{"id":5383,"date":"2023-08-04T20:23:08","date_gmt":"2023-08-04T20:23:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/?p=5383"},"modified":"2023-08-04T20:23:08","modified_gmt":"2023-08-04T20:23:08","slug":"38-special-vs-40-sw","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/38-special-vs-40-sw\/","title":{"rendered":".38 Special vs. .40 S&#038;W: Caliber Comparison"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Two popular self defense rounds a shooter might compare when choosing a round to carry are the .38 Special vs. .40 S&amp;W.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both rounds originated here in the USA and have been used by American law enforcement and military. So, how do they stack up as self defense rounds? Keep reading our .38 Special vs. .40 S&amp;W comparison to find out.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.38 Special vs. .40 S&amp;W: The Basics<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5394 size-full\" title=\"38. special vs. .40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/38specialvs40sw.jpg\" alt=\"a 38 special round next to a 40 s&amp;w round labeled\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1042\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/38specialvs40sw.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/38specialvs40sw-300x156.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/38specialvs40sw-1024x534.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/38specialvs40sw-768x400.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/38specialvs40sw-1536x800.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/38specialvs40sw-200x104.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/38specialvs40sw-750x391.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/38specialvs40sw-1140x594.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both rounds originated in the USA<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The .38 Special was developed in 1998; the .40 S&amp;W was developed in 1990<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The .40 S&amp;W is shorter and fatter than the .38 Special<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The .38 Special has a bullet diameter of .357\u201d; the .40 S&amp;W has a bullet diameter of .40\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The .40 S&amp;W has double the maximum pressure than the .38 Special<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The .40 S&amp;W travels at faster muzzle velocities and has higher muzzle energy than the .38 Special<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both cartridges have been used by US law enforcement and military<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both cartridges have a wide selection of handgun options<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During normal market conditions, it is easy to find ammo for both calibers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Concealed carry .38 Special revolvers typically have a 5-round capacity; concealed carry .40 S&amp;W pistols typically have a capacity of 6 to 10 rounds\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.38 Special vs. .40 S&amp;W Specifications<\/span><\/h2>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-147\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-147\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><\/td><th class=\"column-2\">.38 Special<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">.40 S&amp;W<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Designed<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1898<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">1990<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Designer<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Smith &amp; Wesson<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Bob Klunk<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Place of Origin<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">United States<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">United States<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Parent Cartridge<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">.38 Long Colt<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">10mm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Case Type<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">Rimmed, straight<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Rimless, straight<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Bullet Diameter<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">.357\"<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">.400\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-8\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Rim Diameter<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">.44\"<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">.424\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-9\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Case Length<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1.155\"<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">.850\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-10\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Overall Length<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1.550\"<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">1.135\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-11\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Common Bullet Weights<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">100 to 147 grains<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">105 to 200 grains<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-12\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Maximum Pressure (SAAMI)<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">17,500 psi<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">35,000 psi<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-147 from cache -->\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The .38 Special is arguably the most popular revolver round on the planet. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/38-spc-ammo.php\">.38 Special ammo<\/a> uses a .357\u201d bullet usually weighing in between 100 to 147 grains. The .38 Special bullet travels at lower velocities, typically in the 700 to 900 fps range. Common <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/38-special-ammo-types\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.38 Special bullet types<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include full metal jacket (FMJ), lead round nose (LRN), wadcutters (WC), and soft points (SP).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The .40 S&amp;W is a popular semi-auto pistol cartridge originally developed for law enforcement use. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/40-cal-ammo.php\">.40 S&amp;W ammo<\/a> uses a .40\u201d bullet that typically weights between 105 to 200 grains. Rounds designed for self defense typically see velocities from 900 to 1200 fps, though both weaker and hotter loads are available. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.38 Special vs. .40 S&amp;W Ballistics<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5397 size-full\" title=\"chronographing\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/ballistictesting.jpg\" alt=\"a chronograph and ammo set up for testing\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1128\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/ballistictesting.