Can I shoot 38 Special +P?

38 +P loads have increased pressures—that’s what the +P stands for—over standard . 38 Special loads. These +P rounds may not, should not, cannot be fired in standard . 38 Special revolvers for risk of damage or injury to the gun and the shooter.

What ammo does a Colt Cobra take?

.38 Special
The Cobra is chambered in . 38 Special and is +P capable. This firearm was designed to meet the needs of new shooters and seasoned professionals alike. It’s easy and enjoyable to shoot, easy to carry, and draws from the fine lineage that make Colt revolvers special.

Is 38 Special +P good for self defense?

38 Special is an adequate round for self defense. If standard pressure loadings aren’t sufficient, there’s +P. The caliber’s biggest limitation is the guns that chamber it. They are revolvers with a capacity of five to eight rounds.

What does +P mean on bullets?

Overpressure ammunition
Overpressure ammunition, commonly designated as +P or +P+, is small arms ammunition that has been loaded to produce a higher internal pressure when fired than is standard for ammunition of its caliber (see internal ballistics), but less than the pressures generated by a proof round.

Is plus P ammo better?

Primarily, most people choose +P ammo for greater terminal ballistics. When the projectile makes contact with a target, hollow point bullets turn forward energy into penetration and expansion. The faster the bullet is moving, the deeper it will penetrate and the better it will expand.

Can A.38 s and W revolver fire.38 SPL ammunition?

Even though the gun may have been proofed to fire .38 Spl. ammunition, it is likely to have been chambered in .38 S&W originally. If it will chamber and function with the relatively milder .38 S&W ammunition, that would be my choice for your gun were it mine, as a matter of safety.

What’s the best 38 Special Ammo for self defense?

Loads designated as +P are available at 20,000 psi, but not all .38 Special revolvers are strong enough for a steady diet of +P ammo. This mostly applies to older revolvers, but some newer 38 Specials are not +P rated.

Is it safe to fire P on A.38 special?

Personally, I would not fire +P if the weapon isn’t designed for it. With repeated use the frame may stretch and cause the gun not to lockup properly. That is, if the cylinder doesn’t blow first. Play it safe and don’t do it.

Can a 38 Special be fired in a.357 Magnum?

The cartridge itself has come in a number of iterations over the years and is the parent case for the more powerful .357 Magnum. The .38 Special can be safely fired in guns chambered in .357 Magnum as a result, which gives shooters a wide power spectrum to take advantage of.