{"id":6716,"date":"2021-05-12T14:57:04","date_gmt":"2021-05-12T14:57:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/?p=6716"},"modified":"2025-10-07T20:19:00","modified_gmt":"2025-10-07T20:19:00","slug":"38-special-vs-9mm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ammunitiontogo.com\/lodge\/38-special-vs-9mm\/","title":{"rendered":"38 Special vs 9mm"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Anyone looking for an effective self-defense round, one that is affordable, readily available (most of the time), and extremely reliable, should consider .38 Special vs Luger.<\/p>\n

Each one of these cartridges has over a century of trusted performance, giving handgun owners the ballistic results they need while allowing for a wide variety of product options. But which one is right for you?<\/p>\n

To find out, you need to go beyond gun type and cartridge size. You need to look at speed, velocity, carry capacity, and more. By comparing these factors against how you plan to use the cartridge, you can make the right choice.<\/p>\n

38 Special vs. 9mm<\/span> Luger: Upfront Differences<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
<\/td>.38 Special<\/th>9mm Luger<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Released<\/td>1898<\/td>1901<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bullet Diameter<\/td>.357 inches<\/td>.355 inches<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rim Diameter<\/td>.44 inches<\/td>0.392 inches<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Case Length<\/td>1.155 inches<\/td>0.754<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Total Length<\/td>1.55 inches<\/td>0.169 inches<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bullet Weight<\/td>100 to 147 grains<\/td>100 to 158 grains<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n
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Handgun Choice and Load Capacity<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"A<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Possibly the most important consideration for these two rounds, they are each designed for a different type of handgun. The .38 Special is made almost exclusively for revolvers, while the 9mm Luger is made for semiautomatic weapons.<\/p>\n

This has an impact on load capacity, as .38 Special rounds are usually limited to 6 rounds in a single load, while handguns chambered for the 9mm Luger can carry upwards of 20 or more. If you are concerned with load capacity for your conceal-carry weapon, the 9mm Luger may be your best choice, even without looking at ballistic performance.<\/p>\n

Case Size and Shape<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Holding the two side-by-side, you\u2019ll see that the .38 Special is noticeably longer, with a more prolonged case and total length. The bullet diameter, however, is similar even thought the .38 Special has a widened rim for chambering in revolvers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Bullet Weights<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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These two cartridges have similar ranges in bullet sizes, although typical 9×19 ammo<\/a> tends to be smaller. The standard projectile for this cartridge is 115 grains, but it can seat bullets weighing as much as 147 grains. However, the .38 Special can go a little higher, with bullets as large as 158 grains. This makes a difference in the overall performance of the cartridges.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n 1000rds - 9mm Fiocchi 147gr. JHP Ammo <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n
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