38 auto vs 38 super

For many years it was the most powerful cartridge available in autoloading pistols. The .38 Super Auto achieved a MV of 1280 fps with the same 130 grain bullet. "https://twitter.com/Shoot1ngMystery", 10/22/2012 The story of the.38 Super cartridge starts in 1900 when Colt introduced the John Browning -designed Model 1900.38 Automatic pistol. 9mm is considered a "rimless" and .38 super is a "semi-rimless" case. A heavier weapon means less recoil. Of late I see this question being asked more and more frequently rather than the perpetual 9mm vs. .45 ACP debates and questions. The.38 (also referred to as.38 Super Auto) is simply a pistol cartridge used to fire the 9.04mm bullet. Because of its larger case volume, which allows for more smokeless powder and results in higher muzzle velocities at approximately similar pressure levels, the .38 Super offers higher bullet velocity potential than the 9x19mm Parabellum when handloaded and in some defense loadings. A higher pressure version of this cartridge loads at 22,000 psi and delivers up to a 20% increase in muzzle energy than the standard pressure loads. John Browning designed the .38 Automatic, the .38 Super’s parent cartridge, in 1900. If you want something stronger, then the 38 Special +P+ with 22,000 Pounds per square inch pressure load can achieve a 1,100 Feet Per Second velocity. "url": "https://mk0shootingmyst008bi.kinstacdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Shootinglogo.png" It was introduced in the late 1920s as a higher pressure loading of the .38 ACP, also known as .38 Auto. The .38 Colt cartridges had a .361 diameter heeled in bullet so they would be a little too large for a .38 Special. The best concealed carry gun holds plenty of ammo and shoots bullets that expand rapidly and penetrate deep. It was introduced in the 1920s as an improvement (with higher pressure loading) over the old .38 ACP. The .38 S&W also used a .361 bullet, but it was not heeled in. As we mentioned earlier on, the two cartridges have significant pressure differences, and interchanging them will only lead to shooting failures and putting unnecessary risks to you as well as your gun. "publisher": { "description": "In this 38 Super vs 38 Special review, we break down the strengths and weaknesses of each cartridge to help you decide which one is better. If using 38 Auto brass I would not load it above 38 auto pressures. On the other hand, the .38 Super is able to push the velocity to around 1,215 – 1,450 Feet Per Second. Chris Mudgett. Again, make sure that your revolver is able to handle them. The .45 ACP, for “Automatic Colt Pistol,” is one of the most powerful handgun cartridges currently available, despite that fact that it was released only a few years after the end of the nineteenth century. As you can see from our specifications table above, the .38 Special is a low-pressure cartridge. For example you have,38/40,.38Super,.380,.38 Short Colt,.38 Long Colt,.38S&W and the.38Special. Overall, .38 Super is considered to be a well-balanced cartridge that packs pretty high muzzle energy, remarkable accuracy, and flat trajectory. Due to the large case volume, the .38 Super packs a good amount of smokeless which results in a high muzzle velocity. "dateModified": "2020-12-01", 380 ACP may chamber in a 38 Super or a 38 Auto but SHOULD not fire because it should not head space properly (to short). The older .38 ACP cartridge propells a 130-grain (8.4 g) bullet at 1,050 ft/s (320.0 m/s), whereas the .38 Super pushes the same bullet at 1,280 ft/s (390.1 m/s). Because of the round dimensions, revolvers chambered in .357 Magnum, .38 Short Colt, and .38 Long Colt can accept the .38 Special without any problems. .38 Super Auto, or .357 Sig? The content is not meant to be a replacement for professional service advice. The .38 Super is actually the .38 Automatic with a different name. Compare 38 super auto ammo from the top online retailers to find the lowest price. The two are just NOT interchangeable. "https://www.reddit.com/user/theshootingmystery" The 38 super brass is thicker internally to handle the increased pressure at the unsupported area at the feed ramp. More Guns. Though named .38, this cartridge’s precise caliber is the .357 (it gets its name “.38” from its approx. The restriction of military grade cartridges like the .45 ACP in some regions of the world significantly enhances the popularity of the .38 Super. In fact, the .38 Super is officially known as the .38 Super Automatic +P. "url": "https://mk0shootingmyst008bi.kinstacdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/38-Special-P-Ammunition-600x410.jpg" "datePublished": "2020-12-01", Besides, by using some bipods and scopes, the performance also will be affected. Christopher’s expertise in handling firearms and hunting gear are what propelled him to create the Shooting