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38 Super vs. 9mm: Is the 38 Super Superior to the 9mm?

By Wes Littlefield

Last Updated: Dec 29, 2025

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Does the 9mm outperform the 38 Super in every capacity, or should we reconsider the obscure 38 Super? In this 38 Super vs. 9mm comparison, we’ll dive into the details: contrasting these two handgun cartridges’ recoil, stopping power, and several other key differences to help you determine which one better suits your needs.

I love shooting my 9mm pistols and pistol caliber carbines (PCCs). You’ll soon see why I’m not the only one who loves 9mm ammo.

38 Super vs. 9mm: Cartridge Comparison

These two handgun rounds share quite a bit in common. For instance, they fire bullets with nearly identical diameters and have similar maximum pressures. However, their differences are clear as well. The 38 Super is longer and has a higher case capacity.

Despite their similarities, one has remained (and even gained popularity) while the other has faded into obscurity (except in niche shooting communities). Those who do consider the 38 Super often compare it to other cartridges like the 45 ACP.

Technical Specs

38 Super 9mm
Parent Case 38 ACP 7.65x21mm
Bullet Diameter 0.356" 0.355"
Neck Diameter 0.385" 0.380"
Base Diameter 0.385" 0.391"
Case Length 0.895" 0.754"
Overall Length 1.280" 1.169"
Case Capacity 17.6 grains H2O 13.3 grains H2O
Max Pressure (SAAMI) 36,500 psi 35,000 psi

Note: 38 Super is frequently referred to as "38 Super +P." This is solely done to distinguish it from the 380 ACP, and does not actually indicate overpressurization.

Recoil

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The 38 Super has sharper, heavier recoil than the 9mm. However, the difference in recoil energy is not that much. The 38 Super typically has 5.0 to 5.5 ft-lbs of recoil energy, whereas the 9mm typically has around 4.0 ft-lbs.

Four factors determine free recoil: firearm weight, bullet weight, propellant charge weight, and muzzle velocity. You can reduce the recoil you actually perceive without changing those variables, such as by improving your shooting technique (e.g. grip and stance).

I've never thought that my 9mm pistols or PCCs were difficult to control, even while firing heavier-recoil loads. My wife, however, found my 9mm Smith & Wesson Shield's recoil to be a bit much. I can fire a 9mm all day long and not go home with sore hands. I've found it to be a decent cartridge for training new shooters, but not as good as the trusty 22 LR.

Accuracy

The accuracy of a cartridge largely depends on the shooter's capabilities, as well as their firearm and ammo selection. As such, it is impossible to declare either of these cartridges more "accurate" than the other.

Many competitive shooters love the 38 Super because of its higher-velocity projectiles' accuracy and flatter trajectory Their preference aside, the 9mm is one of the most popular cartridges in the world because it's very accurate in trained, capable hands.

I've found some rounds that my 9mm firearms don't like, but most of the time I'm fairly accurate with them. I always assess my grip technique before blaming poor shots on the cartridge I'm firing.

Stopping Power

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Despite firing very similar bullets, the 38 Super has more stopping power than the 9mm. 38 Super bullets tend to penetrate more deeply than 9mm bullets of the same weight because they attain higher muzzle velocities. However, this advantage in stopping power is rarely significant enough to be a deciding factor in defense situations. Both are highly capable of quickly stopping a threat..

Self-Defense

The 38 Super might have slightly more stopping power, but the 9mm is chambered in more firearms, lower recoiling, and available with a wider selection of bullets. Once you've fired a 9mm, it's easy to see why it's a favorite among many CCWers.

I will continue using my 9mm pistols and PCCs for self-defense and home defense. The best 9mm ammo has plenty of stopping power and is readily available.

Ammo Cost & Availability

Another advantage the 9mm has, due to its popularity, is abundance of ammo. Whether you're looking for plinking or defense ammo, 9mm is much easier to find. Good 9mm plinking and target ammo is also much less expensive than 38 Super. When it comes to cost per round, bulk 38 Super ammo is still more expensive than non-bulk 9mm.

38 Super vs. 9mm Ballistics

Let’s see just how ballistically different these two handgun cartridges are by comparing their muzzle velocity, muzzle energy, and trajectory.

9mm 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 load.

9mm Ballistics

Mfr Brand 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
Federal Train + Protect 115gr JHP 4 0.123 1180 1107 1049 1002 963 356 313 281 257 237 -0.2 0.8 0.01 -2.75 -7.67
Prvi Partizan - 125gr JHP 4.02 0.181 1115 1073 1037 1006 978 345 320 299 281 266 -0.2 0.85 0.01 -2.86 -7.87
Prvi Partizan - 130gr SJSP 4.02 0.151 1083 1039 1001 969 940 339 311 289 271 255 -0.2 0.92 0.01 -3.06 -8.45

Don’t miss our in-depth look at 9mm ballistics!

38 Super 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 load.

38 Super Ballistics

Mfr Brand 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
Federal American Eagle 115gr JHP 5 0.122 1130 1067 1016 975 939 326 291 264 243 225 -0.2 0.87 0.01 -2.95 -8.19
Winchester W Defense 125gr JHP 5 0.183 1240 1181 1130 1087 1049 427 387 355 328 306 -0.2 0.69 0.01 -2.37 -6.59
Remington UMC 130gr FMJ 5 0.162 1215 1153 1100 1056 1019 426 384 350 322 300 -0.2 0.73 0.01 -2.5 -6.96

Parting Shots: 38 Super vs. 9mm

While the competitive shooting community vouches for the 38 Super, the 9mm reigns supreme among average shooters thanks to its comparable stopping power, wider availability, lower recoil, and lower prices. The 9mm consistently outperforms alternatives in most practical applications, whether comparing it to 40 S&W or other pistol cartridges.

Wes Littlefield
Written by
Wes Littlefield

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