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From S&W's Safety and Instruction manual for Modern Revolvers:
A little further into the manual:
In fact the only 38 caliber ammunition they specifically warn against are +P+ loads and magnum loadings of less than 120gr.
From the Ruger GP100 Instruction Manual:
It is certainly safe and acceptable to shoot .38 special in a .357mag revolver. The only risk lies in letting the chambers get fouled.
Locate the cartridge designation marked on the firearm. This information indicates the correct ammunition that must be used in this firearm. (Fig. 1).
You are responsible for selecting ammunition that meets industry standards and is appropriate in type and caliber for this firearm. Never use a cartridge not specifically designated for use in your firearm. The wrong type of ammunition may exceed the capability of your firearm and may damage or even rupture your firearm.
Never mix ammunition.
• Additional ammunition calibers can be fired from the
following list of select calibers.
Caliber on Barrel Can also Fire
.500 S&W MAG -----.500 Special
.460 S&W MAG ----- .45 Colt, .454 Casull
.45 Colt ----- .45 Schofield, .45 S&W
.45 S&W ----- .45 Schofield
.45 ACP ----- .45 Auto Rim (in revolvers only)
.44 Magnum ----- .44 Special
.357 Magnum ----- .38 Special, .38 Special +P
.22LR ----- .22L, .22 Short (in revolvers only)
A little further into the manual:
• Always start your shooting experience with the lowest bullet
velocity and lowest bullet weight available for your firearm.
Some examples are as follows:
- Use .38 S&W Special in place of .357 Magnum® loads.
- Use .44 Special in place of .44 Magnum® loads.
- Use “mid-range” or “target” loads rather than loads designated “high power”.
In fact the only 38 caliber ammunition they specifically warn against are +P+ loads and magnum loadings of less than 120gr.
From the Ruger GP100 Instruction Manual:
RUGER® GP100® revolvers will chamber the .357 Magnum, .38 Special +P, .38 Special +P+, and the .38 Special cartridge. Ruger revolvers are designed for use with cartridges of the correct caliber which are manufactured in accordance with the U.S. Industry Standards. Be certain to use proper cartridges of the correct caliber.
It is certainly safe and acceptable to shoot .38 special in a .357mag revolver. The only risk lies in letting the chambers get fouled.