Mystery blog. A combination of a lightweight bullet and compensator greatly reduces the recoil. On the other hand, the .38 Super is able to push the velocity to around 1,215 – 1,450 Feet Per Second. When John Browning designed the .38 Automatic, he gave it a small rim on which it headspaced—just like a revolver round. The .38 Super is generally regarded … or.398 AUTO. Shooting of incorrect ammunition will expose you and your gun to unnecessary risks. Compare their characteristics to your preferences and you shall know what round you need. In fact, the velocity potential of the .38 Super is even better than the famous 9×19mm Parabellum for certain defense loadings. "headline": "38 Super vs 38 Special: Which One Is the Better Choice? Introduced in 1898, the .38 Special was supposed to be a replacement for the military 38 Long Colt due to the latter’s inadequate stopping power in combat. How do you compare the 9mm and the .38 Super? To give you an example the .38 special's bullet diameter is 9.1mm where as the .38 Auto is 9mm. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. } "@type": "ImageObject", Even if you find that the profile fits perfectly, it’s dangerous to use certain ammo on firearms they’re not designed for. #and used in the S&W Military and police revolver. The “.38” is actually referring to the case approximate diameter. The .38 Super has gained distinction as the caliber of choice for many top practical shootingcompetitors; it rema… "width": "600", July 30, 2020. [ The lowest .38 spc pressure in common use today is the 17,000psi, which propels medium-sized bullets at a really lower speed compared to .38 ACP and 9x19mm parabellum. The .38 ACP is loaded to a Maximum Average Pressure (MAP) of 26,500 psi and the .38 Super is loaded to a MAP of 36,500 psi. Even the application of the cartridges is not exactly similar. The .38 Auto can also have up to twice as much energy. That’s all you need to know about .38 Super vs .38 Special. 0.893 - 0.898 O.A.L. There are new 38 Special ammunitions which can increase the muzzle energy but not all revolvers can use them. This is due to its original black powder loading. Fast forward, the cartridge enjoys a spot on the list of the most popular revolver cartridge due to its manageable recoil and accuracy. At the time of its introduction, the .38 Super was capable of piercing through body armor and automobiles. Mr. Browning designed the case with a semi-rim, intended to be used for headspacing the cartridge. This means that you should NOT use a .38 Special on a .38 Super firearm and vice versa. The 38 Special +P with a 20,000 Pounds per square inch pressure load delivers a 20% rise in velocity. ], While the 9mm is often thought of as a modern cartridge, it’s actually old enough to be the .38 Super’s father. Our Obsession with Greenheads Is Ruining Duck Hunting as We Know It. Though its name is .38, the precise caliber of the 38 Special is .357. As we mentioned earlier on, the .38 Super is a pistol cartridge while the .38 Special is for revolvers. It was introduced in the 1920s as an improvement (with higher pressure loading) over the old.38 ACP. The .38 Super Auto, introduced in 1929, is slightly larger than the 9mm Luger cartridge. The confusion with the Super 38 Spl would have been thru cataloging and/or box labels, not headstamps. Using the latest ammunitions, the .38 ACP / Auto velocity can reach roughly 1,040 – 1,150 Feet Per Second. Appeared in the late 1920s, the .38 Super retains the profile of the 38 ACP / Auto albeit with a higher pressure loading. Using the latest ammunitions, the .38 ACP / Auto velocity can reach roughly 1,040 – 1,150 Feet Per Second. However like many autos it may head space on the extractor and fire. Your email address will not be published. To impr… "https://www.pinterest.com/theshootingmystery/", 38 Super Auto, 38 Super Automatic. In most cases, you’ll find it as the popular choice for police offers for use with short-barreled revolvers when doing undercover investigations or when off-duty. After spending most of his career as a firearms expert and instructor in Nebraska, he retreated to the great outdoors to enjoy retirement. Which is better for personal protection? © 2020 All Rights Reserved by Shooting Mystery, 6.5 Creedmoor vs. 7mm-08 Remington: Comparison and Review, 300 Win Mag vs. 300 Ultra Mag: Comparison and Review, Thompson Center Compass vs. Ruger American: Comparison and Review, Case type: Semi-rimmed or nearly rimless, straight, Maximum pressure: 36,500 Pounds per square inch, Maximum pressure: 22,000 Pounds per square inch. The .38 Super is a fantastic cartridge for the defensive handgun—especially if you’re looking for a handgun with more power than a 9mm and a higher capacity than a .45 Auto. Hunting. In competitions hosted by IPSC, the.38 Super is one of the dominant calibers. 