Why not?

I suggest that a new cartridge be developed that is a true .38 caliber, ie one that shoots a bullet of .380" in diameter.

A semi auto ctg. with a case about length of the .45 auto but sized to the new ctg. It would be about .402 in diameter and about .9" in length.

This fills the slot between the 9MM and the .40, so why not?

5of7 said:

This fills the slot between the 9MM and the .40, so why not?

Click to expand...

Probably because it's a "slot" that doesn't appear to need filling.

BTW, in the very early days of fixed ammunition, .38's were really .38" and used "heel-type" bullets similar to current .22lr rimfires. When the bullet was redesigned to fit entirely within the case, the diameter was reduced to .357 and that's where it remains. It's the same reason current ".44's" are .429", not .440".

I like the idea but I think it has about as much chance for success as the 9mm Federal. At best, it could be a niche cartridge like the .357 Sig.

And then we can have a .37 to "split the difference" between a conventional .38 and your .380. :?

All that is true, but new cartridges are introduced to stimulate interest, not to fulfill any particular need. 8)

Heck, the 40 S&W (short & weak) doesn't really have a reason for being. We sure as heck don't need another tweener round.

Take a look at: http://www.38super.net/Pages/9mm%20Auto%20Introduction.html

This round sounds good.

Theirs not much of a slot between 9mm and .40 S&W, both have pretty much everything covered.

A "need" that might be filled in the 38 Special line could be a shorter case. That would shorten the cylinder and the length of the pistol, making it more compact. I am a long time reloader and I have seen how much space is left in those 38 Special cases.

teuthis said:

A "need" that might be filled in the 38 Special line could be a shorter case. That would shorten the cylinder and the length of the pistol, making it more compact. I am a long time reloader and I have seen how much space is left in those 38 Special cases.

Click to expand...

This I agree with completely!

The only problem is that if it is loaded to higher pressures, it could cause damage to older .38 Sp. revolvers because it would chamber and fire in the .38 Sp. chamber.

So, what to do about that? Maybe give it a thicker rim? 8)

teuthis said:

A "need" that might be filled in the 38 Special line could be a shorter case. That would shorten the cylinder and the length of the pistol, making it more compact. I am a long time reloader and I have seen how much space is left in those 38 Special cases.

Click to expand...

It's been done. Just chamber the revolver for the 9 mm. Shorter case operated at higher pressure and just what you requested.

teuthis said:

A "need" that might be filled in the 38 Special line could be a shorter case. That would shorten the cylinder and the length of the pistol, making it more compact. I am a long time reloader and I have seen how much space is left in those 38 Special cases.

Click to expand...

It's been done. It's called the .38 S&W. Pretty much obsolete now.

If anything someone needs to be working on a 'center fired' .22

Click to expand...

22 CCM?