.38 Special vs. .380 ACP

Attribute	.38 Special	.380 ACP
Caliber	.38	.380
Bullet diameter	.357 inches	.355 inches
Case length	1.155 inches	.680 inches
Overall length	1.550 inches	.984 inches
Velocity	700-1000 fps	900-1000 fps
Energy	200-300 ft-lbs	150-200 ft-lbs

Introduction

When it comes to choosing a handgun for self-defense or target shooting, there are a variety of calibers to consider. Two popular choices are the .38 Special and the .380 ACP. Both of these calibers have their own unique attributes that make them suitable for different purposes. In this article, we will compare the .38 Special and .380 ACP in terms of their size, power, recoil, and availability.

Size

The .38 Special is a revolver cartridge that has been around since the late 19th century. It is a rimmed cartridge that measures .38 inches in diameter, hence the name. The overall length of a .38 Special cartridge is 1.55 inches. On the other hand, the .380 ACP, also known as the 9mm Short, is a semi-automatic pistol cartridge that was designed by John Browning in 1908. It has a bullet diameter of .355 inches and an overall length of .984 inches. In terms of size, the .380 ACP is smaller and more compact compared to the .38 Special.

Power

When it comes to power, the .38 Special has a slight edge over the .380 ACP. The .38 Special typically fires bullets that weigh between 110 to 158 grains, with muzzle velocities ranging from 600 to 1,000 feet per second. This results in a muzzle energy of around 200 to 300 foot-pounds. On the other hand, the .380 ACP fires bullets that weigh between 85 to 95 grains, with muzzle velocities ranging from 900 to 1,000 feet per second. This results in a muzzle energy of around 150 to 200 foot-pounds. While both calibers are considered adequate for self-defense, the .38 Special has a slight advantage in terms of stopping power.

Recoil

Recoil is an important factor to consider when choosing a handgun, especially for those who are new to shooting. The .38 Special is known for its moderate recoil, which makes it manageable for most shooters. The recoil of a .38 Special revolver is typically described as a sharp push back into the hand. On the other hand, the .380 ACP is known for its mild recoil, which makes it easy to shoot for those with limited hand strength. The recoil of a .380 ACP pistol is typically described as a light push with minimal muzzle flip. Overall, the .380 ACP has less recoil compared to the .38 Special.

Availability

Availability of ammunition is another important factor to consider when choosing a handgun caliber. The .38 Special is a popular caliber that is widely available at most gun stores and online retailers. It is commonly used in revolvers for self-defense and target shooting. On the other hand, the .380 ACP is also a popular caliber that is widely available, but it may not be as common as the .38 Special. The .380 ACP is commonly used in compact and subcompact pistols for concealed carry. Overall, both calibers are readily available, but the .38 Special may have a slight edge in terms of availability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the .38 Special and .380 ACP are both popular handgun calibers that have their own unique attributes. The .38 Special is slightly larger and more powerful, making it a good choice for self-defense. It also has moderate recoil, which makes it manageable for most shooters. On the other hand, the .380 ACP is smaller and more compact, making it a good choice for concealed carry. It has mild recoil, which makes it easy to shoot for those with limited hand strength. Ultimately, the choice between the .38 Special and .380 ACP will depend on the shooter's preferences and intended use.