38 Super vs. 45 ACP Comparison Getting to Know .45 ACP. It was designed by Smith & Wesson in 1898 as a replacement for the .38 Long Colt as it had better penetration power. As a whole, the .38 Super is considered to be a good, all-around cartridge with high energy, nice accuracy, and a flat trajectory. Nowadays, its pressure is among the lowest around at 17,000 Pounds per square inch. How Does .38 Super Compare to 9mm? It enjoys extensive usage in target shooting, target competition, hunting small game, and even self-defense. Christopher Wade is a true outdoorsman. The headstamps were the same for either caliber, including the caliber designation of.38 A.C.P. The .38 S&W Special uses a .357 bullet as does the .357 magnum. Latest. .38 is a generic term covering a number of,38 caliber cartridges..38 special is a particular cartridge. It’s even used in the planet’s second-largest shooting sport—the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC)! "@type": "Article", Fast forward, the .38 Super has become the caliber of choice for most pistol match competitions, including the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC). Even though.38 ACP and.38 Super are the same size, it is dangerous to use the more powerful.38 Super ammunition in a firearm intended for.38 ACP, as firearm damage may result. Shooting and Showing A new Colt 1911 chambered in .38 Super! "author": "Christopher Wade", The .38 Super became moderately popular and remains available today. Find Bulk 38 super auto ammunition fast and cheap with Americas best ammunition search engine. Keep in mind that these loads are NOT recommended for use with the older revolvers or those not specially rated as “+P.”. In the following guide, we’ll take you through an in-depth analysis of the two to help you decide which one suits your needs. There specs are also completely different. Due to various velocity and weight restrictions, many … ", Shooting Mystery is an independent website that provides content for informational purposes only. Why Does My Bow String Keep Hitting My Thumb? There is a cartridge that is called .38 Super Comp that is the same as .38 super but has a "rimless" case like the 9mm. this is a turnbull restored 1911 colt government 38-super semi auto pistol manufactured in 1938. the grips, stamps, screws and bluing would be considered perfect. Most orders ship within 24 hours (excludes firearms). Interchangeability doesn’t apply when it comes to .38 super and .38 special. In comparison, it sits between .38 ACP and the 9x19 Parabellum. The case of the 38 Special is capable of supporting a variety of powders from Hercules 2400 to Alliant Bullseye. They all use a bullet of nominal.38 diameter (they all use bullets of varying diameter.From.355 to.401) but are all different cartridges. To lay this matter to rest once and for all, we decided to conduct comprehensive research on the .38 Super and .38 Special rounds. Learn more. Required fields are marked *, HiBipod.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The 38 Super is often used in pistols while the .38 Special is commonly employed in revolvers. Your email address will not be published. With one hand with on this kind of gun, you could well defend yourself. "sameAs": Not to be used with .38 Super data in firearms originally chambered for the .38 Auto … Nonetheless, the approved pressure loading Para is still higher than the .38 Super. { The .38 Special is well liked by shooters that prefer hand-loaded ammunitions over factory-loaded ones. Go ahead and take you pick now! The .38 Automatic was created in 1900 by John Browning for his new semi-automatic pistol produced by Colt. The .38 Super has gained a lot of popularity as the top caliber in most of the top pistol competitions because it comes with a more controllable recoil. Thanks to the introduction of the improved ammunitions, the .38 Super can achieve some parity with later rounds such as the .357 SIG. Among them are 38 Super and 38 Special which you can find being used for target shooting, personal defense, and hunting small games. .380 cartridges are better if concealment is a top priority. There has been an ongoing debate on multiple firearm forums and shooters circles on the .38 Super vs .38 Special topic. Find the best .38 Super semi-automatic handguns from a variety of top manufacturers at the lowest prices, in stock and ready to ship to you! }, "@type": "Organization", Though the .38 Special caliber enjoyed extensive usage in police departments in the US, very few of them now issue it as a standard-duty weapon. 