The world of handgun cartridges offers a diverse range of choices, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Two popular calibers often compared are the 40 Smith & Wesson (40 S&W) and the .38 Super. Both are known for their power and accuracy, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This in-depth comparison will help you understand the key differences between the 40 S&W and .38 Super, enabling you to make an informed decision based on your specific requirements.
Understanding the Contenders: 40 S&W and .38 Super
Both the 40 S&W and .38 Super are semi-automatic pistol cartridges, designed for self-defense and law enforcement applications. However, their origins and design philosophies differ significantly, leading to distinct performance characteristics.
40 Smith & Wesson (.40 S&W)
- Origin: Developed by Smith & Wesson in conjunction with the FBI in the mid-1990s, as a response to the perceived shortcomings of the 9mm Parabellum and .45 ACP. The FBI sought a cartridge that balanced stopping power with manageable recoil.
- Design: The 40 S&W is a bottlenecked cartridge, featuring a relatively short, wide case and a heavier bullet compared to the 9mm. This design prioritizes higher bullet weight and energy transfer.
- Ballistics: Generally offers a higher ballistic coefficient, which leads to better long-range accuracy.
.38 Super
- Origin: Dating back to 1911, the .38 Super is a considerably older cartridge initially intended to offer a higher velocity and more power than the .38 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol).
- Design: A straight-walled cartridge that uses a much smaller bullet, which it compensates for with higher velocity. This delivers a flatter trajectory.
- Ballistics: Known for its higher muzzle velocity and flat trajectory, excellent for target shooting at longer ranges.
Key Differences: A Comparative Analysis
The table below summarizes the key differences between the 40 S&W and .38 Super:
| Feature | 40 S&W | .38 Super |
|---|---|---|
| Case Type | Bottlenecked | Straight-walled |
| Bullet Diameter | .40 inches (10.16 mm) | .355 inches (9.02 mm) |
| Typical Bullet Weight | 155-200 grains | 85-130 grains |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1000-1200 fps (depending on load) | 1100-1400+ fps (depending on load) |
| Recoil | Moderate to High | Relatively High |
| Cost | Generally less expensive | Generally more expensive |
| Availability | Widely available | Less widely available, especially in certain loads |
| Applications | Law enforcement, self-defense, target shooting | Target shooting, competitive shooting, self-defense |
Performance and Applications
The choice between 40 S&W and .38 Super largely depends on intended use:
40 S&W Applications
- Self-defense: The 40 S&W's heavier bullet and moderate recoil make it suitable for self-defense, offering a good balance of stopping power and manageability.
- Law Enforcement: It's been widely adopted by law enforcement agencies due to its reliable performance in various conditions.
- Target Shooting: While not its primary application, the 40 S&W can be used for target shooting, though recoil might be a limiting factor for some shooters.
.38 Super Applications
- Target Shooting and Competition: The .38 Super's higher velocity and flatter trajectory are very desirable in target shooting and competitive shooting events.
- Self-defense: While usable, recoil and potentially harder availability might make other calibers preferable.
Recoil and Shootability
Recoil is a significant factor to consider. The 40 S&W generally has more recoil than the 9mm but less than the .45 ACP. The .38 Super, despite the smaller bullet, can have a sharper, snappier recoil due to its higher velocity. Smaller framed shooters may find both challenging, but particularly the .38 Super.
Case Study: A comparison of police departments that switched from 9mm to 40 S&W and then later back to 9mm demonstrates the complexities of balancing stopping power and manageable recoil in law enforcement applications. The perceived advantages of the 40 S&W in some cases did not outweigh the practical implications of its higher recoil and less efficient ammunition usage in real-world scenarios.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Cartridge
The optimal choice between the 40 S&W and .38 Super ultimately depends on your priorities. The 40 S&W excels in its balance of power and manageable recoil, making it popular for self-defense and law enforcement. The .38 Super, with its higher velocity and flatter trajectory, shines in precision shooting and competition. Consider your shooting experience, intended use, and tolerance for recoil when making your decision. Ultimately, the best way to decide is to handle and shoot both if possible.