Lindcott Armory Compare / .38 Super vs 9mm Luger
Cartridge comparison
.38 Super vs 9mm Luger
.38 Super is faster (1,400 vs 1,250 fps); .38 Super carries more energy (500 vs 400 ft·lb); .38 Super recoils less.
.38 Super →Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
9mm Luger →Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
| .38 Super | 9mm Luger | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Pistol | Pistol |
| Introduced | 1929 | 1902 |
| Bullet ⌀ | 0.356″ | 0.355″ |
| Case length | 0.9″ | 0.754″ |
| Velocity | 1,200–1,400 fps | 990–1,250 fps |
| Energy | 385–500 ft·lb | 300–400 ft·lb |
| Max pressure | 36,500 psi | 35,000 psi |
| Recoil | 3–5 ft·lb | 5–8 ft·lb |
| Eff. range | 50 yd | 50 yd |
FAQs
- Is .38 Super faster than 9mm Luger?
- .38 Super is faster — up to 1,400 fps versus 1,250 fps.
- Does .38 Super hit harder than 9mm Luger?
- .38 Super carries more muzzle energy (500 vs 400 ft·lb).