Can a .38 caliber revolver shoot .38 Special ammo?
Only if it’s chambered for .38 Special or .357 Magnum. Read the barrel. “.38” covers several different cartridges.
Revolvers
Can .380 Auto ammo be fired in a .38 revolver?
No. Don’t do it.
Did forcing the cylinder release on my new S&W 327 damage it?
Very unlikely. Pushing the latch forward firmly is how it’s designed to work. A stiff release usually means something else is binding, and you can get it fixed.
How much better is .357 Magnum than .38 Special +P?
From a 4-inch barrel, a full-power .357 carries roughly 50% to 80% more energy than a .38 +P with the same bullet weight. You pay for it in recoil, muzzle blast and flash.