Revolver · SAAMI
.38 Special
Classic revolver cartridge.
- Caliber
- 0.357″ · 9.068 mm
- Introduced
- 1898
- Case
- Rimmed
- Parent
- .38 Long Colt
- Primary use
- Self Defense, Target
- Status
- Active
- Introduced
- 1898
- Type
- Revolver
- Origin
- United States
- Inventor
- Smith & Wesson
- Manufacturer
- Smith & Wesson
- Standard
- SAAMI
- Status
- Active
- Availability
- Abundant
- Case capacity
- 23.1 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:18.75
- Primer
- Small Pistol
- Case type
- Rimmed
- Max pressure
- 17,000 psi, SAAMI transducer
- Eff. range
- 50 yd
- Max range
- 1750 yd
- Recoil
- 3.2–3.3 ft·lb
- Subsonic
- Capable
This cartridge: 17,000 psi, SAAMI transducer
Introduced by Smith & Wesson
Ballistics
Published velocity/energy data isn't available for .38 Special. Parent case: .38 Long Colt.
Performance
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| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 9.07 | 0.357 | ✓ |
| Neck ⌀ | 9.63 | 0.379 | ✓ |
| Shoulder ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Shoulder angle | n/a | ||
| Base ⌀ | 9.63 | 0.379 | ✓ |
| Rim ⌀ | 11.18 | 0.440 | ✓ |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 1.47 | 0.058 | ✓ |
| Neck length | n/a | ||
| Case length | 29.34 | 1.155 | ✓ |
| Overall length | 39.37 | 1.550 | ✓ |
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
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 →
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
Lineage
Connected reference
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 295 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →