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/ballistictesting-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/ballistictesting-1024x578.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/ballistictesting-768x433.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/ballistictesting-1536x866.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/ballistictesting-200x113.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/ballistictesting-750x423.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/ballistictesting-1140x643.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One way we can see how defensive .38 Special vs. .40 S&amp;W might perform is through ballistic testing. This is done by firing the rounds into Clear Ballistic\u2019s 10% synthetic ballistic gel with a 4-layer fabric covering. The rounds are fired from a 10-foot distance which is in line with the FBI\u2019s ballistic testing protocol.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We\u2019ll first look at each round\u2019s penetration depth in the gel. The FBI\u2019s standards call for a penetration depth between 12 and 18-inches. This correlates with rounds that adequately penetrate soft tissue and reach vital organs, but don\u2019t over-penetrate and completely pass through the intended target.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The next thing we can look at is bullet expansion. By digging the fired bullets out of the gel, we can measure how wide the bullet expanded as it passed through the gel. We want a bullet that adequately expands because it will create a larger wound channel in the target and also prevents over-penetration. There is no standard for expansion, but experts generally look for an expanded diameter of 150% of the original diameter of the bullet. So, for .38 Special that is .536\u201d and for .40 S&amp;W is .6\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We\u2019ve also recorded muzzle velocity to get an idea of how fast each round is traveling as it leaves the barrel and so we can see their muzzle energy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We used the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ruger.com\/products\/lcr\/specSheets\/5401.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ruger LCR<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with a 1.87\u201d barrel to test the .38 Special loads. We tested the\u00a0 .40 S&amp;W ammo using a Smith &amp; Wesson M&amp;P40 with a 4.25\u201d barrel.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep in mind, we do these tests to get an idea of how the rounds might perform. They should not be the only factor in choosing a defensive round.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.38 Special Ballistics<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5392\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5392\" style=\"width: 1990px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-5392 size-full\" title=\".38 special gel testing\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/38specialballisticgel.jpg\" alt=\".38 special rounds in ballistic gel\" width=\"2000\" height=\"937\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/38specialballisticgel.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/38specialballisticgel-300x141.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/38specialballisticgel-1024x480.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/38specialballisticgel-768x360.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/38specialballisticgel-1536x720.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/38specialballisticgel-200x94.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/38specialballisticgel-750x351.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/38specialballisticgel-1140x534.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5392\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Six .38 Special rounds in ballistic gel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-146\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-146\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Cartridge<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">5-Shot Average Velocity (FPS)<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">Average Penetration (inches)<\/th><th class=\"column-4\">Average Expansion (inches)<\/th><th class=\"column-5\">Average Muzzle Energy (ft\/lbs)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/hornady-critical-defense-38-special-ammunition-25-rounds-of-p-110-grain-ftx.php\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Hornady Critical Defense FTX +P 110gr. <\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">944<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">14.56\"<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">.487\"<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">218<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/federal-premium-personal-defense-38-special-ammunition-20-rounds-of-p-129-grain-hydra-shok-jhp.php\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Federal Personal Defense Hydra-Shok JHP +P 129gr.<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">877<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">17\"<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">.498\"<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">220<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Winchester Super-X +P LSWCHP 158gr.<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">750<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">25.25\"<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">.371\"<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">197<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-146 from cache -->\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The biggest issue we see with defensive rounds out of short-barreled revolvers is that they don\u2019t adequately expand. This is because their low muzzle velocities (typically under 1,000 fps) are not enough for the round to expand upon impact.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In our testing, the two hollow point .38 Special rounds, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/hornady-critical-defense-38-special-ammunition-25-rounds-of-p-110-grain-ftx.php\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hornady Critical Defense FTX +P 110gr.<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/federal-premium-personal-defense-38-special-ammunition-20-rounds-of-p-129-grain-hydra-shok-jhp.php\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Federal Personal Defense Hydra-Shok JHP +P 129gr.<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> did adequately penetrate, but didn\u2019t expand 150%.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5393\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5393\" style=\"width: 1990px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-5393 size-full\" title=\"expanded .38 special bullets\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/38specialexpansion.jpg\" alt=\"six rounds of expanded .38 special bullets\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1034\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/38specialexpansion.