Revolver · SAAMI
.38 Special +P
SAAMI Active +P cartridge.
- Caliber
- 0.357″ · 9.068 mm
- Introduced
- 1970
- Case
- Rimmed
- Parent
- .38 Special
- Primary use
- Self Defense, Target
- Status
- Active
- Introduced
- 1970
- Type
- Revolver
- Origin
- United States
- Inventor
- Smith & Wesson
- Manufacturer
- Smith & Wesson
- Standard
- SAAMI
- Status
- Active
- Availability
- Abundant
- Case capacity
- 24 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:18.75
- Primer
- Small Pistol
- Case type
- Rimmed
- Max pressure
- 20,000 psi, SAAMI transducer
- Eff. range
- 50 yd
- Max range
- 2600 yd
- Recoil
- 3.5–12.1 ft·lb
- Subsonic
- Capable
This cartridge: 20,000 psi, SAAMI transducer
Introduced by Smith & Wesson
Ballistics
Velocity only, no drag model: no published ballistic coefficient is on file for .38 Special +P, so this is the shape gravity alone gives the advertised velocity. Drag would steepen it. The tool below solves real loads through their published G1 or G7 model.
Open in Ballistic Compare- Parent case
- .38 Special
Representative trajectory — modeled from a single velocity input (no published BC for this cartridge yet).
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds
Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.
SAAMI| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 9.07 | 0.357 | |
| Neck ⌀ | 9.63 | 0.379 | |
| Shoulder ⌀ | — | — | |
| Shoulder angle | — | — | |
| Base ⌀ | 9.63 | 0.379 | |
| Rim ⌀ | 11.18 | 0.440 | |
| Belt ⌀ | — | — | |
| Rim thickness | 1.47 | 0.058 | |
| Neck length | — | — | |
| 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 +P is highlighted below.
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 +P
Connected reference
History
The .38 Special +P was introduced in 1898 by Smith & Wesson, based on the .38 Special case (United States).
FAQs
- What twist rate does .38 Special +P use?
- .38 Special +P typically uses a 1:18.75 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is .38 Special +P?
- .38 Special +P uses a 0.357″ (9.068 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is .38 Special +P still in production?
- .38 Special +P is active; typical availability is abundant.
- What is .38 Special +P used for?
- .38 Special +P is primarily used for self defense, target.
- What is .38 Special +P based on?
- .38 Special +P is derived from the .38 Special case.
Sources & provenance
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →
