Not certain where this post should be, could go any number of places(?).
Let me start by saying that my other guns are chambered in 9mm, .40cal and a couple of .22lr plinkers, so I'm looking for some education, and this seems to be the place for it.
I just acquired a Model 686+1 in stainless.
By all accounts, it's a great gun, BUT...
My wife has been running some .38spl through it because we were told .357 would probably be too hot for her, she's pretty slight.
What is the lightest readily available .38 rounds that would be OK for this gun so that we can both get maximum enjoyment from this weapon?
We have shot some wadcutter rounds at 148 grains, and some FMJ rounds at 138 grains, and (surprised me) the 148's were considerably softer shooting rounds...now I'm confused.
Any guidance would be appreciated, as I'm new to both the .357 and .38 rounds, I still haven't fired any .357 with it yet. In fact, I'm so ignorant, I was quite surprised that .357 and .38spl could be fired from the same pistol, which brings me to my next question: what, if any, is the difference between .38cal and .38spl? Can I fire .357 magnum rounds, or just .357, and what is the difference? Like I said, any input is appreciated while I wait for my replacement owner's manual.
Thanks in advance,
Tim