What is 38?
The 38 special revolver cartridge is most used in carbines and semi-automatic pistols. It originated in the USA and was used as a standard service cartridge in police departments of the USA in earlier times. It was an improved and modified version of 38 long colt as a cartridge for military service. The production of 38 began in the year 1898. The 38 cartridges have a length of 357 inches which is the opposite of their name.
Renowned for its accuracy and precision, this remains one of the most popular revolver cartridges of all time .38 special parameters identical to that of 357 magnums, 38 short and long colt. But the case length differs in 38. It was initially introduced for deeper penetration and higher velocity of rounds. It held a total of about 21 grams of black powder. In 1930, Smith and Wesson introduced a modified version of the 38 special with a 5-inch barrel. This was done for police usage purposes.
38 is considered as a low-pressure cartridge in today’s date. This is due to black powder usage in it. The usage of these revolvers is very limited in today’s date. Yet some police personnel still use these for short-barrelled revolvers in some cases. The 38 cartridges are considered adequate for self-defense purposes.
What is 357?
The 357 magnum is a smokeless cartridge. It has a 357 inch bullet diameter and was created and designed by gun manufacturers Smith and Wesson. It originated in the USA in the year 1934. It is still in service since it was produced in 1935. This led to the beginning of the Magnum Era and was renowned for its terminal ballistics. This gun was created responsive to the colts—38 super. The 38 special and 357 have similar and identical properties and parameters. However, the chamberings will seem different.
The 357 cartridge is considered one of the best hunting tools for revolvers. But many prefer the other magnum versions to be more powerful in work. It has less energy than the higher magnum versions, but the diameter is smaller with a high velocity. The bullet choice while the development of the 357 was different. Finally, the final bullet was designed from ideas of both Keith and Sharp bullets.
The 357 magnum can handle pressure up to 300 Mpa. The maximum CUP of 357 is 45,000 CUP. The bullet type differs in design, velocity, and energy. It has an extended case which helps in proper propulsion behind the bullet. Also, the muzzle velocity is quite higher in the case of 357.
Main Difference Between 38 and 357
- The 38 was introduced to provide better velocity and energy than the USA’s previous government-issued guns. But the 357 was introduced to compete with the colt directly.
- Although they have similar diameter part , but the 38 one has a slightly shorter length than 357.
- Handguns designed to fire 357 rounds can also fire 38 rounds, but the reverse is impossible. 38 rounds cannot fire 357 rounds every time.
- The price of both rounds also differs. The 38 is cheaper as compared to the357.
- The differences in velocity, when measured by shooting, remains unnoticeable, but in the case of trajectories, the magnum produces flatter trajectories compared to38. In case of 357 it was found that it has a higher velocity.
Comparison Between 38 and 357
| Parameters of comparison | 38 | 357 |
| Designed by | This is designed by Smith and Wesson | This is designed by Elmer Keith and Philip B Sharpe of Smith and Wesson |
| Launched | Released in the year 1898 | Released in the year 1934 |
| Case length | Case length in 1.155 in 29.3mm | Case length is 1.29 in 33mm |
| Maximum Pressure | 17,000 psi (121 Mpa) | 35,000 psi (240 Mpa) |
| Primer Type | Small pistol | Magnum (Small pistol) |