Does the 9mm outperform the 38 Super in every capacity, or should we reconsider the obscure 38 Super? In this 38 Super vs. 9mm comparison, we’ll dive into the details: contrasting these two handgun cartridges’ recoil, stopping power, and several other key differences to help you determine which one better suits your needs.
I love shooting my 9mm pistols and pistol caliber carbines (PCCs). You’ll soon see why I’m not the only one who loves 9mm ammo.
38 Super vs. 9mm: Cartridge Comparison
These two handgun rounds share quite a bit in common. For instance, they fire bullets with nearly identical diameters and have similar maximum pressures. However, their differences are clear as well. The 38 Super is longer and has a higher case capacity.
Despite their similarities, one has remained (and even gained popularity) while the other has faded into obscurity (except in niche shooting communities). Those who do consider the 38 Super often compare it to other cartridges like the 45 ACP.
Technical Specs
| 38 Super | 9mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Case | 38 ACP | 7.65x21mm |
| Bullet Diameter | 0.356" | 0.355" |
| Neck Diameter | 0.385" | 0.380" |
| Base Diameter | 0.385" | 0.391" |
| Case Length | 0.895" | 0.754" |
| Overall Length | 1.280" | 1.169" |
| Case Capacity | 17.6 grains H2O | 13.3 grains H2O |
| Max Pressure (SAAMI) | 36,500 psi | 35,000 psi |
Note: 38 Super is frequently referred to as “38 Super +P.” This is solely done to distinguish it from the 380 ACP, and does not actually indicate overpressurization.
Recoil
The 38 Super has sharper, heavier recoil than the 9mm. However, the difference in recoil energy is not that much. The 38 Super typically has 5.0 to 5.5 ft-lbs of recoil energy, whereas the 9mm typically has around 4.0 ft-lbs.
Four factors determine free recoil: firearm weight, bullet weight, propellant charge weight, and muzzle velocity. You can reduce the recoil you actually perceive without changing those variables, such as by improving your shooting technique (e.g. grip and stance).
I’ve never thought that my 9mm pistols or PCCs were difficult to control, even while firing heavier-recoil loads. My wife, however, found my 9mm Smith & Wesson Shield’s recoil to be a bit much. I can fire a 9mm all day long and not go home with sore hands. I’ve found it to be a decent cartridge for training new shooters, but not as good as the trusty 22 LR.
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.
Many competitive shooters love the 38 Super because of its higher-velocity projectiles’ accuracy and flatter trajectory Their preference aside, the 9mm is one of the most popular cartridges in the world because it’s very accurate in trained, capable hands.
I’ve found some rounds that my 9mm firearms don’t like, but most of the time I’m fairly accurate with them. I always assess my grip technique before blaming poor shots on the cartridge I’m firing.
Stopping Power
Despite firing very similar bullets, the 38 Super has more stopping power than the 9mm. 38 Super bullets tend to penetrate more deeply than 9mm bullets of the same weight because they attain higher muzzle velocities. However, this advantage in stopping power is rarely significant enough to be a deciding factor in defense situations. Both are highly capable of quickly stopping a threat.
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