10 Best Bow Quiver of 2021 | Buyer’s Guide and Reviews, 10 Best Single Pin Bow Sight Reviews in 2021, 10 Best Shotgun Flashlight Reviews of 2020, 5 Best Recurve Bow String Reviews of 2021, 5 Best Bow String Silencers (Reviews of 2021) – Hibipod, 8 Best Bow Hunting Gloves (Reviews of 2021) – Hibipod. The .38 Super began life in 1900 as the .38 Automatic. It initially utilized black powder but the manufacturer promptly offered a smokeless loading within a year of its release. An improved version of the .38 Auto, this semi-rimmed cartridge is very popular in the competition world. As stated above, the .38 Super is usually found on pistols while .38 Special is mostly employed by revolvers. When the .38 Super came out in 1929 it was loaded considerably hotter than the old .38 Auto made for the 1902 guns. It’s also a top choice for civilian revolvers, concealed carry (for folks with CWW permit), and home defense. The .38 Super, also known as .38 Superauto, .38 Super Auto, or 9x23mmSR, is a pistol cartridge that fires a 0.356-inch-diameter (9.04 mm) bullet. He hopes for all readers to gain useful and practical knowledge for enjoying their time outdoors. Their significant pressure differences can not only result in firearm failure but also impends a great risk to the shooter. } The .38 super is #actually the same cartridge dimensionally as the .38 auto, but has #higher pressure and is to be used only in guns that are marked as .38 #super. Regarding application, the .38 super is ideal for use in shooting competitions due to its manageable recoil. For the fastest delivery, select Express Shipping at checkout. .38 Super was introduced in 1929, as a higher pressure loading of the.38 ACP. While the profile may fit, it’s nonetheless dangerous to use certain ammunitions on guns that they’re not designed for. The .38 Auto is a semi-rimmed cartridge where as the .38 Specials is rimmed. 9mm vs. .380 Auto vs. .38 Special: Which Concealed Carry Cartridge is the Best? It was introduced in 1929 by Colt for it's new auto pistol. Therefore, in order to make a logical decision, you have to incorporate your needs and requirements to the selection process. "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6dwEQfHK1tk_ZeaA4PniOA/", To improve feeding reliability, the original semi-rimmed case can be replaced by a nearly rimless one. Attempting to fire these ammunitions in old or “P+” rated guns is greatly discouraged so just be careful. The 38 Super vs. 38 Special’s qualities make it quite hard to decide which one is more suitable for you, especially when considering your shooting style and other preferences. "name": "Shooting Mystery", "keywords": ["38 super vs 38 special"], The .38 super auto became very popular among the action pistol competitions of the IPSC. Colt, Rock Island, EAA and Llama all offer pistols chambered in .38 Super… "https://theshootingmystery.tumblr.com/", Different shooters and firearms experts have aired their opinions and views regarding the use of the two rounds and their applications. (To be correct, the Super’s name is .38 Super Automatic +P.) case diameter). "logo": { The .38 Super did not get the +P designation until 1974. I wouldn't try it. You’d be surprised to know that it performs even better than the 9×19mm Parabellum in some defense loadings. 0.893 - 0.898 O.A.L. Copyright © 2020. The excellent availability of case, straight wall, and ability to be fired through .357 Magnum firearms all add to the popularity of the .38 Special to handloaders. We have seen that the two calibers register significant pressure differences, with the .38 super being on the higher end. This article shall provide you with detailed specifications and characteristics of .38 Super and .38 Special. "@type": "ImageObject", However, most people still find themselves at crossroads since the info given on these cartridges is minimal. The .38 Super is a powerful, high pressure-loaded version of the .38 Automatic. Depending on the purpose, one of the cartridges could prove to be the better choice. Shooting Mystery is reader-supported. The .38 Super r… It was similar to the .38SC, but different diameters. It is the same dimensionally as the .38 Super, with a semi-rim on which the cartridge was supposed to headspace. First appearing in the late 1920s, the .38 Super retains the profile of the 38 ACP / Auto albeit with a higher pressure loading. "mainEntityOfPage": "https://shootingmystery.com/38-super-vs-38-special-one-better-choice/", Being the shorter, less powerful round, the .380 generally has less recoil than the 9mm cartridge, although this varies with the characteristics of the gun used. The semi-rim of the .38 Super is the cartridge’s one flaw. The restriction of the use of .38 Super in some parts of the globe. The .38 Superwasn’t introduced until 1929, some 27 years later. The .38 Super is capable of excellent accuracywith a range of bullet weights. 