.38 Special

Pistol Also: .38 SPL

The classic American revolver cartridge. Mild recoil makes it ideal for small-frame revolvers and new shooters. +P loads approach 9mm energy levels and are effective for self-defense. Compatible with all .357 Magnum revolvers.

Best For

Self Defense Concealed Carry Training

Ballistics (Typical Factory Load)

800

Muzzle Velocity

fps

200

Muzzle Energy

ft-lbs

158

Typical Bullet

grains

8.89

Bullet Diameter

mm

0.140

Ballistic Coeff.

G1 BC

17,000

Max Pressure

PSI

25.58

Case Length

mm

🔧 Handloading Data

Reference load data for experienced reloaders. Always start at the start charge and work up. Consult official manuals before loading.

Bullet	Powder	Start	Max	Velocity	COAL	Source
125 gr (8.1 g) LRN	Hodgdon Titegroup	3.2 gr 0.21 g	3.7 gr 0.24 g	870 fps	1.450	Hodgdon
125 gr (8.1 g) LRN	Alliant Bullseye	3.5 gr 0.23 g	4.2 gr 0.27 g	890 fps	1.450	Alliant
148 gr (9.6 g) HBWC	Hodgdon HP-38	2.7 gr 0.17 g	3.2 gr 0.21 g	760 fps	1.500	Hodgdon
148 gr (9.6 g) HBWC	Alliant Bullseye	2.7 gr 0.17 g	3.2 gr 0.21 g	750 fps	1.500	Alliant
158 gr (10.2 g) LRN	Hodgdon CFE Pistol	3.9 gr 0.25 g	4.5 gr 0.29 g	830 fps	1.455	Hodgdon
158 gr (10.2 g) LRN	Alliant Unique	4.0 gr 0.26 g	4.7 gr 0.3 g	840 fps	1.455	Alliant
158 gr (10.2 g) JHP	Hodgdon Universal	4.3 gr 0.28 g	4.9 gr 0.32 g	860 fps	1.455	Hodgdon
158 gr (10.2 g) SWC	IMR 4227	10.0 gr 0.65 g	11.0 gr 0.71 g	950 fps	1.455	IMR

📐 Measurement Guide for Reloaders

Powder Charge

Measured in grains (1 grain ≈ 0.065 grams) using precision digital or mechanical scales. Maintaining strict powder weight is crucial for safety and velocity consistency.

Cartridge Overall Length (COAL)

Total length from case base to bullet tip. Checked with digital calipers. Must be within manufacturer's specified range to fit and feed from your firearm's magazine.

Cartridge Base to Ogive (CBTO)

Precision shooters measure to the ogive — the curved part of the bullet that first contacts the rifling — for more accurate bullet seating depth and consistency.

Case Length & Headspace

Brass stretches with firing. Measure case length to know when to trim. Use headspace comparators to check shoulder bump-back during sizing.

Neck Tension

The grip the brass has on the bullet. Measured with ball micrometers by comparing neck wall thickness before and after bullet seating.

Pressure Signs

Inspect fired brass for over-pressure: flattened primers, ejector marks, case head expansion. If unsure, reduce charge and consult your load manual.

⚠️ Always consult established reloading manuals (Hodgdon, Hornady, Lyman) for your specific bullet and powder combinations. For experienced reloaders only.

Technical Specifications

Bullet Diameter	8.89 mm
Case Length	25.58 mm
Max Chamber Pressure	17,000 PSI
Type	Pistol

Compatible Firearms (401)

