The 38 Special and 38 S&W are two different cartridges. Once you see the rounds side-by-side, it’s impossible to mix them up. However, with names so similar, it’s completely understandable why so many new firearm enthusiasts mistake them for one another.
Let’s see just how different these cartridges are and illustrate their relative pros and cons.
Is There a Difference Between 38 Special and 38 S&W?
Yes: there are significant differences between 38 Special and 38 S&W, the most obvious among them being their lengths. The 38 Special is longer than the 38 S&W, having a case that is nearly as long as the 38 S&W’s overall length.
Refer to the comparison chart below to see how these cartridges differ in size.
Comparison Chart
| 38 Special | 38 S&W | |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Case | 38 Long Colt | Original Design |
| undefined | ---- | :—: |
| Also Known As | 38 Sp, 38 S&W Special, 38 Smith & Wesson Special, 38 Spl, 38 Spc, 38 Colt Special | 38 Smith & Wesson, 38 S&W Short, 38 Colt New Police, 38 Colt NP |
| undefined | ---- | :—: |
| Bullet Diameter | 0.357" | 0.361" |
| undefined | ---- | :—: |
| Neck Diameter | 0.379" | 0.3855" |
| undefined | ---- | :—: |
| Base Diameter | 0.379" | 0.3865" |
| undefined | ---- | :—: |
| Case Length | 1.155" | 0.775" |
| undefined | ---- | :—: |
| Overall Length | 1.550" | 1.240" |
| undefined | ---- | :—: |
| Case Capacity | 23.4 grains H₂O | 12.0 grains H₂O |
| undefined | ---- | :—: |
| Max Pressure (SAAMI) | 17,500 psi | 14,500 psi |
| undefined | ---- | :—: |
.38 S&W and 38 Special Pros
| 38 Special Pros | 38 S&W Pros |
|---|---|
| Mild recoil | Lower recoil |
| undefined | ---- |
| Accurate (within 25 yards) | |
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| Viable for self-defense (though there are many better options) | Historically significant |
| undefined | ---- |
| Reloading/handloading is simple, with supplies readily available | |
| undefined | :—: |
| Large variety of ammo/versatile | |
| undefined | :—: |
.38 S&W and 38 Special Cons
| 38 Special Cons | 38 S&W Cons |
|---|---|
| Limited cylinder capacity | |
| undefined | :—: |
| Ammo is more expensive than modern cartridges | |
| undefined | :—: |
| Slow to reload revolvers (which is what these rounds are commonly chambered in) | |
| undefined | :—: |
| The weakest round typically recommended for self-defense | Not recommended for modern concealed carry |
| undefined | ---- |
Are 38 S&W and 38 Special Interchangeable?
No, 38 S&W and 38 Special are not interchangeable. They fire bullets of different diameters and have other important dimensional differences, making it extremely dangerous to fire one in a firearm chambered for the other. DO NOT attempt to fire 38 S&W ammo in a 38 Special firearm, or vice versa.
Continue reading 38 Special vs. 38 S&W: Is There a Significant Difference, or Are These Cartridges the Same? on Ammo.com
