38 Special vs. 38 S&W: Is There a Significant Difference, or Are These Cartridges the Same?

Last Updated: Dec 29, 2025

38 Special vs 38 S&W ammunition comparison showing cartridges with different cases

The 38 Special and 38 S&W are two different cartridges. Once you see the rounds side-by-side, it’s impossible to mix them up. However, with names so similar, it’s completely understandable why so many new firearm enthusiasts mistake them for one another.

Let’s see just how different these cartridges are and illustrate their relative pros and cons.

Is There a Difference Between 38 Special and 38 S&W?

Yes: there are significant differences between 38 Special ammo and 38 S&W, the most obvious among them being their lengths. The 38 Special is longer than the 38 S&W, having a case that is nearly as long as the 38 S&W's overall length.

Refer to the comparison chart below to see how these cartridges differ in size.

Comparison Chart

	38 Special	38 S&W
Parent Case	38 Long Colt	Original Design
Also Known As	38 Sp, 38 S&W Special, 38 Smith & Wesson Special, 38 Spl, 38 Spc, 38 Colt Special	38 Smith & Wesson, 38 S&W Short, 38 Colt New Police, 38 Colt NP
Bullet Diameter	0.357"	0.361"
Neck Diameter	0.379"	0.3855"
Base Diameter	0.379"	0.3865"
Case Length	1.155"	0.775"
Overall Length	1.550"	1.240"
Case Capacity	23.4 grains H₂O	12.0 grains H₂O
Max Pressure (SAAMI)	17,500 psi	14,500 psi

.38 S&W and 38 Special Pros & Cons

38 S&W		38 Special
Pros	Cons	Pros	Cons
✓ Lower recoil than 38 Special	✗ Not recommended for modern concealed carry	✓ Mild recoil, easy to shoot	✗ Limited cylinder capacity (5-6 rounds)
✓ Accurate within 25 yards	✗ Limited stopping power	✓ Viable for self-defense	✗ Ammo more expensive than modern cartridges
✓ Historically significant cartridge	✗ Limited cylinder capacity (5-6 rounds)	✓ Accurate within 25 yards	✗ Slow to reload (revolver platform)
✓ Simple to reload; supplies readily available	✗ Ammo more expensive than modern cartridges	✓ Large variety of ammo available	✗ Weakest round typically recommended for self-defense
✓ Large variety of ammo available	✗ Slow to reload (revolver platform)	✓ Simple to reload; supplies readily available	—

Are 38 S&W and 38 Special Interchangeable?

No, 38 S&W and 38 Special are not interchangeable. They fire bullets of different diameters and have other important dimensional differences, making it extremely dangerous to fire one in a firearm chambered for the other. DO NOT attempt to fire 38 S&W ammo in a 38 Special firearm, or vice versa.

Ballistics Comparison: 38 Special vs. 38 S&W

Want to see how these two rounds compare to one another from a ballistic standpoint? Check out the following tables we put together, each row of which represents one factory-loaded cartridge.

38 Special Ballistics

Note: This information comes from ammo manufacturers. Actual ballistics obtained with your firearm can vary considerably from advertised ballistics. Also, ballistics can vary from lot to lot with the same brand and type of load.

Bullet	Barrel Length (in)	G1 BC	Velocity (fps)					Energy (ft-lbs)					Elevation (in)
Bullet	Barrel Length (in)	G1 BC	0yds	25yds	50yds	75yds	100yds	0yds	25yds	50yds	75yds	100yds	0yds	25yds	50yds	75yds	100yds
110gr FTX	4-V	0.131	1010	972	939	909	882	249	231	215	202	190	0.2	1.1	0.0	-3.5	-9.6
125gr XTP	4-V	0.151	900	877	856	836	817	225	214	203	194	185	0.2	1.3	0.0	-4.3	-11.7
158gr LRN	7.5	0.324	997	982	967	954	941	349	338	328	319	310	0.2	1.0	0.0	-3.3	-9.1

38 S&W Ballistics

Bullet	Barrel Length (in)	G1 BC	Velocity (fps)					Energy (ft-lbs)					Elevation (in)
Bullet	Barrel Length (in)	G1 BC	0yds	25yds	50yds	75yds	100yds	0yds	25yds	50yds	75yds	100yds	0yds	25yds	50yds	75yds	100yds
145gr LRN	5.3	0.044	689	642	598	557	518	153	133	115	100	86	0.2	2.6	0.0	-8.6	-24.2
146gr LRN	4-V	0.129	685	669	653	637	622	152	145	138	132	125	0.2	2.4	0.0	-7.4	-20.2
146gr LRN	4-V	0.146	686	671	657	643	630	153	146	140	134	129	0.2	2.3	0.0	-7.3	-19.9

Parting Shots: 38 S&W vs. 38 Special

Despite sharing similar names, the 38 Special and 38 S&W are distinct cartridges. They are not interchangeable.

Each round has its own benefits and drawbacks. However, since they are both older cartridges, many better modern options are available. For instance, shooters considering the 38 Special for concealed carry often evaluate 38 Special vs 380 ACP, which offers similar portability with more modern firearm options. That being said, it's hard to beat these classic rounds' nostalgia factor.

Written by

Wes Littlefield

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