Can your gun or any gun really shoot more than one type of ammunition?
Well, if by “type” you mean Brand, then definitely, but if you mean “Caliber, ” the answer is a definite Maybe.
We actually will defer to SAAMI (read our who is SAAMI ).
Remember – just because a round of ammunition can fit into a firearm’s chamber, barrel, or action – this does not necessarily mean that it is safe to use that ammunition in that firearm. Again, always verify that the ammunition to be used matches the markings on the firearm.
SAAMI – -Generally Accepted Firearms and Ammunition Interchangeability
The best way to verify that you are using the correct ammunition is to check the head stamp on the cartridge to confirm that it matches the markings on the firearm. Some types of ammunition, most notably rimfire and cartridges produced for military use, do not have cartridge markings on the headstamp of the case. In those instances, check the original ammunition packaging to determine its proper designation. If you have any doubt about the designation of the ammunition, you should not use it until you have it examined by a qualified person.
The table below is a summary/subset of the SAAMI document:
“Generally Accepted Firearms and Ammunition Interchangeability”
we always recommend you read the full information but the chart below has some of the more popular cartridges. It is NOT ALWAYS ABSOLUTLEY TRUE as they say “May Generally Safely Shoot” if you are unsure always get a 2nd qualified opinion. The (*) indicates we have done this in our firearms.
Note: The chart below is one-way, meaning the firearm (i.e. 38 Special ) may shoot the cartridges on the right but that doesn’t mean a 38 Long Colt gun can shoot a 38 Special cartridge.
| Firearms Chambered In | May Generally Safely Shoot |
| 22 Long Rifle ( 22 LR) | 22 Short (22 S) 22 Long (22 L) * 22 Long Rifle Shot (22 LR Shot) |
| 38 Long Colt (38 LC) | 38 Short Colt (38 SC) |
| 38 Special (38 SPL) | 38 Short Colt (38 SC) 38 Long Colt (38 LC) |
| 38 Special +P 38 (SPL +P) | 38 Special (38 SPL) 38 Short Colt (38 SC) 38 Long Colt (38 LC) |
| 357 Magnum (357 MAG) | 38 Special (38 SPL) * 38 Short Colt (38 SC) 38 Long Colt (38 LC) |
| 357 Remington Maximum (357 REM MAX) | 38 Special (38 SPL) 38 Short Colt (38 SC) 38 Long Colt (38 LC) 357 Magnum (357 MAG) |
| 44 Remington Magnum (44 REM MAG) | 44 S&W Special (44 S&W SPL) * |
| 500 S&W Magnum 500 (S&W MAG) | 500 Special (500 SPL) |
| 5.56 x 45mm NATO | 223 Remington ..(see below) |
| 300 AAC Blackout ( 300 BLK ) | 300 Whisper |
| 300 Whisper | 300 AAC Blackout ( 300 BLK ) |
A word about 223 Remington and the nearly identical 5.56 x 45mm (also called “556”) some people consider them interchangeable but they are NOT ALWAYS. See what SAAMI says :
SAAMI’s Frequently Asked Questions
We hope this article has been informative and boosts your AmmoIQ…