Even though they share similar names, the 38 Super and 38 Special are distinct cartridges with vastly different pressures, use cases, and firearm designs.
The 38 Super is a higher-pressure, semi-automatic pistol cartridge (commonly used in 1911s) built for speed and competition shooting. The 38 Special is a lower-pressure, rimmed revolver cartridge popular for target shooting, and back in the day it was more common for concealed carry (some might consider it outdated).
They are not interchangeable; I repeat, do not interchange these rounds. Discover why by continuing reading this 38 Super vs. 38 Special comparison!
38 Super vs. 38 Special: The 38 Showdown
In this article, we compare cartridge specs, firearm platform, recoil, stopping power, ballistics, and a few other categories to help you decide which cartridge is right for you. We’ll start with cartridge specs so you can quickly identify the differences.
Firearm Platform: Semi-Auto vs. Revolver
If the ultimate deciding factor for you is what type of handgun you want to fire, then this section is made for you. The 38 Super is designed for semi-auto pistols, while the 38 Special is designed for revolvers. Semi-autos tend to have higher capacity, while revolvers have historically been considered more reliable (though today’s semi-automatic pistols are very dependable).
Recoil
The 38 Super has sharper, heavier recoil than the 38 Special. The 38 Super typically generates ~5.0 to 5.5 ft-lbs of free recoil energy (though heavier loads paired with lighter pistols generate up to ~7 ft-lbs), whereas the 38 Special typically has ~2.5 to 4 ft-lbs of recoil energy.
I’ve found the 38 Special to be a very enjoyable round to fire at the range. I’ve taken my grandpa’s 38 Special revolver there many times for a fun day of shooting. It’s often a good choice for teaching people proper shooting form and technique due to its lower recoil. It’s a step above 22 LR, but still very manageable. Recoil-sensitive shooters should definitely choose the 38 Special. It has about half the recoil of the 38 Super.
Accuracy
The accuracy of a cartridge largely depends on the shooter’s capabilities, as well as their firearm and ammo selection. As such, it is impossible to declare either of these cartridges more “accurate” than the other.
Competitive shooters love the 38 Super because of its higher-velocity projectiles’ accuracy and flatter trajectory. It’s generally more accurate at longer ranges than the 38 Special.
I’m no revolver marksman, but I’m reasonably accurate within 20 yards (far exceeding the average self-defense distance of 7 yards) with a 38 Special thanks to its lower recoil. My groups tend to be at least within a paper plate, but usually not much tighter.
If punching tight groups on paper is your main goal, see our picks for the best 38 Special ammo for target practice.
38 Special vs. 38 Super: Stopping Power
The 38 Super fires heavier bullets than the 38 Special loads charted below, and its significantly higher velocities make it capable of generating more stopping power. 38 Super rounds generally penetrate 12 to 18 inches into ballistic gels, and the hollow points reliably expand. It performs similarly to 9mm and light 357 Mag loads.
Depending on barrel length and load choice, the 38 Special penetrates between 12 and 15 inches into soft tissue following close-range impact. For instance, when a Speer Gold Dot 135 grain +P load is fired from a 2-inch snub-nose, it penetrates 13.5 to 14 inches and reliably expands. Common wadcutter loads often penetrate much deeper, but lack the expansion needed to inflict wider wound channels.
The 38 Super generates more energy, penetrates just as deeply (if not more), and is available with reliably expanding jacketed hollow point (JHP) bullets. It therefore offers more stopping power, and wins this section.
Note: 38 Super is commonly referred to as “38 Super +P.” This is merely to indicate that it isn’t 38 ACP; not that it is overpressure. Conversely, 38 Special +P is loaded substantially hotter than the standard-pressure variant. Whereas 38 Special +P hits harder than 38 Special, 38 Super +P and 38 Super are one and the same.
Continue reading 38 Super vs. 38 Special: What’s the Difference? at Ammo.com
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