Whats the difference between 38 and the 38 super
- Thread starter delta1
- Start date
38 what? 38 super is a calibre, 38 special is a calibre. 38 is nothing more than a number. Perhaps the diamter of the barrel at best. It does no describe a specific calibre.
If you mean 38 special, its a rimmed cartridge most commonly used in revolvers. 38 super is a rebated rim cartridge stemming from the 9x19mm casing. I believe the 38 super measures out(in metric) at 9x21mm.
TDC
If you mean 38 special, its a rimmed cartridge most commonly used in revolvers. 38 super is a rebated rim cartridge stemming from the 9x19mm casing. I believe the 38 super measures out(in metric) at 9x21mm.
TDC
Not even close.
First of all, the .38 is semi-rimmed; not a 'rebated rim' cartridge.
Secondly, it's straight walled cartridge while the 9x19 mm has a tapered case so no, it's not "stemming from the 9x19mm casing". In fact, .38 Super has the same outside dimensions as the .38 ACP (and is just a 'hotter' or +P version of it) which pre-dates the 9x19mm by almost 10 years.
Lastly, the 9x21 mm cartridge is just a longer 9x19 case designed for the Italian market where 9x19 mm is illegal for civilian use.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.38_Super
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.38_ACP
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/9_x_19_mm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/9_x_21_mm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.38_Special
Perhaps you should do some research before spouting off
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This is a situation where Wikipedia can come in very handy. They are two totally different centrefire cartridges. They sound similar, but the distinction can start to be better appreciated by their metrics names:
9x23mmSR +P (.38 Super)
9x29mmR. (.38 Special)
You can see from these dimensions that .38 special is much longer, and is primarily a revolver cartridge. .38 Super, on the other hand, is something that looks like a long 9mm (9x19) cartridge - is used mostly in 1911-style pistols, and is a competition round developed from the .38 ACP.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.38_Super
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.38_special
Edit: Agh! Somebody beat me to it. Wikipedia is a great resource for this stuff though. It will answer pretty much any basic questions you have about different types of ammo.
9x23mmSR +P (.38 Super)
9x29mmR. (.38 Special)
You can see from these dimensions that .38 special is much longer, and is primarily a revolver cartridge. .38 Super, on the other hand, is something that looks like a long 9mm (9x19) cartridge - is used mostly in 1911-style pistols, and is a competition round developed from the .38 ACP.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.38_Super
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.38_special
Edit: Agh! Somebody beat me to it. Wikipedia is a great resource for this stuff though. It will answer pretty much any basic questions you have about different types of ammo.