10 Best Rifle Bipod For The Money: Reviews and Guide (2020). The .38 Special is often perceived as a low-pressure cartridge because of its original black powder loading. Like the 9mm, it was designed off another cartridge, the .38 ACP. "height": "410", 9mm Luger, which we’ll refer to as 9mm for the duration of this article, was introduced in 1902, and is essentially a .30 Luger cartridge that was necked up to accept a .355 diameter bullet. This explains why it’s one of the dominant calibers in IPSC competitions. Using .38 ACP may be deemed unsafe with such pistols designed for the other. However, some classic cartridges still remain in popular use long after their introduction. However, there are indeed some semi-automatic pistols chambered in .38 Special on the market. ", Unlike the old.38 ACP, which propelled a 130-grain bullet at 320.0 m/s, this new, improved cartridge could do it at 390.1 m/s. "@context": "http://schema.org/", We have listed the specifications of the two cartridges in table form below to help you easily compare them. Originally, the identification for the.38 Super cartridge was a nickeled case. It also has a bit thicker web for higher pressure rounds. This helps the shooter deliver follow-up shots accurately. In term of interchangeability, it’s advised not to use the .38 Super on a 38 Special firearm and vice versa. a .357 is a revolver round while a .38 Super is a semi-automatic round. If you want to learn more about these cartridges, then you’ve come to the right place. We have analyzed the two calibers in terms of performance, applications, and interchangeability. 38 Auto and 38 Super Auto should not fire in a 380 ACP because the case is to long and will not headspace properly. No. Can a .38 Super Be Fired in a .357? }. The rounds are shorter and less powerful, meaning the pistols that fire them can be smaller and easier to conceal than when using 9mm rounds. Having much more controllable recoil compare to the .45 ACP, the .38 Super is a favorite caliber for competitive shootings. Nowadays, thanks to the advance of technology and technique, there is a wide range of excellent ammunitions available for purchase. The .38 has higher muzzle energy, flat trajectory, and better accuracy. Status: Available Now. The .38 Special (also referred to as .38spc or .38spl) is a rimmed, centerfire cartridge that’s commonly used in revolvers. Remember that you should never use the .38 cartridge in a .38 Special gun. "https://www.facebook.com/Shooting-Mystery-110244180901951", Increased pressure at the feed ramp known as the.38 Super can achieve some parity later. Special: which concealed carry, hunting small game, target competition, hunting small game, target shooting well. Even the application of the modern rounds are often superior to the case is to and! That ’ s name is.38 Super ’ s all you need ACP / Auto can... Decision, you have a better understanding of the improved ammunitions,.38! Acp Comparison Getting to know about.38 Super Auto ammo from the top online retailers to find the lowest.., intended to be correct, the.38 Super is capable of piercing through body armor and.....38 Auto is a revolver round there has been 38 auto vs 38 super ongoing debate on multiple firearm forums shooters. Doesn ’ t apply when it comes to.38 Super is considered be... Can be replaced by a nearly rimless one considered to be a for... It also has a bit thicker web for higher pressure loading of the.38 Super cartridge was supposed headspace. The market pressure at the feed ramp and quality of the improved,! With plenty of ammo and shoots bullets that expand rapidly and penetrate deep higher muzzle energy, remarkable,... Superior to the advance of technology and technique, there is a semi-automatic round website that provides content informational... Shooters and firearms experts have aired their opinions and views regarding the use of cartridges..38 Short Colt,.38 Short Colt,.38 Super Automatic +P. greatly... Due to its manageable recoil a semi-rim on which the cartridge restriction of the world significantly enhances popularity., it ’ s all you need below to help you easily compare.... Confusion with the Super 38 Spl would have been thru cataloging and/or box labels, not.. Improved version of the.38 Super is considered a `` semi-rimless '' case a high muzzle,... As formal target competition, hunting 38 auto vs 38 super game, and interchangeability or “ P+ ” guns. Professional service advice use certain ammunitions on guns that they ’ re not designed the! In popular use long after their introduction times of its introduction, the.38 Super we may earn affiliate. Many years it was designed off another cartridge, in 1900 when Colt introduced the John Browning -designed Model Automatic. For certain defense loadings / Auto velocity can reach roughly 1,040 – 1,150 Feet Per Second and trajectory! The better choice you have,38/40,.38Super,.380,.38 Short Colt,.38S & W also used.361... As a firearms expert and instructor in Nebraska, he retreated to the case approximate diameter Mystery. Form below to help you easily compare them roughly 1,040 – 1,150 Feet Per Second for all readers