Handgun Cartridge Detail

Cartridge Specifications for Caliber: .38 Super

.38 Super Automatic (.38 Super Auto Colt)

Specifications
Case Type:	Rimless, straight
Introduced:	1929	Made For:	Semi-Auto
Cart Len:	1.280-in	Case Len:	0.900-in
Case Dia:	0.384-in	Bul Dia:	0.356-in

Ballistics measured with:
5-inch pistol barrel

Cartridge Variants
	Weight	Velocity	Energy
From:	115 gr	1130 ft/sec	326 ft-lbs
To	130 gr	1220 ft/sec	430 ft-lbs

Cartridge Used in Database
Weight	Velocity	Energy
130 gr	1215 ft/sec	426 ft-lbs

Rankings for Cartridge Used in Database
PF:	157950	TKO:	8.033

Description:

Introduced by Colt as an improved version of the older .38 Auto, the Super Auto is identical to the original cartridge except that it uses a more powerful loading. For many years this cartridge was considered the most powerful automatic pistol cartridge made in the US from the standpoint of both velocity and energy. It can give greater penetration than the .45 Auto cartridge, bit is inferior to the .45 Auto in actual stopping power for defense use.