Lindcott Armory Compare / .38 ACP vs .38 Super
Cartridge comparison
.38 ACP vs .38 Super
.38 Super is faster (1,400 vs 1,100 fps); .38 Super carries more energy (500 vs 349 ft·lb); .38 ACP recoils less.
.38 ACP →Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
.38 Super →Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
| .38 ACP | .38 Super | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Pistol | Pistol |
| Introduced | 1900 | 1929 |
| Bullet ⌀ | 0.356″ | 0.356″ |
| Case length | 0.9″ | 0.9″ |
| Velocity | 1,040–1,100 fps | 1,200–1,400 fps |
| Energy | 300–349 ft·lb | 385–500 ft·lb |
| Max pressure | 26,500 psi | 36,500 psi |
| Recoil | 2.5–4 ft·lb | 3–5 ft·lb |
| Eff. range | 50 yd | 50 yd |
FAQs
- Is .38 ACP faster than .38 Super?
- .38 Super is faster — up to 1,400 fps versus 1,100 fps.
- Does .38 ACP hit harder than .38 Super?
- .38 Super carries more muzzle energy (500 vs 349 ft·lb).