38 Special vs. 38 S&W: Is There a Significant Difference, or Are These Cartridges the Same?
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. For every 38 Special factory load charted individually, see our 38 Special ballistics tables.
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) | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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
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) | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.
The 38 S&W is not the only round confused with the 38 Special. Our 38 Super vs. 38 Special comparison covers the other common mix-up.
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Prvi Partizan 38 S&W Ammo - 50 Rounds of 145 Grain LRN Ammunition
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Fiocchi 38 S&W Ammo - 50 Rounds of 145 Grain FMJ Ammunition
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