Handgun Cartridge Detail

Cartridge Specifications for Caliber: .38 Spl

.38 Special (.38 Smith & Wesson Special)

Specifications
Case Type:	Rimmed, straight
Introduced:	1902	Made For:	Revolver
Cart Len:	1.550-in	Case Len:	1.155-in
Case Dia:	0.379-in	Bul Dia:	0.358-in

Ballistics measured with:
4-inch revolver barrel

Cartridge Variants
	Weight	Velocity	Energy
From:	90 gr	1200 ft/sec	288 ft-lbs
To	158 gr	925 ft/sec	300 ft-lbs

Cartridge Used in Database
Weight	Velocity	Energy
158 gr	755 ft/sec	200 ft-lbs

Rankings for Cartridge Used in Database
PF:	119290	TKO:	6.101

Description:

Developed by Smith & Wesson and introduced along with its Military & Police Model revolver in 1902, this was originally a military cartridge intended to replace the unsatisfactory .38 Long Colt then in use by the Army. Colt brought out its own version of the .38 Special in 1909, which differs from the original only in bullet shape, being a flat-point style. The .38 Special is considered one of the best-balanced, all-round handgun cartridges ever designed. It is also one of the most accurate and very widely used for match shooting.