Is .38 Special Bigger Than 9mm? A Detailed Comparison of Handgun Calibers
The question of whether a .38 Special is bigger than a 9mm is a common one among firearms enthusiasts, and the answer isn't a simple yes or no. While both are popular handgun calibers, the comparison requires looking beyond just the numbers. Let's delve into the details.
Understanding Caliber Measurements
Before comparing .38 Special and 9mm, it's crucial to understand what caliber signifies. Caliber refers to the diameter of the bullet, usually measured in inches or millimeters. However, the measurement isn't always straightforward.
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.38 Special: The ".38" in .38 Special refers to the approximate diameter of the bullet, which is actually around 0.357 inches. This is due to the historical measurement methods used.
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9mm: The "9mm" refers to the approximate diameter of the bullet, which is 9 millimeters, or roughly 0.354 inches.
As you can see, the actual diameters are remarkably similar. The difference is only a few thousandths of an inch, which is negligible in practical terms. Therefore, strictly speaking, the 9mm bullet is slightly smaller than the .38 Special bullet.
Beyond Bullet Diameter: Case Size and Ballistics
While the bullet diameters are close, the story doesn't end there. The cartridge—the complete ammunition round including the case, powder, and bullet—is where significant differences emerge.
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Case Size: The .38 Special cartridge is noticeably longer and wider than the 9mm cartridge. This difference impacts magazine capacity and the overall dimensions of the firearm. A .38 Special revolver, for example, will typically hold fewer rounds than a 9mm pistol of comparable size.
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Ballistics: The length of the .38 Special cartridge allows for a greater powder charge, potentially leading to higher muzzle velocity and energy in some loads. However, modern 9mm ammunition often rivals or surpasses the performance of standard .38 Special rounds. Many factors such as bullet weight, powder type, and barrel length heavily influence this.
Practical Implications
In practical terms, the difference between the .38 Special and 9mm is often less significant than many believe. The effectiveness of each round depends heavily on the specific ammunition used, the firearm it is fired from, and the target.
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Recoil: Generally, the .38 Special is known for having slightly more recoil than the 9mm, which could be a factor for some shooters.
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Availability: Both calibers are widely available, with a huge range of ammunition types for both self-defense and target practice.
Conclusion: It's Complicated
To answer the initial question definitively: While the .38 Special bullet has a slightly larger diameter, the overall cartridge is significantly different. The "bigger" caliber depends entirely on what aspect you're comparing—bullet size, cartridge size, or ballistic performance. It's more accurate to say they're similar but distinct calibers, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The best choice for a shooter depends on their individual needs and preferences.
