, stating it's your opinion for your self which you are sharing. Oh, you're also really good shot!!! Thanks Paul, seattle

[@ryanbecquer3496]

There’s no way his 7mm rem mag can kill 30-50 feral hogs in my backyard. Edit: this is a 100% definitive statement, no leeway, and also he probably did hurt his hand sharply slapping the ejector rod on his revolver.

[@frozenninja4030]

Glad I paid attention to the video time and not just trusted the 'As always, don't try this at home I'm what you call a professional...' tagline to click off. Would have missed an important bit of practical application and performance comparison. Also, Paul must've gotten really lucky here. Everyone knows that if you HIT an ejector rod with a sharp slap or two you will put a hole in your hand 50% of the time, every time.

[@markfergerson2145]

When I hear someone claim with certainty that their anecdotal experiences apply universally, I think of George Bernard Shaw’s “Anthony and Cleopatra”; “Pardon him Theodotus: he is a barbarian and thinks that the customs of his tribe and island are the laws of nature.”

[@paulx2777]

Years ago at the Portland gun show I found a very nice little S&W revolver in excellent condition. Glanced at the barrel, it said .38 and I didn't look any more closely. Got my toy home, and the first thing I did was drop a .38 Special round into the chamber. What's this? It won't go all the way. Looked at the barrel again, it said .38 Smith & Wesson. Ooops! It was a model 33! I generally try to get OUT of obscure calibers, not add more (not on purpose anyway). I shot one cylinder of the .38 S&W ammo I found in that caliber, noted the slow velocity, then stuck the thing in the back of the gun safe. Damn!

[@natejackson4791]

Friend, you are the only you tuber that panders to trolls. Stop accomodating them and just do what you do. Thanks

[@lens7859]

Priceless! And I will say that your videos are ALWAYS entertaining! Tell me that I’m wrong

[@hughaskew6550]

A Paul twofer in the same day? Heaven!

[@greylocke100]

This was almost 20 years ago when I was working security for the Housing Authority, when we had a newly trained officer get injured when she couldn't chamber .38 S&W in her S&W Model 10. She DID whack the case with a hammer setting it off and a piece of the case cut her wrist and forearm up rather badly. She said later, the gun store told her that .38 S&W would work with no problems. She sued them and won in small claims court to replace her Model 10, the company covered her medical as she was on duty at the time. After that, the company supplied our duty ammunition and provided us with 50 rounds of practice ammo every month as long as we turned in our fired cases, as they had them reloaded for our practice.

[@stanleygurski7733]

SW Victory models originally made in 38 SW (380_200) were rechamberd in 38 Spl for the American market.

[@charleykeenan6171]

Well done. Very well done. Thank you.

[@pithicus52]

According to the Lyman Pistol and Revolver Handbook, 3rd edition, the case diameter for the 38 S&W is 0.386. For the 38 Special and 357 Magnum it is 0.379. They don't give tolerances, but I expect that the tolerances would not result in any overlap. So the testing done for this video is consistent with the book values, i.e. don't expect 38 S&W to fit in the other two guns.

[@dkwolfe1]

“Oh yeah?! Hold my pop-tarts” needs to be on a t-shirt.😂😂😂

[@TheRedRocket]

Thank you, Paul. This was informative.

[@8mmmauserman]

Very knowledgeable. Thanks for the video! Paul Harrell out of context will have a field day with "Hold My Poptart"

[@frankbrowning328]

The short answer is sometimes. I've owned 38 Special and 357 mag revolvers in which some would and some won't chamber 38 S&W. Sometimes the bullet diameter is just large enough that it will not easily fit into the 38 Special of 357 Mag revolver cylinder however, sometimes in some guns it will.

[@peterbogart4531]

The British Army issued a .38 S & W Colt revolver in WWII with ammo that supposedly was NOT designed to be compatible with.38 Special revolvers. The original British bullet was of standard lead. That was changed to a full metal jacket to comply with Geneva rules. The result was a cartridge somewhat less effective. Lt. Ian MacHorton describes carrying and using the revolver effectively in combat. See "The One Hundred Days of Lt, MacHorton" (Bantam). .