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Lindcott Armory

Revolver · SAAMI

.38 S&W

Also known as .38 Smith & Wesson · .38 Smith and Wesson · .380/200 British

One of the oldest surviving centerfire revolver cartridges.

Caliber
0.361″ · 9.169 mm
Introduced
1877
Case
Rimmed
Primary use
Self Defense
Status
Active

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VelocityBeing verified
EnergyBeing verified
Typical grains145 · 146 gr
Identity
Introduced
1877
Type
Revolver
Origin
United States
Inventor
Smith & Wesson
Manufacturer
Smith & Wesson
Standard
SAAMI
Status
Active
Availability
Limited
Build
Case capacity
8.5 gr H₂O
Twist (typical)
1:18.75
Primer
Small Pistol
Case type
Rimmed
Pressure & range
Max pressure
14,500 psi
Eff. range
50 yd
Max range
200 yd
Recoil
2.5–4 ft·lb
Subsonic
Capable

Introduced by Smith & Wesson

Ballistics

Published velocity/energy data isn't available for .38 S&W.

Performance

Best for Withheld until verified
Best for Withheld until verified
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds

Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.

SAAMI · approximate
Measuremmin✓
Bullet ⌀ 9.170.361 ✓
Neck ⌀ 9.790.386 ✓
Shoulder ⌀ n/a
Shoulder angle n/a
Base ⌀ 9.820.386 ✓
Rim ⌀ 11.180.440 ~
Belt ⌀ n/a
Rim thickness 1.400.055 ✓
Neck length n/a
Case length 19.690.775 ✓
Overall length 31.501.240 ✓

Size vs familiar rounds

Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. .38 S&W is highlighted below.

Factory loads

Verification

Being verified

Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.

Suitable powders

1 reloading powder listed for .38 S&W, fastest to slowest. Cross-reference in the finder →

Bull's-Eye
Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory

Estimate your cost per round and how it compares to factory. Inputs are yours — nothing is stored.

Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.

Firearms chambered in .38 S&W

12 models in the database chamber .38 S&W. Browse all →

Smith & Wesson Model 10 .38 Special 2-inchWebley & Scott Mark VI 38 S&W Police ConversionWebley Mk IV 38 S&WSedgley Glove PistolSmith & Wesson S&W Victory Model .38 S&W 4-inch WWIISmith & Wesson Victory Model .38 SplEnfield No. 2 Mk I* DAO 38 S&WRSAF Enfield Enfield No.2 Mk IEnfield No. 2 Mk IEnfield Enfield No.2 Mk.I .38 S&W 5-inchRSAF Enfield Enfield No.2 Mk I .380Enfield No. 2 Mk I 38 SW

Lineage

Immediate parent
Root — no documented parent
Direct descendants (1)
.380/200
Family TreeOpen .38 S&W in the interactive cartridge family tree

Connected reference

Loads20 factory loads for .38 S&WReloading1 suitable powder — cross-referenceFirearmsFirearms in .38 S&W

History

Introduced by Smith & Wesson in 1877 for their top-break revolvers. Widely adopted in civilian and law enforcement use through the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The British military adopted a variant — the .380/200 — as their standard revolver cartridge in the Webley and Enfield No. 2 revolvers during WWII, using a 200gr lead bullet at modest velocity. Still manufactured today in small quantities for owners of antique revolvers and WWII-era British service revolvers.

FAQs

What twist rate does .38 S&W use?
.38 S&W typically uses a 1:18.75 twist rate.
What bullet diameter is .38 S&W?
.38 S&W uses a 0.361″ (9.169 mm) diameter bullet.
Is .38 S&W still in production?
.38 S&W is active; typical availability is limited.
What is .38 S&W used for?
.38 S&W is primarily used for self defense.
What are the best powders for .38 S&W?
Reloading powders commonly listed for .38 S&W include Bull's-Eye.

Sources & provenance

Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 18 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →