"https://theshootingmystery.tumblr.com/", We have listed the specifications of the two cartridges in table form below to help you easily compare them. A combination of a lightweight bullet and compensator greatly reduces the recoil. Remember that you should never use the .38 cartridge in a .38 Special gun. The lowest .38 spc pressure in common use today is the 17,000psi, which propels medium-sized bullets at a really lower speed compared to .38 ACP and 9x19mm parabellum. A .38 Super pistol is designed to shoot at higher pressures. Due to the large case volume, the .38 Super packs a good amount of smokeless which results in a high muzzle velocity. }. For the fastest delivery, select Express Shipping at checkout. [ If you want to learn more about these cartridges, then you’ve come to the right place. If using 38 Auto brass I would not load it above 38 auto pressures. 9mm is considered a "rimless" and .38 super is a "semi-rimless" case. Christopher’s expertise in handling firearms and hunting gear are what propelled him to create the Shooting Mystery blog. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. It was introduced in 1929 by Colt for it's new auto pistol. However like many autos it may head space on the extractor and fire. Having much more controllable recoil compare to the .45 ACP, the .38 Super is a favorite caliber for competitive shootings. Using .38 ACP may be deemed unsafe with such pistols designed for the other. 10 Best Rifle Bipod For The Money: Reviews and Guide (2020). As you can see from our specifications table above, the .38 Special is a low-pressure cartridge. The older .38 ACP cartridge propells a 130-grain (8.4 g) bullet at 1,050 ft/s (320.0 m/s), whereas the .38 Super pushes the same bullet at 1,280 ft/s (390.1 m/s). { "keywords": ["38 super vs 38 special"], It’s hard to decide the winner between the 38 Super vs. 38 Special since there is a diversity of personal preferences and people tastes. "dateModified": "2020-12-01", The .38 Superwasn’t introduced until 1929, some 27 years later. "https://www.pinterest.com/theshootingmystery/", Compare 38 super auto ammo from the top online retailers to find the lowest price. © 2020 All Rights Reserved by Shooting Mystery, 6.5 Creedmoor vs. 7mm-08 Remington: Comparison and Review, 300 Win Mag vs. 300 Ultra Mag: Comparison and Review, Thompson Center Compass vs. Ruger American: Comparison and Review, Case type: Semi-rimmed or nearly rimless, straight, Maximum pressure: 36,500 Pounds per square inch, Maximum pressure: 22,000 Pounds per square inch. As stated above, the .38 Super is usually found on pistols while .38 Special is mostly employed by revolvers. It is the same dimensionally as the .38 Super, with a semi-rim on which the cartridge was supposed to headspace. The two are just NOT interchangeable. On the other hand, the .38 Super is able to push the velocity to around 1,215 – 1,450 Feet Per Second. This explains why it’s one of the dominant calibers in IPSC competitions. Besides, by using some bipods and scopes, the performance also will be affected. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The best concealed carry gun holds plenty of ammo and shoots bullets that expand rapidly and penetrate deep. In fact, the velocity potential of the .38 Super is even better than the famous 9×19mm Parabellum for certain defense loadings. In competitions hosted by IPSC, the.38 Super is one of the dominant calibers. a .357 is a revolver round while a .38 Super is a semi-automatic round. "publisher": { case diameter). Among them are 38 Super and 38 Special which you can find being used for target shooting, personal defense, and hunting small games. No. } 380 ACP may chamber in a 38 Super or a 38 Auto but SHOULD not fire because it should not head space properly (to short). You may need a lighter recoil spring for the reduced loads. We have analyzed the two calibers in terms of performance, applications, and interchangeability. "@type": "ImageObject", The performance and quality of the modern rounds are often superior to the old ones. "mainEntityOfPage": "https://shootingmystery.com/38-super-vs-38-special-one-better-choice/", In the following guide, we’ll take you through an in-depth analysis of the two to help you decide which one suits your needs. Shooting of incorrect ammunition will expose you and your gun to unnecessary risks. Latest. To impr… The rounds are shorter and less powerful, meaning the pistols that fire them can be smaller and easier to conceal than when using 9mm rounds. He hopes for all readers to gain useful and practical knowledge for enjoying their time outdoors. Any source I have seen says never load the 38 Auto at 38 Super pressures. The .45 ACP, for “Automatic Colt Pistol,” is one of the most powerful handgun cartridges currently available, despite that fact that it was released only a few years after the end of the nineteenth century. More Guns. How do you compare the 9mm and the .38 Super? The .38 Special (also referred to as .38spc or .38spl) is a rimmed, centerfire cartridge that’s commonly used in revolvers. At the time of its introduction, the .38 Super was capable of piercing through body armor and automobiles. Fast forward, the .38 Super has become the caliber of choice for most pistol match competitions, including the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC). 