9mm over the 38 spl

[Dr_2_B]

Many people seem to state as matter of fact that the 9mm bests the 38 spl in performance. Some even put the 38 spl closer to .380 than to the 9.

How many share this opinion?

 

[Michael R.]

i think the 9mm bests the 38 special in performance. it hits harder. but, when you have to shoot someone, theyre not gonna ask if you have a 9mm or 38. but i still voted the 9mm is better.

 

[mdauben]

I don't think its really a matter of opinion, with similar bullet weights and styles, the 9mm simply outperforms the 38spl. For example:

• 38SPL +P Gold Dot 125gr JHP = 945fps
• 9mm +P Gold Dot 124gr JHP = 1220fps

You need a .357magnum to get a 125gr JHP to outperform a 9mm. Admittely, velocity isn't everything but when everything else is pretty much the same more velocity is almost always better.

I do think the .38SPL, particularly in a +P loading, is noticeably better than the .380, which will generally shoot a significantly lighter bullet at similar velocities.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

On paper the 9 wins. I think from a 4" tube with the right .38 bullet there isn't enough difference to matter.

 

[Ranger30-06]

Interesting poll. It seems that from history and a lot of random numbers a 158gr .38 special is about as effective as a normal, 124gr 9mm. The neat thing about each of these calibers is that they both can be hyped up to +P+ performance, so in their appropriate platforms, they are pretty much equal for all intents and purposes.

 

[jon86]

I voted that they are equal. Most 9mm factory ammo has more energy than most 38 special ammo. However, when comparing apples to apples, they're about even.

9mm +p+ JHP 147 gr @ 1165 fps and 443 ft lbs energy out of a 4 inch barrel.
http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=120

38 special +p 158 gr @ 1162 fps and 474 ft lbs energy out of a 4 inch barrel
http://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=108

Interesting conversation. Just pick which platform you prefer.

 

[azgun]

I would take a 9mm
Much more capacity
faster
More common

 

[jon86]

 

[336A]

I picked other and here is why. In terms of versatility it is MHO that the .38.SPL has it all over the 9mm. In over the counter factory fodder yes the 124gr 9mm does out perform the 125gr +P .38SPL. However then there is BB ammo, they're +P 125gr .38 SPL outperforms they're 9mm 124gr +P ammo when launched from a 4" tube. Here is some real world velocicty taken from a 4" revolver with both the BB 125gr and 158gr .38 SPL +P loading.
http://www.brassfetcher.com/Various .38 Special from a 4 inch revolver.html

I like the versatility that the .38 SPL offers. You can load it with 110gr bullets all the way up to 200gr bullets if you handload. The 9mm only allows for 115gr, 124gr, and 147gr. One dosen't have to worry about powder puff target loaded wadcutters not cyclying the action either. Speaking of wadcutters the .38 SPL earned a well deserved reputation in bulls-eye compitions as well. This thread shows just how versatile the .38 SPL is and what can be done with carefully assembled handloads, be sure to see pg5
http://smith-wessonforum.com/ammo/144598-some-38-special-chronograph-tests.html

Having said that I don't like light weight bullets in the .38 SPL, I like the 158gr variety or heavier. Now I've never shot a anything other than paper with either cartridge. From a terminal performance point of view I think they will be very similar.

 

[R.W.Dale]

In this day and age it somewhat perplexes me that people still buy 38spcl chambered firearms.

There are actually very few models that aren't avalible in. 357 magnum too. Even if you want to only shoot specials why not get the magnum chambered gun and have the option of shooting ammo that outclasses not only 9mm but all other mainstream autoloader cartridges.

posted via tapatalk using android.

 

[amd6547]

"...In this day and age it somewhat perplexes me that people still buy 38spcl chambered firearms...."
It may perplex you, but I own a S&W Model 15-3 38spl, and a Model 19 357mag....I shoot the Model 15-3 much better, even using the same ammo in both.

 

[gordonagain]

I voted 9mm and carry one, but still love a .38spl.

 

[easyg]

All other things being equal, the 9mm is the clear winner.

 

[481]

Loaded with the right ammo, I'd happily carry a gun in either caliber.

That the nine can be had with higher ammo capacity tips my preference in that direction, but both calibers are capable of doing the job if you do yours.

 

[MICHAEL T]

I have and carry both. I think their very close in real life performace. .

 

[wlewisiii]

I shoot Buffalo Bore 158 gr. LSWCHP +P at 1000 fps from my 624.
Or at 1160 fps from my Model 10.

Their 9mm +P+ will beat that, slightly, for ME but will your fire arm handle that extra pressure? Their 9mm +P doesn't.

Mine will handle the BB's as long as I can stand to shoot them in .38 Special.

In the real world both are more than good enough.

 

[Nushif]

Yeeech .... they are so close in how they *feel* when shooting them ... I couldn't make up my mind, to be honest.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I like a heavy bullet and with heavier bullets the .38 Special performs better than the 9mm. Even if the 9mm were better I'm a revolver guy so I would still pick the .38 Special. (and please don't mention a 9mm revolver)

 

[MachIVshooter]

Whatever gets hit isn't going to know the difference. I'd have just as much confidence in a 158 gr. +P .38 as a 147 gr. 9mm.

As it turns out, for HD I put stock in a 240 gr. .45 Super load (1,125 FPS/674 FPE) or 180 gr. 10mm load (1,405 FPS/788 FPE); From that perspective, both are inferior by quite a bit.

In this day and age it somewhat perplexes me that people still buy 38spcl chambered firearms.

Cost:

S&W 442: $350

S&W M&P 340: $700

 

[ArchAngelCD]

In this day and age it somewhat perplexes me that people still buy 38spcl chambered firearms.

Some people just prefer a revolver and don't want to beat themselves up shooting .357 Magnum ammo from a very light revolver. There is nothing at all wrong with a .38 Special J frame. It's a good companion.

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

I own both - and a 9mm Carbine that can really get the job done.
somewhat depends on the intended use for the pistol, a 5 shot .38 is a good back-up maybe one of the best.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

a 5 shot .38 is a good back-up maybe one of the best.

Keep repeating the J frame is only a backup gun and people will probably start believing it because they hear it so much. A 5 shot revolver is an adequate SD weapon even though the spray and pray guys think they need 17+1 rounds in the pistol and another 34 rounds in 2 mags on their belt.

 

[doc2rn]

Too many variables, like personal preferences I will take a S&W mod 10 over most 9mm semi-autos save the FNP-9 in which case I would opt for the 16+1. It depends on platform of delivery more than the round.

 

[Steve C]

The 9mm has higher velocity for the same bullet weight from short barreled handguns which makes it superior to the .38 spl in all loadings. The .38 spl in +P and +P+ out of a 4" revolver is pretty much equal to the 9mm in standard pressure but lags a bit behind the +P and +P+ loadings.

 

[DoggerDan]

The 9mm has about 50% greater knockdown power than the .38 spec.