When applying for a licence or a variation to apply for a large calibre humane killer, it is always advisable to apply for ".38/.357".
It is assumed as .38 being larger than .357 that the calibres are different. They are not!
Despite the name, the calibre of the .38 special cartridge is actually .357.
The ".38 special" name relates to the previous use of "heeled " bullets such as .38 short Colt.
The .38 special calibres were introduced in approximately 1900
The .357 Magnum was introduced in 1934 in response to the need for a more powerful round in the "Gangster" years. Only the ".38 super" round, which travelled at over 1,000 fps, was able to penetrate the "ballistic vests", worn by the "bootleggers", and car doors. History lesson over.
The .357 magnum revolver will take either the .38 special or the .357 magnum round, whereas the .38 special revolvers will not chamber the .357 magnum round.
By applying in the format ".38/.357" you will have the choice of which revolver to buy to best suit the animals you will be dispatching
Always apply to possess at least 100 rounds of ammunition (in multiples of 50 thereafter), thus giving you the benefit of purchasing 50 rounds of each calibre if your purchase is the .357 magnum.
Have a look at the ballistics chart in this information section to give you a better idea of performance ! Also check the noise level of the .38 special revolver against that of the .357 magnum revolver
A sound moderator should NEVER be fitted to either of these calibres in revolver format.
For more technical details about the .38/.357 see under "Most versatile Handgun..........."