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/38specialexpansion-300x155.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/38specialexpansion-1024x529.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/38specialexpansion-768x397.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/38specialexpansion-1536x794.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/38specialexpansion-200x103.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/38specialexpansion-750x388.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/38specialexpansion-1140x589.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5393\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">From left to right: Winchester Super-X +P 158gr. LSWCHP, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/hornady-critical-defense-38-special-ammunition-25-rounds-of-p-110-grain-ftx.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hornady Critical Defense FTX +P 110gr.<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/federal-premium-personal-defense-38-special-ammunition-20-rounds-of-p-129-grain-hydra-shok-jhp.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Federal Personal Defense Hydra-Shok JHP +P 129gr.<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We also tested Winchester Super-X +P LSWCHP 158gr., a lead semi-wadcutter hollow point. The round over-penetrated and didn\u2019t expand \u2013 though we don\u2019t expect wadcutters to expand. In general, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/best-38-special-ammo-for-snubbies\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">best ammo for snubbies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a 148gr. wadcutter like the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/38spl-magtech-148gr-wc-50.php\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Magtech 148gr. Wadcutter<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The wadcutter\u2019s sharp shoulders create a large wound channel as it passes through its target. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/what-is-a-wadcutter\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wadcutters<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> also have less recoil than other .38 Special defensive rounds, making them much easier to shoot. That&#8217;s because they&#8217;re not loaded as hot as the overpressure rounds that are needed when shooting out of snubbies.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.40 S&amp;W Ballistics<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5403\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5403\" style=\"width: 1990px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-5403 size-full\" title=\".40 s&amp;w gel test\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/40ballisticgel.jpg\" alt=\".40 S&amp;W rounds in ballistic gel\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1143\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/40ballisticgel.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/40ballisticgel-300x171.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/40ballisticgel-1024x585.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/40ballisticgel-768x439.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/40ballisticgel-1536x878.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/40ballisticgel-200x114.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/40ballisticgel-750x429.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/40ballisticgel-1140x652.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5403\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Six rounds of .40 S&amp;W in ballistic gel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-145\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-145\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Cartridge<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">5-Shot Average Velocity (FPS)<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">Average Penetration (inches)<\/th><th class=\"column-4\">Average Expansion (inches)<\/th><th class=\"column-5\">Average Muzzle Energy (ft\/lbs)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-striping row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/black-hills-40-s-w-ammunition-20-rounds-of-140-grain-tac-xp.php\">Black Hills TAC-XP SCHP 140gr.<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1066<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">12.69\"<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">.782\"<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">353<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/federal-premium-law-enforcement-40-s-w-ammunition-50-rounds-165-grain-hst-hp.php\">Federal LE Tactical HST 165gr.<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1100<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">17.75\"<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">1.117\"<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">443<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/speer-le-gold-dot-40-s-w-ammunition-50-rounds-of-180-grain-gdhp.php\">Speer Gold DOT GDHP 180gr.<\/a><\/td><td class=\"column-2\">948<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">14.06\"<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">.661\"<\/td><td class=\"column-5\">359<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<!-- #tablepress-145 from cache -->\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Typically, defensive .40 S&amp;W rounds have no issue penetrating adequately. Some .40 S&amp;W bullets are prone to clogging from the heavy clothing barrier which can lead to expansion failure and over-penetration.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5396\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5396\" style=\"width: 1990px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-5396 size-full\" title=\"expanded .40 S&amp;W bullets\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/40swexpansion.jpg\" alt=\"six rounds of expanded .40 s&amp;W bullets\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1018\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/40swexpansion.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/40swexpansion-300x153.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/40swexpansion-1024x521.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/40swexpansion-768x391.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/40swexpansion-1536x782.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/40swexpansion-200x102.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/40swexpansion-750x382.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/40swexpansion-1140x580.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5396\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">From left to right: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/black-hills-40-s-w-ammunition-20-rounds-of-140-grain-tac-xp.php\">Black Hills TAC-XP SCHP 140gr.<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/federal-premium-law-enforcement-40-s-w-ammunition-50-rounds-165-grain-hst-hp.php\">Federal LE Tactical HST 165gr.<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/speer-le-gold-dot-40-s-w-ammunition-50-rounds-of-180-grain-gdhp.php\">Speer Gold DOT GDHP 180gr.<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The rounds we tested all adequately penetrated and expanded, reaching the minimum 12-inches of penetration and 150% expansion.