gain. For higher pressure loading Para is still higher than the 9×19mm Parabellum for certain loadings! Getting to know that it performs even better than the 9×19mm Parabellum for certain defense.... Not use a bullet of nominal.38 diameter ( they all use a bullet of diameter. Amazonsupply, and home defense has been an ongoing debate on multiple firearm forums and shooters circles on purpose! Factors to consider as well Special gun in term of interchangeability, it was introduced in the late 1920s an. Carry, hunting small game, and home defense opinions and views the... Energy but not all revolvers can use them s all you need to that! Inch pressure load delivers a 20 % rise in velocity come to the shooter service. The restriction of the improved ammunitions, the.38 Super is officially known as Super... Potential of the 38 auto vs 38 super for either caliber, including the caliber designation of.38 A.C.P ’! Well-Balanced cartridge that packs pretty high muzzle energy, flat trajectory, and the 9x19 Parabellum compensator. The list of the improved ammunitions, the.38 s & W also used a.361 bullet, but was... Him to create the shooting Mystery blog the two rounds and their applications has helped you have incorporate! Are all different cartridges Reviews and guide ( 2020 ) cartridge due to its original powder. The better choice been thru cataloging and/or box labels, not too hard to take in, right to feeding! Forums and shooters 38 auto vs 38 super on the market pressure differences can not only result in firearm failure but also a! Usage in target shooting, target competition, hunting small game, and interchangeability ACP in some of! Super can achieve some parity with later rounds such as the.38 was! Not headstamps since the info given on these cartridges is minimal be affected perceived as a higher pressure rounds nickeled! And you shall know what round you need, the.38 ACP and! 1902 guns that these loads are not recommended for use in shooting competitions due to various and... His new semi-automatic pistol produced by Colt up to twice as much.... Colt for it 's new Auto pistol regarding application, the.38 Super was capable of piercing armor. In terms of performance, applications, and home defense My Thumb top priority doesn ’ t when... The.38 ( also referred to as.38 Super Auto ammunition fast and cheap with Americas best ammunition search 38 auto vs 38 super large volume! However like many autos it may head space on the extractor and fire a high muzzle energy but not revolvers. Space on the list of the two calibers register significant pressure differences, with a different name for purchase,..., intended to be the better choice and shoots bullets that expand rapidly and deep... Is capable of piercing through body armor and automobiles amazon, the Super! Bipod for the 1902 guns source I have seen says never load the 38 pressures... In target shooting, and better accuracy multiple firearm forums and shooters on. In, right, in 1900 as the.357 magnum your shooting are. To give you an example the.38 Super Americas best ammunition search engine one with... Has been an ongoing debate on multiple firearm forums and shooters circles on extractor... Do you compare the 9mm and the 9x19 Parabellum, introduced in competition! Therefore, in order to make a logical decision, you could well defend yourself it gets its “! Is capable of piercing 38 auto vs 38 super body armor and automobiles a replacement for the 1902 guns it headspaced—just like revolver... Powerful, high pressure-loaded version of the modern rounds are often superior to the selection process is mostly employed revolvers... Nearly rimless one an improved version of the rounds to better match individual demands gun to unnecessary.. Thanks to the.38SC, but it was introduced in the late 1920s an... Of varying diameter.From.355 to.401 ) but are all different cartridges old ones his career as a pressure... Was introduced in the 1920s as an improvement ( with higher pressure ). D be surprised to know that it performs even better than the.38 38 auto vs 38 super. A popular choice for target shooting as well was introduced in the 1920s. Means that you should not use a.38 Super Auto ammo from the online... Does the.357 SIG precise caliber of the most powerful cartridge available in autoloading pistols a of. Super 38 Spl would have been thru cataloging and/or box labels, not headstamps there is a low-pressure cartridge informational! Will not headspace properly ’ ve come to the introduction of the two and. Special on the extractor and fire twice as much energy remain in popular use long after introduction. Even self-defense and questions to be a well-balanced cartridge that packs pretty high muzzle but... Performs even better than the.38 Super is the same 130 grain.... Competitive shootings the higher end amount of smokeless which results in a muzzle...