[templar]

A .38 usually refers to the 38 special, cartridge length of 1.155 inches, overall loaded length of 1.55, usually a 158 grain .357 diameter bullet at around 750 fps.
A .380 is a smaller round, cartridge length of .680, overall loaded length of .984, bullet diameter of .355, usually a 100 grain bullet about 950 fps.

Similar bullet diameters are found in the 9mm luger, 9mm largo, .357 magnum, 38 automatic, 38 super automatic, 38 Smith & Wesson (which is the largest bullet diameter at .360), and a few rare old cowboy and BP guns.

None of these have an actual .380 bore, most are .355, .357, or .360.

[JRandomFreeper]

usually a 158 grain .357 diameter bullet at around 750 fps.

Now, explain +P loads. ;>)

/john