.38 super vs .38 special

2 min read 04-12-2024

The .38 Super and .38 Special are both popular handgun cartridges, but they have key differences that make them suitable for different purposes. Choosing between them depends heavily on your intended use—self-defense, target shooting, or collecting. This in-depth comparison will help you decide which cartridge is right for you.

Understanding the Calibers: .38 Super and .38 Special

Both cartridges use a .357-inch diameter bullet, but their performance varies significantly. The key difference lies in their case design and pressure levels.

.38 Special: The Classic

The .38 Special is a time-tested, relatively low-pressure cartridge. Its widespread adoption makes it readily available and affordable. It’s known for its mild recoil, making it suitable for beginners and those with smaller hands. While less powerful, the .38 Special offers good accuracy and reliability. It's a common choice for target shooting, concealed carry (with appropriate bullet selection), and plinking.

.38 Super: High-Velocity Powerhouse

The .38 Super is a bottlenecked cartridge designed for higher pressures and velocities. This translates to significantly more stopping power than the .38 Special. Its higher velocity also produces a flatter trajectory, resulting in better accuracy at longer ranges. However, the increased power comes at the cost of greater recoil. This makes it less suitable for beginners and less comfortable for extended shooting sessions. The .38 Super is often preferred for self-defense and competitive shooting.

Key Differences: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	.38 Special	.38 Super
Case Type	Straight	Bottlenecked
Pressure	Low	High
Velocity	Lower	Higher
Recoil	Lower	Higher
Stopping Power	Lower	Higher
Accuracy	Good	Excellent
Cost	Less Expensive	More Expensive
Availability	Widely Available	Less Widely Available
Typical Use	Target shooting, concealed carry	Self-defense, competition

Which Cartridge is Right for You?

The "best" cartridge depends entirely on your needs and preferences.

Choose .38 Special if:

You're a beginner shooter.
You prioritize low recoil and comfortable shooting.
You need an affordable and readily available cartridge.
You primarily plan to use it for target practice or casual shooting.

Choose .38 Super if:

You need maximum stopping power.
You prioritize accuracy at longer ranges.
You're comfortable with higher recoil.
You intend to use it for self-defense or competitive shooting.

Ballistics: A Deeper Dive

To further illustrate the differences, let's examine the ballistics of common loadings:

.38 Special: A typical 158-grain lead round nose bullet might achieve a muzzle velocity of around 800-850 feet per second (fps) with around 200 foot-pounds of energy.
.38 Super: A typical 125-grain jacketed hollow point bullet might achieve a muzzle velocity of around 1100-1200 fps with around 350 foot-pounds of energy.

This significant difference in velocity and energy is what accounts for the .38 Super's superior stopping power.

Considerations for Reloading

Both cartridges can be reloaded, offering cost savings for those who reload their ammunition. However, the higher pressures of the .38 Super demand more precision and care in reloading. Incorrect reloading practices can be dangerous with the .38 Super.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

The decision between .38 Special and .38 Super hinges on your priorities. The .38 Special is a versatile and manageable cartridge for a wide range of applications. The .38 Super, while more powerful and accurate, demands more skill and experience due to its higher recoil and pressure. Consider your skill level, intended use, and comfort level when making your choice. Remember to always practice safe gun handling techniques.