Handgun ammunition should always fit the appropriate firearm-be sure to match the markings on your gun with those on the ammunition case head.

There are some loads that can be fired in longer chambered guns: • 38 Special in 357 Magnum
• 44 Special in 44 Magnum
• 45 Colt in 454 Casull
• 454 Casull in 460 Smith & Wesson
• 32 H&R and 32 S&W in the 327 Federal Magnum.

Safety note: Make sure you do your research and know which loads are appropriate for which calibers for safe shooting.

There are two types of handgun cartridges: • Semi-automatic ammunition: Either rimless or semi-rimmed to facilitate feeding through the clip
• Revolver ammunition: Generally rimmed, although some revolvers can use rimless or semi-rimmed centerfire cartridges.

Fun fact: The smallest Federal centerfire handgun cartridge is the 25 automatic and the largest is the 500 Smith & Wesson.