If you want to buy the best-sized calibers for self-defense purposes, the .38 special & .357 are good choices. .38 Special vs. 357 are two similar but surprisingly different cartridges.
While their names imply a difference in diameter, .38 Special and .357 Magnum are the same widths. Only when looking at their length will you notice a difference?
Now, knowing the difference is essential when it comes to choosing the one caliber from these two.
This comparison guide will share information about these caliber specifications, history & development, bullet size, stopping power, recoil, velocity, applications & more.
Look deeper at 38 specials vs. 357 and what makes each great.
Specification Chart
.357 Magnum Specifications
Place of origin : USA
Designer : Elmer Keith, Phillip B. Sharpe
Bullet diameter : .357 in (9.1 mm)
Neck diameter : .379 in (9.6 mm)
Base diameter : .379 in (9.6 mm)
Designed : 1934
Rim diameter : .440 in (11.2 mm)
Case type : Rimmed (R), straight
Case length : 1.29 in (33 mm)
Case length : 1.29 in (33 mm)
Overall length : 1.59 in (40 mm)
Maximum pressure :35,000 psi (241 MPa)
Primer type : Small pistol, magnum
.38 Special Specifications
Place of origin :United States
Designer : Smith and Wesson
Bullet diameter : .357 in (9.1 mm)
Neck diameter : 0.379 in (9.6mm)
Base diameter : 0.379 in (9.6mm)
Designed : 1898
Rim diameter : 0.44 in (11mm)
Case type : Rimmed, Straight
Case length : 1.155 in (29.3mm)
Case length : 1.155 in (29.3mm)
Overall length : 1.55 in (39mm)
Maximum pressure : 17,000 PSI
Primer type: Small Pistol
.38 Special Vs .357 - Overview
The.38 Special and.357 Magnum are two well-known and long-established revolver calibers.
Despite having a similar appearance, the two are very different from one another. An overview of each cartridge will follow
.38 Special
The .38 Special cartridge was introduced in 1898 and has since become one of the most widely used revolver cartridges.
It has a bullet diameter of .357 inches (hence the name "38"), the same diameter as the .357 Magnum.
The standard .38 Special cartridge has a maximum average pressure of 17,000 pounds per square inch (psi).
It typically comes in various bullet weights ranging from 110 grains to 158 grains, with 125 grains and 158 grains common loads.
The .38 Special is known for its manageable recoil, making it popular for target shooting, self-defense, and law enforcement applications.
It can be fired from revolvers chambered for .38 Special and some firearms chambered for .357 Magnum (but not vice versa).
.357 Magnum
In 1934, the.357 Magnum cartridge was introduced as a more potent replacement for the.38 Special.
These bullets are longer and have a slightly greater maximum average pressure, it has the same bullet diameter as the.38 Special.
The operating pressure for the.357 Magnum cartridge is normally between 35,000 and 40,000 psi.
It is suitable for hunting, self-defense against larger games, and use as a law enforcement round because it has significantly higher power and muzzle velocity than the.38 Special.
Due to the.357 Magnum's greater power, it can produce noticeably more recoil than the.38 Special.
It can be shot from revolvers that can fire.357 Magnum rounds, and the majority of.357 Magnum revolvers can also fire.38 Special rounds.
.38 Special vs .357: Bullet Size & Performance
Knowing bullet size is essential to get the best shooting experience. A larger & heavier bullet will be helpful to deliver more damage to the target.
When comparing both calibers for their bullet size & performance, the .357 Magnum defeats the .38 Special. The .38 Special typically fires bullets weighing 110 to 158 grains at moderate velocities, making it suitable for self-defense and target shooting.
In contrast, the .357 Magnum can handle a wider range of bullet weights (usually 125 to 180 grains) and achieves significantly higher muzzle velocities and energies. This extra power makes the .357 Magnum ideal for hunting and self-defense against the larger games.
.38 Special vs .357: Stopping Power
When comparing the 38 Special vs. the .357 for its stopping power, The .357 Magnum is considered more powerful. The .357 Magnum can deliver devastating stopping power with appropriate bullet selection and shot placement. The increased velocity and energy of the .357 Magnum provide enhanced stopping power and penetration capabilities.
The larger power factor and deeper penetration of the .357 Magnum make it a preferred choice for self-defense scenarios where maximum stopping power is desired.
On the other hand, the 38 Special is known for its moderate power and controllable recoil. While the .38 Special can incapacitate an attacker, it may not provide the same penetration or terminal ballistics level as the .357 Magnum.
.38 Special vs .357 : Applications
38 Special
The .38 Special is widely used for various purposes, including:
Self-defense: The manageable recoil and adequate stopping power make it suitable for personal protection and concealed carry.
Target shooting: The moderate recoil and availability of affordable ammunition make it popular for recreational shooting and practice..
Law enforcement: Many law enforcement agencies historically used .38 Special revolvers, although they have largely transitioned to semi-automatic pistols in recent years..
Revolver versatility: The .38 Special can be fired from firearms chambered for .38 Special or .357 Magnum, offering versatility to shooters with firearms in both calibers..
.357 Magnum
The .357 Magnum is known for its higher power and versatility, making it suitable for various applications, including:
Self-defense: The .357 Magnum's greater velocity and energy offer improved stopping power and penetration, making it useful for self-defense against possible threats from both humans and animals.
Hunting: The.357 Magnum is effective against small to medium-sized game, including deer and hogs, especially when fired from a carbine or a revolver with a longer barrel length.
Revolver enthusiasts: The.357 Magnum is popular by handgun fans who value its strength, performance, and capacity to fire both.357 Magnum and.38 Special rounds.
Sporting purposes: The.357 Magnum is a rifle caliber that is well suited for action shooting sports due to its higher power and flat trajectory.
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