Browning Buckeye

CAVIM Modelo .38

Chiapa Rhino 35

Chiappa Rhino 1

Chiappa Rhino 10

Chiappa Rhino 12

Chiappa Rhino 15

Chiappa Rhino 2

Chiappa Rhino 20

Chiappa Rhino 25

Chiappa Rhino 3

Chiappa Rhino 30

Chiappa Rhino 357

Chiappa Rhino 357A

Chiappa Rhino 357C

Chiappa Rhino 357D

Chiappa Rhino 357E

Chiappa Rhino 357F

Chiappa Rhino 357G

Chiappa Rhino 357H

Chiappa Rhino 38

Chiappa Rhino 4

Chiappa Rhino 45

Chiappa Rhino 5

Chiappa Rhino 50

Chiappa Rhino 55

Chiappa Rhino 6

Chiappa Rhino 60

Chiappa Rhino 60A

Chiappa Rhino 60C

Chiappa Rhino 60D

Chiappa Rhino 60D-S

Chiappa Rhino 60E

Chiappa Rhino 60F

Chiappa Rhino 60F

Chiappa Rhino 60G

Chiappa Rhino 60H

Chiappa Rhino 60K

Chiappa Rhino 60L

Chiappa Rhino 60L-S

Chiappa Rhino 60M

Chiappa Rhino 60N

Chiappa Rhino 60P

Chiappa Rhino 60Q

Chiappa Rhino 60R

Chiappa Rhino 60S

Chiappa Rhino 60T

Chiappa Rhino 60U

Chiappa Rhino 60V

Chiappa Rhino 60W

Chiappa Rhino 60X

Chiappa Rhino 60Y

Chiappa Rhino 60Z

Chiappa Rhino 65

Chiappa Rhino 7

Chiappa Rhino 70

Chiappa Rhino 75

Chiappa Rhino 8

Chiappa Rhino 80

Chiappa Rhino 9

Chiaspa Rhino 60B

Colt Detective Special

Colt Positive ລ

Copperhead Cobra

Desert Eagle .357

Magnum Research

Desert Eagle .357 Mag Custom

Magnum Research

Desert Eagle .357 Magnum

Magnum Research

Desert Eagle .357 Magnum (Black)

Magnum Research

Desert Eagle .357 Magnum (Chrome)

Magnum Research

Desert Eagle .357 Magnum (Gold)

Magnum Research

Desert Eagle .357 Match

Magnum Research

Desert Eagle .357 Match Custom

Magnum Research

H001 Big Boy Steel

Indumil .38 Revolver (Compact)

Indumil .38 Revolver (Service)

Indumil .38 Revolver (Special)

Indumil .38 Revolver (Standard)

Indumil .38 Revolver (Training)

Indumil .38 Revolver Model 2

Indumil .38 Revolver Model 4

Cobra Precision

Model 10 Series

Model 12.5 Series

Model 15.5 Series

Model 17.5 Series

Model 20th Century

Model 20th Century Series

Model 25 Series

Model 27.5 Series

Model 6.5 Series

Model 686 Lavado

Model 686 Performance Center

Model 686 Special

Model 686 X-Frame

Model 686 Z-Frame

Model 7.5 Series

Pistol .357 Magnum

Pistol .38 Special

Pistol 357-Compact

Pistol 357-Full

P�-Series .357

P�-Series .38

Ruger Lightning

Ruger New Model Ruger

Ruger Security Six

Taurus M999.2-S

Taurus Model 60

Taurus Model 62

Taurus Model 68

Taurus Model 70

Taurus Model 82

Taurus Model 85

Taurus Model 85N

Taurus Model 97

Taurus Model 99

Taurus Single Action Revolver

T�Taurus Model 85m

Cobra Manufacturing

Chiappa Rhino 4

Chiappa Rhino 60

Colt Detective Special

Colt Detective Special 69

Colt King Cobra

Colt King Cobra

Colt King Cobra 357

Colt Police Positive

Colt Positive Field

Colt Positive Model

Colt Positive Walnut

Colt Python 2-inch

Colt Python 4-inch

Colt Python 4-inch

Colt Python 6-inch

Colt Python Classic

Colt Python Modern

Colt Shootin' Slim

Korth K-357 Competition

Korth K-357 Custom

Korth K-357 Deluxe

Korth K-357 Magnum

Korth K-357 Special

Korth K-357 Target

Korth K-38 Competition

Korth K-38 Custom

Korth K-38 Deluxe

Korth K-38 Special

Korth K-38 Special Edition

Korth K-38 Target

Ruger LCR Carbine

Ruger SP101 357

S&W Model 36 Plus

S&W Model 686 2

S&W Model 686 4

S&W Model 686 L

S&W Model 686 Plus

Taurus Model 689

Taurus Model 692

Taurus Model 85

Webley Top Break

Browning Lever Action

Rossi 38 Special

Rossi 38 Special Carbine

Rossi 38 Special Classic

Rossi 38 Special Hunter

Rossi 38 Special Lever

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