Pistol · SAAMI
.38 Super
Hot-loaded 1911 cartridge beloved in IPSC/USPSA competition.
- Caliber
- 0.3559″ · 9.04 mm
- Introduced
- 1929
- Case
- Semi-Rimmed
- Parent
- .38 ACP
- Primary use
- Competition, Self-Defense
- Status
- Active
- Introduced
- 1929
- Type
- Pistol
- Origin
- United States
- Inventor
- Colt
- Manufacturer
- Colt
- Standard
- SAAMI
- Status
- Active
- Availability
- Common
- Case capacity
- 17.6 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:16
- Primer
- Small Pistol
- Case type
- Semi-Rimmed
- Max pressure
- 36,500 psi, SAAMI transducer
- Eff. range
- 50 yd
- Max range
- 1750 yd
- Recoil
- 3–5 ft·lb
- Subsonic
- Capable
The published maximum, 36,500 psi, SAAMI transducer, is the +P figure. ".38 Super +P" is another name for this cartridge.
Introduced by Colt
Ballistics
Published velocity/energy data isn't available for .38 Super. Parent case: .38 ACP.
Performance
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds
Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.
CIP TDCC · verified| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 9.04 | 0.356 | ✓ |
| Neck ⌀ | 9.75 | 0.384 | ✓ |
| Shoulder ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Shoulder angle | n/a | ||
| Base ⌀ | 9.75 | 0.384 | ✓ |
| Rim ⌀ | 10.31 | 0.406 | ✓ |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 1.27 | 0.050 | ✓ |
| Neck length | n/a | ||
| Case length | 22.86 | 0.900 | ✓ |
| Overall length | 32.51 | 1.280 | ✓ |
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 Super is highlighted below.
Factory loads
Being verified
Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.
Suitable powders
25 reloading powders listed for .38 Super, 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 Super
Lineage
Connected reference
History
Introduced by Colt in 1929 as an upgrade to the .38 ACP. Achieved notoriety when gangsters favored it for penetrating car bodies. Now a staple of competitive shooting, particularly in Mexico where citizens cannot own military calibers.
FAQs
- What twist rate does .38 Super use?
- .38 Super typically uses a 1:16 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is .38 Super?
- .38 Super uses a 0.3559″ (9.04 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is .38 Super still in production?
- .38 Super is active; typical availability is common.
- What is .38 Super used for?
- .38 Super is primarily used for competition, self-defense.
- What is .38 Super based on?
- .38 Super is derived from the .38 ACP case.
- What are the best powders for .38 Super?
- Reloading powders commonly listed for .38 Super include Vihtavuori N320, N330, RS24, CFE Pistol, among 25 suitable options.
Sources & provenance
- Standard C.I.P. — C.I.P. TDCC — Tables of Dimensions of Cartridges and Chambers
- Standard SAAMI — SAAMI cartridge & chamber drawing — .38 Super archived
- Standard SAAMI — ANSI/SAAMI Z299.3-2022 — Centerfire Pistol & Revolver Voluntary Performance Standards · representative_gun, grain_ballistics archived
- Manufacturer Magtech (magtechammunition.com) — 38 Super Auto+P 130 gr FMJ (symbol 38S) — product page + datasheet · grain_ballistics, representative_gun archived
- Manufacturer Remington (remington.com) — UMC Handgun 38 Super +P, 130 gr FMJ (SKU 23722) · grain_ballistics, representative_gun archived
- Manufacturer Federal (federalpremium.com) — American Eagle Handgun 38 Super +P, 115 gr JHP (AE38S3) · grain_ballistics, representative_gun
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 52 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →
