What does +p mean in 38 Special?

357 Magnum (about 35,000 PSI cartridge pressure- kind of high for a handgun) 38 plus P plus (the “P” means powder- so there is extra gun powder) (22,000 psi). 38 plus P (some extra powder)(20,000psi cartridge pressure- about half of a 357 magnum) 38 special. ( 17,000 psi).
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What does p mean on 38 Special?

Overpressure ammo, also known as +P ammo, is ammo that is loaded to generate a higher-than-standard chamber pressure during ignition. A +P cartridge will give its bullet a faster than usual muzzle velocity. This in turn confers a flatter trajectory and the delivery of more kinetic energy to the target.
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What's the difference between a 38 Special and a 38 Special p?

In response to continued complaints over ineffectiveness of the standard .38 Special 158-grain cartridge in stopping assailants in numerous armed confrontations during the 1950s and 1960s, ammunition manufacturers began to experiment with higher-pressure (18,500 CUP) loadings of the .38 Special cartridge, known as 38 ...
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Can you shoot 38 P in a 38 Special?

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.
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What is 38 S&W Special P?

38 Special +P Revolver with a Centennial-style frame features an enclosed hammer and is made of alloy/stainless steel, and the revolver has a 5-round capacity, an integral front sight and a fixed rear sight.
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Shooting plus P ammo in your 38 special

Is 38 Special +P as powerful as 9mm?

But if you're wondering if the 38 Special is more powerful than the 9mm, then the answer is no. Even though it's smaller, the 9mm is more powerful because of its higher chamber pressure. That propels its projectile to a higher velocity, thus increasing its potential striking energy in turn.
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Why do Mexicans like .38 super?

Apart from its popularity in shooting sports, the .38 Super +P is one of the most popular pistol cartridges in Latin America due to local restrictions on civilian ownership of firearms chambered for military cartridges, such as 9mm Parabellum and .45 ACP.
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Which is more powerful, 38 P or 357?

38 Special +P ammo does help close the gap, but even then, it's still not even close to coming to the raw, unadulterated power offered by the 357 Mag. The 357 simply has more muzzle velocity, energy, and better terminal ballistics compared to the 38 Special.
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How do I know if my gun is +P rated?

Some manufacturers will include a “+P” or “P+” symbol next to the caliber designation on the headstamp. However, this is not always the case, and some +P ammunition may not have this marking on the headstamp.
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What is the most powerful 38 Special P?

Federal 38 Special +P 158 Grain LSWCHP is the most powerful 38 Special ammo because it fires a heavy 158 grain semi-wadcutter hollow point bullet and is supercharged +P ammo.
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What is the advantage of +p ammo?

In general, the purpose of a +P cartridge is to get a higher velocity for a given bullet weight than a standard pressure cartridge.
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Which brand makes the best revolvers?

Best Revolvers
  1. Smith & Wesson 686 Plus – Editor's Pick. ...
  2. Smith & Wesson 327 TRR8 – Best Tactical Revolver. ...
  3. Heritage Arms Rough Rider – Best Plinker. ...
  4. Ruger LCR – Best for Concealed Carry. ...
  5. Ruger Super Redhawk . ...
  6. Uberti 1851 Navy – Best Black Powder Revolver. ...
  7. Ruger GP100 – Most Durable. ...
  8. Kimber K6s – Best for Everyday Carry.
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Is 38 Special a girl gun?

38 Special was touted as a perfect women's gun because it was small, light and super simple to operate.
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Is +P better for home defense?

For concealed carry or home defense, plus P ammo is ideal when penetration through thick clothing or barriers is necessary. Shooters who struggle with recoil or prioritize firearm longevity may prefer standard-pressure rounds.
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How many P-38 pistols were made?

1,277,680 P.38s were produced during WWII: 617,585 by Walther in Zella-Mehlis; 372,875 by Mauser in Oberndorf; 287,220 by Spreewerk Grottau. Late in the war, the Spreewerk (cyq) die broke. Subsequent pistols appear to be marked "cvq" due to the broken die.
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Are a .38 and a .380 the same?

38 special is a rimmed cartridge designed for revolver use and . 380 is a short, small round used primarily for concealed carry. Both came from a time where metallurgy dictated that they be relatively low pressure so they both kinda suck by today's standards.
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What does .38 special +p mean?

+P means higher pressure than standard ammo (more pressure = more velocity). +P just means the gun is rated/warrantied to withstand the +P pressure. . 38+P is somewhere between regular .38 and .357 magnum, albeit much closer to the .38 end of the spectrum.
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Do cops use +p ammo?

+P and +P+ ammunition is designed with purpose-driven users in mind. Law enforcement officers often carry +P rounds due to the increased terminal performance, particularly in urban environments where quick threat neutralization is critical.
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Is +P necessary for self-defense?

Self-defense ammunition doesn't necessarily need to be +P loaded to be effective. Thanks to advancements in modern smokeless powders and improved bullet designs, enhanced bullet performance can be achieved without the need for +P or +P+ pressures.
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Why can't you shoot a 357 in a 38?

357 Magnum was specifically designed so it cannot be fired from handguns chambered in . 38 Special, but you can shoot . 38 Special in a gun chambered in . 357 Magnum.
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What is the difference between .38 and .38 Special?

Measuring 1.550 inches in overall length with a case length of 1.155 inches, the . 38 Special is significantly longer than the . 38 S&W. This increased case capacity allows for larger powder charges and higher operating pressures, resulting in substantially improved ballistic performance.
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What is the most effective caliber for home defense?

Looking at the data and using our personal experiences, we're convinced that the 9mm Luger is the best all-around handgun cartridge for self-defense.
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What pistol do Navy SEALs carry in 2025?

The P226 MK25 is identical to the pistol carried by the U.S. Navy SEALs, the fleet's special warfare operators. The railed P226 chambered in 9mm and engraved with an anchor on the left side of the slide is the official sidearm of the SEALs. This firearm is not available with a manual safety.
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Why do 1911s jam so much?

If you limp-wrist a 1911, there won't be enough force for the gun to work against, and so most commonly what will happen is you'll get a type of jam known as a “stovepipe” in which the spent casing will be wedged in between the slide and barrel.
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Where do most illegal guns come from in America?

Another large source of guns used in crimes are unlicensed street dealers who either get their guns through illegal transactions with licensed dealers, straw purchases, or from gun thefts. These illegal dealers turn around and sell these illegally on the street.
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