The .357 Magnum and the .38 Special are two of the most popular cartridges ever used in revolvers. They’ve both seen widespread use for self-defense, law enforcement, and even sport shooting.
But what are the differences between these two cartridges? Which one is right for you?
This article will compare the .357 vs .38 special, outlining their strengths and weaknesses. We’ll consider factors like power, recoil, cost, and what you plan to use the gun for to help you make the right choice.
Historical Development: A Tale of Two Cartridges
The .38 Special and the .357 Magnum cartridges each have their own intriguing story.
The .38 Special: A Legacy of Service
The .38 Special was developed way back in 1898 as an improvement upon the .38 Long Colt. It soon became a favorite among law enforcement agencies. Because it had relatively mild recoil, it also became popular for target shooting and for self-defense.
The .357 Magnum: A Quest for Power
The .357 Magnum arrived on the scene in 1935 as a more powerful version of the .38 Special. It was designed to penetrate car bodies and other barriers, and it quickly became known for its serious stopping power.
Cartridge Specifications: Dissecting the Differences
The .357 Magnum and the .38 Special cartridges differ in several ways. Let’s take a look.
Dimensions and Pressure
The .357 Magnum case is longer than that of the .38 Special. The .357 Magnum measures 1.29″ while the .38 Special measures 1.155″.
The .357 Magnum also operates at a much higher pressure: 35,000 psi (SAAMI) as opposed to the .38 Special’s MAP of 17,500 psi (SAAMI).
Bullet Weights
Typically, the .357 Magnum uses heavier bullets than the .38 Special does.
The bullet weights available for the .357 Magnum are generally in the 110- to 158-grain range, while the .38 Special bullets typically range from 100 to 147 grains.
Ballistics and Performance: Power vs. Control
When you’re choosing between the .357 Magnum and the .38 Special, you’re really weighing power against control. Here’s a quick look at how these cartridges perform.
.357 Magnum: High Velocity and Energy
The .357 Magnum has a significantly higher velocity than the .38 Special. A typical 125-grain .357 load will push a bullet close to 1500 feet per second, delivering substantially more kinetic energy.
.38 Special: Accuracy and Manageability
The .38 Special has a lower velocity and less energy, but it can still be very effective for self-defense. Early .38 Special ammunition pushed a 158-grain bullet to about 775 feet per second, generating around 211 foot-pounds of kinetic energy. Because it has less recoil, it’s easier to control, especially in a smaller, lighter revolver.
Ballistic Gelatin Testing
Ballistic gelatin testing is used to evaluate how ammunition behaves when it hits a soft target. Here are some examples:
.38 Special
- Hornady 125gr XTP (.38 Special): 842 fps, 19.59″ penetration, 0.351″ expansion, 197.09 ft/lbs energy
- Federal 158gr. HP SWCHP (.38 Special): 770 fps, 17.63″ penetration, 0.352″ expansion, 208.34 ft/lbs energy
- Hornady Critical Defense 110gr. +P FTX (.38 Special): 962 fps, 14″ penetration, 0.453″ expansion, 226.4 ft/lbs energy
.357 Magnum
- Critical Defense 135gr. FlexLock (.357 Magnum): 1200 fps, 19.75″ penetration, 0.445″ expansion, 432.35 ft/lbs energy
- Federal 125gr. JHP (.357 Magnum): 1235 fps, 14.5″ penetration, 0.494″ expansion, 424.01 ft/lbs energy
- Remington 180gr. SJHP (.357 Magnum): 1061 fps, 19.19″ penetration, 0.401″ expansion, 450.65 ft/lbs energy
Recoil and Shootability: A Matter of Control
When it comes to actually firing these rounds, the difference in recoil is significant. That difference affects how well you can control the firearm and, ultimately, how accurately and quickly you can shoot.
The .357 Magnum’s Challenge
The .357 Magnum packs a punch, and that punch translates to significantly more recoil than the .38 Special. This can make it more difficult to control, especially in smaller, lighter revolvers.
The .38 Special’s Advantage
The .38 Special, on the other hand, is known for its manageable recoil. This makes it easier to shoot accurately and quickly, making it a good choice for shooters of all experience levels.
The J-Frame Debate
The J-frame revolver is a small, lightweight option popular for concealed carry. When it comes to these smaller revolvers, many experts believe the .357 Magnum’s increased power isn’t worth the trade-off in significantly higher recoil. A .38 Special +P round, which offers a bit more power than a standard .38 Special, can provide a good balance of power and control in these small revolvers.
Practical Applications: Choosing the Right Tool
So, which caliber makes the most sense for you? That depends on how you plan to use it.
Self-Defense
If you’re looking for a concealed carry option and you’re sensitive to recoil, the .38 Special is worth considering. You can find .38 Special ammunition optimized for short-barreled revolvers, which are often preferred for concealed carry.
The .357 Magnum offers greater stopping power, but it takes practice to master. You’ll need to factor in the recoil and muzzle blast, especially if you ever need to use it in a close-quarters situation.
Recreational Shooting and Training
The .38 Special is ideal for practice because it’s less expensive and produces less recoil. You can shoot it all day without getting too sore.
You can use .357 Magnum for practice, too, but its recoil and muzzle blast might lead to fatigue and flinching if you shoot it too much.
Hunting
The .357 Magnum is suitable for hunting small to medium-sized game, and you can find several lever-action rifles chambered for it.
The .38 Special isn’t generally recommended for hunting due to its limited range and power.
Competition Shooting
The .38 Special is often the better choice for accuracy competitions.
The .357 Magnum excels in silhouette matches because its higher power and flatter trajectory make it easier to hit distant targets.
Ammunition cost and availability
When it comes to ammunition, the .38 Special generally wins out over the .357 Magnum. It’s usually cheaper, and you can find it just about anywhere that sells ammunition.
This can be a big deal if you go to the range often and shoot a lot. Over time, the cost difference between the two calibers can really add up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is .357 Magnum too much for home defense?
That’s a question with no easy answer. The .357 Magnum is a powerful round, which means greater stopping power but also increased recoil and muzzle flash. In a home defense situation, that flash could temporarily blind you in low light, and the recoil could make follow-up shots more difficult. Overpenetration is also a concern in populated areas; the bullet could pass through walls and hit someone else. Some argue it’s overkill, while others prioritize its stopping power.
Is a .357 Magnum more powerful than a .38 Special?
Absolutely. The .357 Magnum is significantly more powerful than the .38 Special. It has a higher velocity and delivers considerably more energy to the target. Think of it as the .38 Special’s amped-up older sibling. While you can shoot .38 Special rounds in a .357 Magnum revolver, you can’t do the reverse because of the pressure differences.
Will a .357 Magnum stop a bear?
While a .357 Magnum could potentially stop a bear, it’s generally not recommended as a primary bear defense weapon. For bear country, you’d be better off with something more powerful, like a .44 Magnum or a shotgun loaded with slugs. A .357 could work in a dire emergency, but shot placement is critical, and even then, there’s no guarantee, especially with a large, aggressive bear. Bear spray is usually the best first line of defense.
In Summary
The .357 Magnum and the .38 Special are both popular revolver cartridges, but they have key differences. The .357 Magnum offers significantly more power, but it comes with greater recoil and a higher price tag. The .38 Special is more affordable, easier to handle, and suitable for a wider range of shooters.
There’s no single “best” cartridge; the ideal choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. What works for one shooter might not be the best option for another.
Before making a decision, carefully consider your shooting experience, your physical strength, and how you plan to use the firearm. If possible, try shooting both cartridges to see which one feels more comfortable and manageable. That way, you can ensure you choose the cartridge that’s right for you.