.38 Super Ammo
The .38 Super Auto is a high-velocity semi-automatic pistol cartridge most commonly chambered in 1911-platform pistols, originally introduced in 1929 and still in active production for competition, self-defense, and recreational shooting. It launches a 115–130 grain bullet at 1,200–1,400 fps from a 5-inch barrel — significantly faster than .45 ACP and comparable to 9mm +P in energy, but with enough power factor to make USPSA Major classification in single-stack competition.
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Why .38 Super? Competition, Capacity, and Velocity
The .38 Super’s core audience is competition shooters — specifically USPSA and IPSC competitors who need to make Major power factor (165+) from a single-stack 1911. The .38 Super achieves Major with less recoil than .45 ACP and in the same 1911 platform, giving competitors faster follow-up shots. Outside competition, the .38 Super has a loyal following among recreational shooters who appreciate its flat trajectory and snappy ballistic performance, and it remains popular in Latin American markets where military-caliber cartridges (9mm, .45 ACP) are restricted for civilian ownership.
.38 Super vs. 9mm vs. .45 ACP
The .38 Super operates at higher chamber pressure than .45 ACP and produces higher velocities with lighter bullets, sitting between 9mm and .45 ACP in overall energy. Against 9mm, the .38 Super offers slightly more velocity and energy from the same bullet weight but at a higher cost per round and with less ammunition variety. Against .45 ACP, the .38 Super offers flatter trajectory, higher velocity, and lower recoil in exchange for a smaller bullet diameter. For competition scoring purposes, the .38 Super’s ability to make Major power factor from a 9mm-diameter cartridge is its defining advantage.
Available .38 Super Ammunition
Factory .38 Super loads are available from Federal, Remington, Winchester, Fiocchi, Sellier & Bellot, and Armscor in both FMJ range loads (typically 130-grain at ~1,200 fps) and JHP defensive loads. The cartridge is also one of the most popular for handloading — many competition shooters load their own .38 Super to dial in specific power factors and bullet weights for their match guns.
Firearms Chambered in .38 Super
The 1911 is the dominant platform for .38 Super — models from Colt, Kimber, Springfield Armory, Rock Island Armory, and Tisas are all available or have been offered in .38 Super chambering. Some double-stack competition pistols and Staccato-style 2011s are also available in .38 Super for high-capacity competition use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is .38 Super the same as .38 Special?
No. .38 Super is a semi-automatic pistol cartridge used in 1911-type firearms; .38 Special is a revolver cartridge. They are not interchangeable.
What guns shoot .38 Super?
Primarily 1911-pattern pistols and some competition 2011s. It is not commonly chambered in modern polymer-frame handguns.
Is .38 Super good for self-defense?
Yes — its ballistics are comparable to 9mm +P with the right defensive loads. However, the limited gun selection and higher ammo cost make 9mm the more practical choice for most defensive shooters.
Why do competition shooters use .38 Super?
It makes USPSA/IPSC Major power factor (165+) with less recoil than .45 ACP, giving competitors faster shot-to-shot splits in the same 1911 platform.
See Also: 9mm Ammo • .45 ACP Ammo • 1911 Pistols • Competition Guns • Reloading