Cartridge comparison
.38 ACP vs 9mm Luger
.38 ACP and 9mm Luger are both in the reference; see the full spec comparison below.
9mm Luger1,000 fps
Zero
Velocity only, no drag model: 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 CompareSide by side
| .38 ACP | 9mm Luger | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Pistol | Pistol |
| Introduced | 1900 | 1902 |
| Bullet diameter | 0.356″ | 0.3549″ |
| Case length | 0.9″ | 0.7539″ |
| Velocity | — | 1,000 fps |
| Energy | — | 326 ft·lb |
| Max pressure | 26,500 psi | 35,000 psi |
| Recoil | 2.5–4 ft·lb | 5–8 ft·lb |
| Effective range | 50 yd | 50 yd |
Highlighted cells hold the clear edge where both sides have a number. Every figure is a range maximum from the reference; typical loads run lower.
Case profiles, to scale
Drawn to the same scale, so the proportions are true. Physical size varies with your screen.