Lindcott Armory Compare / .32 S&W Long vs .38 S&W
Cartridge comparison
.32 S&W Long vs .38 S&W
.32 S&W Long is faster (800 vs 767 fps); .38 S&W carries more energy (206 vs 139 ft·lb); .32 S&W Long recoils less.
.32 S&W Long →Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
.38 S&W →Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
| .32 S&W Long | .38 S&W | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Revolver | Revolver |
| Introduced | 1896 | 1877 |
| Bullet ⌀ | 0.312″ | 0.361″ |
| Case length | 0.92″ | 0.775″ |
| Velocity | 700–800 fps | 620–767 fps |
| Energy | 107–139 ft·lb | 176–206 ft·lb |
| Max pressure | 15,000 psi | 14,500 psi |
| Recoil | 1.5–3 ft·lb | 2.5–4 ft·lb |
| Eff. range | 50 yd | 50 yd |
FAQs
- Is .32 S&W Long faster than .38 S&W?
- .32 S&W Long is faster — up to 800 fps versus 767 fps.
- Does .32 S&W Long hit harder than .38 S&W?
- .38 S&W carries more muzzle energy (206 vs 139 ft·lb).