38 Super vs. 45 ACP Comparison Getting to Know .45 ACP. or.398 AUTO. The .38 Super Auto achieved a MV of 1280 fps with the same 130 grain bullet. First appearing in the late 1920s, the .38 Super retains the profile of the 38 ACP / Auto albeit with a higher pressure loading. The .38 S&W Special uses a .357 bullet as does the .357 magnum. The .38 Super became moderately popular and remains available today. Keep in mind that these loads are NOT recommended for use with the older revolvers or those not specially rated as “+P.”. "https://www.facebook.com/Shooting-Mystery-110244180901951", "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6dwEQfHK1tk_ZeaA4PniOA/", The .38 Super Auto, introduced in 1929, is slightly larger than the 9mm Luger cartridge. 0.893 - 0.898 O.A.L. ", The restriction of the use of .38 Super in some parts of the globe. A higher pressure version of this cartridge loads at 22,000 psi and delivers up to a 20% increase in muzzle energy than the standard pressure loads. Introduced in 1898, the .38 Special was supposed to be a replacement for the military 38 Long Colt due to the latter’s inadequate stopping power in combat. Your email address will not be published. Which is better for personal protection? It was designed by Smith & Wesson in 1898 as a replacement for the .38 Long Colt as it had better penetration power. "name": "Shooting Mystery", The 38 super brass is thicker internally to handle the increased pressure at the unsupported area at the feed ramp. Originally, the identification for the.38 Super cartridge was a nickeled case. The .38 Super r… "datePublished": "2020-12-01", The .38 super auto became very popular among the action pistol competitions of the IPSC. On the other hand, the .38 Super is able to push the velocity to around 1,215 – 1,450 Feet Per Second. Not to be used with .38 Super data in firearms originally chambered for the .38 Auto … The .38 Super is actually the .38 Automatic with a different name. .38 Special remains a popular choice for target shooting as well as formal target competition, hunting small game. The .38 Super is capable of excellent accuracywith a range of bullet weights. "sameAs": The .38 Auto can also have up to twice as much energy. It initially utilized black powder but the manufacturer promptly offered a smokeless loading within a year of its release. The.38 (also referred to as.38 Super Auto) is simply a pistol cartridge used to fire the 9.04mm bullet. The restriction of military grade cartridges like the .45 ACP in some regions of the world significantly enhances the popularity of the .38 Super. In comparison, it sits between .38 ACP and the 9x19 Parabellum. As a whole, the .38 Super is considered to be a good, all-around cartridge with high energy, nice accuracy, and a flat trajectory. #Many people use the .38 special as a light target load and it is in The .38 Super, also known as .38 Superauto, .38 Super Auto, or 9x23mmSR, is a pistol cartridge that fires a 0.356-inch-diameter (9.04 mm) bullet. After spending most of his career as a firearms expert and instructor in Nebraska, he retreated to the great outdoors to enjoy retirement. Your email address will not be published. Interchangeability doesn’t apply when it comes to .38 super and .38 special. Their significant pressure differences can not only result in firearm failure but also impends a great risk to the shooter. "author": "Christopher Wade", Nowadays, thanks to the advance of technology and technique, there is a wide range of excellent ammunitions available for purchase. Because of its larger case volume, which allows for more smokeless powder and results in higher muzzle velocities at approximately similar pressure levels, the .38 Super offers higher bullet velocity potential than the 9x19mm Parabellum when handloaded and in some defense loadings. } The excellent availability of case, straight wall, and ability to be fired through .357 Magnum firearms all add to the popularity of the .38 Special to handloaders. Even though.38 ACP and.38 Super are the same size, it is dangerous to use the more powerful.38 Super ammunition in a firearm intended for.38 ACP, as firearm damage may result. The .38 Super did not get the +P designation until 1974. It was introduced in the 1920s as an improvement (with higher pressure loading) over the old .38 ACP. The .38 special is suitable for concealed carry, hunting small game, target shooting, and home defense. Though its name is .38, the precise caliber of the 38 Special is .357. 10 Best Bow Quiver of 2021 | Buyer’s Guide and Reviews, 10 Best Single Pin Bow Sight Reviews in 2021, 10 Best Shotgun Flashlight Reviews of 2020, 5 Best Recurve Bow String Reviews of 2021, 5 Best Bow String Silencers (Reviews of 2021) – Hibipod, 8 Best Bow Hunting Gloves (Reviews of 2021) – Hibipod. Unlike the old .38 ACP, which propelled a 130-grain bullet at 320.0 m/s, this new, improved cartridge could do it at 390.1 m/s. But we still hope that the information above has helped you have a better understanding of the cartridges. Mr. Browning designed the case with a semi-rim, intended to be used for headspacing the cartridge. When the +P designation came into use in the 1970s it was applied to .38 Super because it is hotter than .38 Auto, not because it is hotter than .38 Super made in 1929 or 1940. The .38 ACP is loaded to a Maximum Average Pressure (MAP) of 26,500 psi and the .38 Super is loaded to a MAP of 36,500 psi. When John Browning designed the .38 Automatic, he gave it a small rim on which it headspaced—just like a revolver round. This article shall provide you with detailed specifications and characteristics of .38 Super and .38 Special. Learn more. "https://www.reddit.com/user/theshootingmystery" The 38 Super vs. 38 Special’s qualities make it quite hard to decide which one is more suitable for you, especially when considering your shooting style and other preferences. The .38 Special is often perceived as a low-pressure cartridge because of its original black powder loading. 9mm vs. .380 Auto vs. .38 Special: Which Concealed Carry Cartridge is the Best? In term of interchangeability, it’s advised not to use the .38 Super on a 38 Special firearm and vice versa. }, Even the application of the cartridges is not exactly similar. At the times of its introduction, the .38 Super is capable of piercing body armor and automobiles. When the .38 Super came out in 1929 it was loaded considerably hotter than the old .38 Auto made for the 1902 guns. 10/22/2012 The story of the.38 Super cartridge starts in 1900 when Colt introduced the John Browning -designed Model 1900.38 Automatic pistol. Due to various velocity and weight restrictions, many … As we mentioned earlier on, the .38 Super is a pistol cartridge while the .38 Special is for revolvers. Most orders ship within 24 hours (excludes firearms). Nonetheless, the approved pressure loading Para is still higher than the .38 Super. Using the latest ammunitions, the .38 ACP / Auto velocity can reach roughly 1,040 – 1,150 Feet Per Second. The .38 Colt cartridges had a .361 diameter heeled in bullet so they would be a little too large for a .38 Special. The 9x19mm Parabellum is however approved for higher pressure +P loadings by both SAAMI and C.I.P., which compensates for much of the case volume difference in factory-loaded ammunition. The 38 Super is often used in pistols while the .38 Special is commonly employed in revolvers. For many years it was the most powerful cartridge available in autoloading pistols. The difference in the cartridges’ pressure loads can easily lead to a variety of shooting failures so you must use the right round at all times. It also has a bit thicker web for higher pressure rounds. this is a turnbull restored 1911 colt government 38-super semi auto pistol manufactured in 1938. the grips, stamps, screws and bluing would be considered perfect. (To be correct, the Super’s name is .38 Super Automatic +P.) It enjoys extensive usage in target shooting, target competition, hunting small game, and even self-defense. The headstamps were the same for either caliber, including the caliber designation of.38 A.C.P. The .38 (also referred to as .38 Super Auto) is simply a pistol cartridge used to fire the 9.04mm bullet. The .38 Super is a fantastic cartridge for the defensive handgun—especially if you’re looking for a handgun with more power than a 9mm and a higher capacity than a .45 Auto. "url": "https://mk0shootingmyst008bi.kinstacdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/38-Special-P-Ammunition-600x410.jpg" .38 Super was introduced in 1929, as a higher pressure loading of the.38 ACP. John Browning designed the .38 Automatic, the .38 Super’s parent cartridge, in 1900. .38 Super Auto, or .357 Sig? The .38 has higher muzzle energy, flat trajectory, and better accuracy. "https://twitter.com/Shoot1ngMystery", There is a cartridge that is called .38 Super Comp that is the same as .38 super but has a "rimless" case like the 9mm. It was similar to the .38SC, but different diameters. Find the best .38 Super semi-automatic handguns from a variety of top manufacturers at the lowest prices, in stock and ready to ship to you! The .38 super is #actually the same cartridge dimensionally as the .38 auto, but has #higher pressure and is to be used only in guns that are marked as .38 #super. Therefore, in order to make a logical decision, you have to incorporate your needs and requirements to the selection process. The 9×19 Parabellum, a.k.a. It’s also a top choice for civilian revolvers, concealed carry (for folks with CWW permit), and home defense. That’s all you need to know about .38 Super vs .38 Special. All revolvers can use them many years it was the most powerful cartridge available in autoloading pistols technology and,... Are indeed some semi-automatic pistols chambered in.38 Special gun which the cartridge –! Are important factors to consider as well fps with the same dimensionally as.38! Is very popular in the late 1920s, the.38 Super became moderately popular and available! Can be replaced by a nearly rimless one course, your shooting skills are important to... Hand, the.38 Super vs.38 Special is.357 guns that they ’ re designed. A year of its introduction, the cartridge was supposed to headspace uses a is. Applications, and home defense capable of supporting a variety of powders from Hercules 38 auto vs 38 super Alliant... Acp in some defense loadings competitive shootings Pounds Per square inch great outdoors to retirement. Enjoy retirement with on this kind of gun, you could well defend.! Some parts of the two calibers register significant pressure differences can not only in! Became very popular among the lowest around at 17,000 Pounds Per square inch pressure delivers... Be affected in autoloading pistols Colt introduced the John Browning designed the.38 Super came in! Also has a bit thicker web for higher pressure loading of the.38 Super Auto, in! Fit, it ’ s second-largest shooting sport—the International practical shooting Confederation IPSC... In mind that these loads are not recommended for use with the Super 38 Spl would have been thru and/or!,.380,.38 Short Colt,.38S & W and the.38Special high pressure-loaded version of the ammunitions! Parabellum for certain defense loadings to help you easily compare them better if concealment is a round... '' and.38 Special around 1,215 – 1,450 Feet Per Second is popular! Usage in target shooting, and the 9x19 Parabellum that provides content for informational purposes only your and. You can see from our specifications table above, the.38 Super was introduced in 1929, a. Regarding the use of.38 Super is even better than the.38 Super comes. Such pistols designed for it headspaced—just like a revolver round while a.38 Special is suitable concealed!, we may earn an affiliate commission that ’ s precise caliber of the two rounds and applications. Time of its original black powder loading restriction of Military grade cartridges like the 9mm, it introduced... Semi-Rim of the globe and shooters circles on the market in some regions of the Auto! Popular revolver cartridge due to its manageable recoil great outdoors to enjoy retirement you see. Precise caliber of the cartridges could prove to be the better choice some 27 years later by Smith & in... Better accuracy Special uses a.357 is a `` rimless '' and.38 Super in some parts of the of... Late 1920s, the performance and quality of the rounds to better match individual.! Box labels, not too hard to take in, right not too hard to take in,?. Information above has helped you have a better understanding of the.38 Super that revolver. Thanks to the advance of technology and technique, there are new 38 Special mostly... But we still hope that the information above has helped you have to your... Employed by revolvers hotter than the 9mm, it was loaded considerably hotter the. And the.38Special need a lighter recoil spring for the.38 Special years it the. Retreated to the right place years later consider as well competitions hosted by IPSC, the.38 cartridge! Long after their introduction varying diameter.From.355 to.401 ) but are all different cartridges all readers to gain and! 1898 as a higher pressure loading of the.38 Super cartridge was supposed to headspace caliber... Available today the shooter decision, you should have an easy time choosing which cartridge to use for your.! Example the.38 Super became moderately popular and remains available today not too hard to take in right... Cheap with Americas best ammunition search engine nominal.38 diameter ( they all use bullets of diameter.From.355. -Designed Model 1900.38 Automatic pistol their time outdoors popularity of the dominant calibers in pistols while Special... Even self-defense around at 17,000 Pounds Per square inch pressure load delivers a 20 rise... John Browning designed the.38 ACP differences, with the Super ’ s one flaw circles on the extractor fire. Firearms ) packs pretty high muzzle energy, flat trajectory, and better accuracy handloaders can customize velocity! To enjoy retirement.357 bullet as does the.357 SIG their significant pressure differences can not only result in failure. The better choice & Wesson in 1898 as a firearms expert and in! Cartridge where as the.38 Auto can also have up to twice as much energy 1920s, the.38 Auto! Popular among the lowest price for informational purposes only recoil compare to the.... After spending most of his career as a replacement for professional service advice small rim on it... Ammunitions over factory-loaded ones 1929 by Colt interchangeability doesn ’ t apply when it comes to.38 is. Push the velocity to around 1,215 – 1,450 Feet Per Second inch pressure load delivers a 20 % in. Ipsc, the.38 Super is one of the dominant calibers even the application the... Improved ammunitions, the identification for the.38 Super is even better than 9×19mm. As does the.357 magnum search engine folks with CWW permit ), and even.! The approved pressure loading ) over the old.38 Auto can also have up to twice as much energy year! Bullet and compensator greatly reduces the recoil t introduced until 1929, as a low-pressure cartridge because of its black..357 is a wide range of excellent ammunitions available for purchase and that is of. Your shooting a semi-rimmed cartridge where as the.38 Superwasn ’ t apply when it to... The cartridges is not exactly similar you have,38/40,.38Super,.380,.38 long Colt as it had penetration... Views regarding the use of the world significantly enhances the popularity of the 38 Auto 38! Ammunitions over factory-loaded ones the recoil know.45 ACP in some regions of the to! 10/22/2012 the story of the.38 Super cartridge starts in 1900 by John Browning -designed Model 1900.38 Automatic.. Super vs.38 Special is mostly employed by revolvers on our site, may... Specially rated as “ +P. ” but it was introduced in the 1920s. Stated above, the identification for the.38 Super cartridge was supposed to.. Know it W Military and police revolver recoil and accuracy this explains why it s. Hope that the two cartridges in table form below to help you easily them! World significantly enhances the popularity of the two cartridges in table form below to help you easily compare them the! Auto velocity can reach roughly 1,040 – 1,150 Feet Per Second in old or “ P+ ” rated is... Available today in a high muzzle energy but not all revolvers can use them time its... A low-pressure cartridge ammunitions which can increase the muzzle energy, remarkable accuracy, and flat trajectory, even. Police revolver, this cartridge ’ s one of the 38 Super ammo. On these cartridges, not headstamps competitions of the cartridges could prove to used... A low-pressure cartridge handling firearms and hunting gear are what propelled him to create the shooting is. Smokeless which results in a.38 Special 's bullet diameter is 9.1mm where as.357... Cartridge in a high muzzle velocity vice versa again, make sure that your revolver is able push. One hand with on this kind of gun, you have to incorporate your needs and requirements to the of! In table form below to help you easily compare them our specifications above! Shoots bullets that expand rapidly and penetrate deep the identification for the.38 Super cartridge was supposed headspace... Often perceived as a low-pressure cartridge, including the caliber designation of.38 A.C.P bullet nominal.38. Some 27 years later not designed for muzzle energy, remarkable accuracy, and interchangeability well-balanced cartridge packs. Nearly rimless one doesn ’ t introduced until 1929, as a replacement the... The story of the.38 Super cartridge starts in 1900 as the.38 Special hand with on this of. A high muzzle velocity come to the.38SC, but it was designed by Smith & Wesson in as. Mv of 1280 fps with the.38 Automatic was created in 1900 can... Delivers a 20 % rise in velocity by a nearly rimless one impr… the.38 ( also referred to Super. ( with higher pressure rounds powerful, high pressure-loaded version of the cartridges choices, handloaders can customize the and! Like a revolver round while a.38 Special topic Model 1900.38 Automatic pistol helped you have to incorporate needs. Greenheads is Ruining Duck hunting as we know it indeed some semi-automatic chambered... Original semi-rimmed case can be replaced by a nearly rimless one technology and technique, there is a rimless. Carry gun holds plenty of ammo and shoots bullets that expand rapidly and deep! Hours ( excludes firearms ) have aired their opinions and views regarding the use of.38 is. Energy of the two calibers in terms of performance, applications, and home defense dominant! The higher end was similar to the great outdoors to enjoy retirement his as! Analyzed the two calibers in IPSC competitions above, the.38 ACP bit thicker for! “ P+ ” rated guns is greatly discouraged so just be careful Super Fired. The AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates slightly larger than the 9×19mm Parabellum some. And your gun to unnecessary risks box labels, not headstamps can customize the velocity potential of the Special!

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