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Handgun Cartridge Detail

Cartridge Specifications for Caliber: .38 Spl +P
.38 Special +P (.38 Smith & Wesson Special +P)
.38 Special +P
Specifications
Case Type: Rimmed, straight
Introduced: 1974 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
WeightVelocityEnergy
From:105 gr1200 ft/sec336 ft-lbs
To158 gr1250 ft/sec555 ft-lbs
Cartridge Used in Database
WeightVelocityEnergy
125 gr975 ft/sec264 ft-lbs
Rankings for
Cartridge Used in Database
PF: 121875 TKO: 6.233
Description:

In 1974, SAAMI established standards for a .38 Special cartridge with a gunpowder load that generated a higher firing pressure than the standard cartridge. Designated with a +P suffix, this cartridge has a significant, but not huge, increase in performance over the standard .38 Special cartridge.