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Lindcott Armory

Revolver · SAAMI

.38 Special

Also known as .38 Spl · 9x29mmR

Classic revolver cartridge.

Caliber
0.357″ · 9.068 mm
Introduced
1898
Case
Rimmed
Parent
.38 Long Colt
Primary use
Self Defense, Target
Status
Active

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VelocityBeing verified
EnergyBeing verified
Typical grains125 · 130 · 158 gr
Identity
Introduced
1898
Type
Revolver
Origin
United States
Inventor
Smith & Wesson
Manufacturer
Smith & Wesson
Standard
SAAMI
Status
Active
Availability
Abundant
Build
Case capacity
18.7 gr H₂O
Twist (typical)
1:18.75
Primer
Small Pistol
Case type
Rimmed
Pressure & range
Max pressure
17,000 psi
Eff. range
50 yd
Recoil
6–10 ft·lb
Subsonic
Capable

Introduced by Smith & Wesson

Ballistics

Published velocity/energy data isn't available for .38 Special. Parent case: .38 Long Colt.

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 · verified
Measuremmin✓
Bullet ⌀ 9.070.357 ✓
Neck ⌀ 9.630.379 ✓
Shoulder ⌀ n/a
Shoulder angle n/a
Base ⌀ 9.630.379 ✓
Rim ⌀ 11.180.440 ✓
Belt ⌀ n/a
Rim thickness 1.470.058 ✓
Neck length n/a
Case length 29.341.155 ✓
Overall length 39.371.550 ✓

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 Special is highlighted below.

Factory loads

Verification

Being verified

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

Suitable powders

51 reloading powders listed for .38 Special, fastest to slowest. Cross-reference in the finder →

No. 1CSB1BA10No. 2N310S065RS10Bull's-EyeRed DotBA9.5IMR Hi-Skor 700XRS12700XS070BA9Winchester 452AAe3CSB2Vihtavuori N320American Select
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 Special

12 models in the database chamber .38 Special. Browse all →

Ruger 1894 DarkColt Python .357 Mag 6-inch Night Cobra EditionSIG Sauer RegulatorTaurus ViewTaurus Toro 856 .38 Special 3-inchTaurus 856 Defender Nightfall 38 SpecialTaurus Model 85 TOROTaurus Taurus Defender 856 .38 Special 2-inch TOROTaurus Taurus 856 Integral Rail .38 Special 3-inchTaurus Taurus 605 TORO .357 Magnum 3-inchTaurus Taurus 605 Executive Grade .357 Magnum 3-inchMarlin Marlin Model 1894 CST .357 Mag

Lineage

Immediate parent
.38 Long Colt
Direct descendants (1 · 5 total)
.357 Magnum
Family TreeOpen .38 Special in the interactive cartridge family tree

Connected reference

Loads341 factory loads for .38 SpecialReloading51 suitable powders — cross-referenceFirearmsFirearms in .38 Special

History

Introduced in 1898 by S&W as improvement over .38 Long Colt. Standard police cartridge from 1920s-1990s. Replaced by 9mm and .40 S&W autos.

FAQs

What twist rate does .38 Special use?
.38 Special typically uses a 1:18.75 twist rate.
What bullet diameter is .38 Special?
.38 Special uses a 0.357″ (9.068 mm) diameter bullet.
Is .38 Special still in production?
.38 Special is active; typical availability is abundant.
What is .38 Special used for?
.38 Special is primarily used for self defense, target.
What is .38 Special based on?
.38 Special is derived from the .38 Long Colt case.
What are the best powders for .38 Special?
Reloading powders commonly listed for .38 Special include No. 1, CSB1, BA10, No. 2, among 51 suitable options.

Sources & provenance

Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 304 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →