Lindcott Armory Compare / .38 S&W vs .380 ACP
Cartridge comparison
.38 S&W vs .380 ACP
.380 ACP is faster (1,000 vs 767 fps); .380 ACP carries more energy (220 vs 206 ft·lb); .38 S&W recoils less.
.38 S&W →Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
.380 ACP →Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
| .38 S&W | .380 ACP | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Revolver | Pistol |
| Introduced | 1877 | 1908 |
| Bullet ⌀ | 0.361″ | 0.355″ |
| Case length | 0.775″ | 0.68″ |
| Velocity | 620–767 fps | 950–1,000 fps |
| Energy | 176–206 ft·lb | 190–220 ft·lb |
| Max pressure | 14,500 psi | 21,500 psi |
| Recoil | 2.5–4 ft·lb | 4–6.5 ft·lb |
| Eff. range | 50 yd | 25 yd |
FAQs
- Is .38 S&W faster than .380 ACP?
- .380 ACP is faster — up to 1,000 fps versus 767 fps.
- Does .38 S&W hit harder than .380 ACP?
- .380 ACP carries more muzzle energy (220 vs 206 ft·lb).