The Below Information Has Been Provided From Our Gun Caliber Dictionary And Is Meant For Informational Purposes Only. It Is Not Intended to Describe The Unique Specifications For This Ammunition.
The 38 Special +P uses the standard 38 Special 1.1551-inch case with .357-inch bullet, but is loaded to higher pressure (18,500 psi versus 17,000) than standard 38 Special ammunition. 38 Special +P ammunition is thus fully interchangeable with 38 Special ammunition. However, it is not necessarily safe to use 38 Special +P in older revolvers and especially revolvers with lightweight aluminum frames. 38 Special +P offers increased velocity and greater energy yield, raising velocity with a 158-grain bullet from 800 to 890 feet per second. With modern bullet designs 38 Special +P is an extremely effective personal defense load. — Craig Boddington