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.38 Special vs. .40 S&amp;W for Self Defense<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5400 size-full\" title=\"shooting .38 special revolver\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting38revolver-1.jpg\" alt=\"the author shooting a ruger lcr .38 special\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1085\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting38revolver-1.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting38revolver-1-300x163.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting38revolver-1-1024x556.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting38revolver-1-768x417.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting38revolver-1-1536x833.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting38revolver-1-200x109.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting38revolver-1-750x407.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting38revolver-1-1140x618.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you can see in our ballistic testing, with the right ammo load, both calibers are adequate for self defense. However, you have to balance the other pros and cons of the .38 Special vs. .40 S&amp;W to see the whole picture of each round.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The .38 Special, especially when fired out of a snub nose revolver, can be extremely snappy and unpleasant to shoot. This can affect accuracy and follow-up shots. You are also limited to revolvers and their lower ammo capacities. On the other hand, revolvers are simple to shoot and less likely to malfunction if properly maintained. When loaded with wadcutters, they can be both effective and comfortable to shoot. They can also be easier to conceal for some shooters.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The .40 S&amp;W is a powerful round which means it can have heavy recoil, especially out of compact and sub-compact pistols. When loaded with the right ammo, the .40 S&amp;W has excellent ballistic performance. The downside is that its sharp recoil can make it uncomfortable and difficult to shoot. During my days working at gun stores, I helped many shooters trading in their .40s for the more manageable 9mm.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gun Selection &amp; Capacities<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When comparing .38 Special vs. .40 S&amp;W for self defense, you need to look at the gun options available.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.38 Special Gun Options<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5399\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5399\" style=\"width: 1990px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-5399 size-full\" title=\"ruger lcr\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/rugerlcr38.jpg\" alt=\"a ruger lcr .38 special revolver\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1185\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/rugerlcr38.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/rugerlcr38-300x178.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/rugerlcr38-1024x607.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/rugerlcr38-768x455.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/rugerlcr38-1536x910.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/rugerlcr38-200x119.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/rugerlcr38-750x444.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/rugerlcr38-1140x675.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5399\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Ruger LCR chambered in .38 Special +P.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The .38 Special cartridge is primarily a revolver cartridge, which means the majority of your gun options will be revolvers. There are a number of quality revolvers on the market, and nearly every manufacturer that produces revolvers has one chambered in .38 Special.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For concealed carry, most shooters carry a snub nose revolver that has a barrel length of under 3-inches. The most popular of these snub nose revolvers are the Ruger LCR and the Smith &amp; Wesson J-Frame. They typically have a 5-round capacity with a lightweight frame. Snubbies can be extremely easy to conceal in a pocket holster, ankle, or in a traditional on-body holster. However, they can be uncomfortable to shoot when loaded with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/what-is-p-ammo\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">over-pressure<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> rounds.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Larger-framed .38 Special revolvers can hold 8-rounds, though they\u2019re harder to conceal. Typically these revolvers can also shoot .357 Magnum.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.40 S&amp;W Gun Options<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_5402\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5402\" style=\"width: 1990px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-5402 size-full\" title=\"m&amp;p40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/smithwessonmp40.jpg\" alt=\"a smith &amp; wesson m&amp;p40 \" width=\"2000\" height=\"1073\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/smithwessonmp40.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/smithwessonmp40-300x161.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/smithwessonmp40-1024x549.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/smithwessonmp40-768x412.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/smithwessonmp40-1536x824.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/smithwessonmp40-200x107.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/smithwessonmp40-750x402.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/smithwessonmp40-1140x612.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-5402\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Smith &amp; Wesson M&amp;P40 pistol.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The .40 S&amp;W is a semi-auto cartridge with plenty of semi-auto pistol options available.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Full size .40 S&amp;W pistols like the Smith &amp; Wesson M&amp;P40 2.0, Glock 22, and H&amp;K VP40 have standard ammo capacities around 13 to 15 rounds.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Compact and sub-compact .40 S&amp;W pistols have capacities ranging from 6 to 10 rounds. They are typically easier to conceal carry, but come with the drawback of snappier recoil.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.38 Special vs. .40 S&amp;W History<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Now, let&#8217;s take a look at how these two rounds came to existence.<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.38 Special History<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Due to the .38 Long Colt\u2019s poor performance during the Spanish-American War, the US government enlisted Smith &amp; Wesson\u2019s help to design a new revolver cartridge. Smith &amp; Wesson\u2019s new creation was the .38 Special. This new cartridge had the same bullet diameter as the .38 Long Colt, but with a heavier bullet and hotter black powder charge. Smith &amp; Wesson soon offered this new round in smokeless blackpowder loadings due to its popularity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The .38 Special became the chosen service revolver caliber among American law enforcement agencies throughout much of the 1900s. The round was also used in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.40 S&amp;W History<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5398 size-full\" title=\"federal 40sw\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/federallawenforcement40swammo.jpg\" alt=\"a box and three rounds of federal law enforcement tactical hst .40 S&amp;W 165gr. ammo\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1037\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/federallawenforcement40swammo.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/federallawenforcement40swammo-300x156.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/federallawenforcement40swammo-1024x531.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/federallawenforcement40swammo-768x398.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/federallawenforcement40swammo-1536x796.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/federallawenforcement40swammo-200x104.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/federallawenforcement40swammo-750x389.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/federallawenforcement40swammo-1140x591.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.recoilweb.com\/shootout-in-miami-142459.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1986 Miami-Dade Shootout<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the FBI decided it needed a better round for its agents. The FBI worked with Smith &amp; Wesson and Winchester to develop the .40 S&amp;W: a slightly-reduced pressure version of the 10mm Auto that could be used in existing Smith &amp; Wesson 9mm-frame pistols. Using a 9mm frame and double stack magazines meant these new .40 S&amp;W guns had higher magazine capacities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although Smith &amp; Wesson designed the round, Glock beat them to the punch by introducing the first .40 S&amp;W pistols: the Glock 22 and Glock 23. Smith &amp; Wesson followed shortly with the Model 4006. The round was adopted by law enforcement agencies and gained popularity among competitive shooters.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even today you can find .40 S&amp;W on the hips of law enforcement across the country. Its popularity among concealed carriers has waned, however, likely due to the improved ballistics and affordability of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/9mm-ammo.php\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9mm ammo<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.38 Special vs. .40 S&amp;W: Final Thoughts<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5401 size-full\" title=\"shooting .40sw\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting40sw.jpg\" alt=\"the author shooting a smith &amp; wesson m&amp;p40 pistol\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1203\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting40sw.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting40sw-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting40sw-1024x616.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting40sw-768x462.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting40sw-1536x924.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting40sw-200x120.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting40sw-750x451.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shooting40sw-1140x686.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both the .38 Special and .40 S&amp;W are solid self defense rounds when you have the right combination of gun and ammo. Whichever caliber you choose, it\u2019s important to train with your carry setup to make sure everything functions and that you are prepared should you need to use it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/38-spc-ammo.php?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=banner&amp;utm_campaign=38vs4038special\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5413 size-full\" title=\"shop 38 special ammo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shop38special-1.jpg\" alt=\"three rounds of 38 special with the text &quot;shop .38 special ammo&quot;\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1084\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shop38special-1.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shop38special-1-300x163.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shop38special-1-1024x555.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shop38special-1-768x416.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shop38special-1-1536x833.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shop38special-1-200x108.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shop38special-1-750x407.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shop38special-1-1140x618.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/40-cal-ammo.php?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=banner&amp;utm_campaign=38vs4040sw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-5415 size-full\" title=\"shop 40 s&amp;w ammo\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shop40sw-1.jpg\" alt=\"two boxes of 40s&amp;w ammo and the text &quot;shop .40 s&amp;w ammo here!&quot;\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1049\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shop40sw-1.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shop40sw-1-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shop40sw-1-1024x537.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shop40sw-1-768x403.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shop40sw-1-1536x806.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shop40sw-1-200x105.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shop40sw-1-750x393.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/media\/shop40sw-1-1140x598.jpg 1140w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"b-share-calltoaction\">\n<div class=\"b-share-calltoaction--text b-share-calltoaction-text\">\n<div class=\"b-share-calltoaction-text__header\">\n<h2>Share this article with your friends!<\/h2>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<ul class=\"b-social-icons clearfix\">\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" title=\"\"\n               href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/38-special-vs-40-sw\/\"\n          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class=\"post-item-meta\"><span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-content\/themes\/generatepress_child\/svg\/clock.svg\" width=\"14\" height=\"14\" alt=\"\"><time class=\"published\" datetime=\"2023-08-04T20:23:08+00:00\">Aug. 04, 2023<\/time><\/span><span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-content\/themes\/generatepress_child\/svg\/comment.svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"\">No comments<\/span><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/38-special-vs-40-sw\/\"><span>Read more <\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.targetbarn.com\/broad-side\/wp-content\/themes\/generatepress_child\/svg\/chevron-right.svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" 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