9mm vs 38 spl

[writwing]

Some seem to favor the 9mm in a snubbie and I wonder what are the advantages over a 38.

Thanks

 

[Hugh]

I am not an expert by any means, and I did not stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night. But, here is some information about some .38 Special and 9 mm ammunition I have. Chosen for bullet weight comparison. None of my .38 Spl is heavier than 125, and 124 is the heaviest 9 mm in my small inventory.

Cal/Mfg/Bullet/Weight/Velocity/Energy

.38 Spl +P/Winchester/JHP/125/945/248
.38 Spl +P/Winchester/Si HP/125/945/248
.38 Spl +P/PMC/SF HP/125/950/251

9 mm/Remington/JHP/124/1125/349
9 mm/Winchester/FMJ/115/1190/362
9 mm/Winchester/FMJ/124/1140/358

 

[wideglide]

In use you may be able to get back on target a bit easier with 9mm. In my Blackhawk convertible the 9 is slightly easier to get back on target in quick firing but the 38 special just has a better feel. Not sure about the snubby.

 

[gramps]

That is nice. Now lets run those numbers with 158 gr swc for the .38 like the FBI had?
gramps

 

[Hugh]

That is nice. Now lets run those numbers with 158 gr swc for the .38 like the FBI had?
gramps

Any 158 gr that I have are in .357 Magnum. JSP about 1235 mv and 535 energy. I don't know what they are doing out of my 3-1/16" SP-101 or 4" Sixes.

 

[gramps]

Unless you go to a +P in .38 spcl the 9 mm has it. See http://www.ballistics101.com/38_special.php
gramps

 

[Snake45]

9mm operates at much higher pressure than .38, even .38+P. 9mm operates at almost same pressure as .357 mag.

.38 has a much larger case, so can handle heavier bullets than 9mm can.

Some 9mm revolvers use snowflake clips (a la 1917 S&W revolvers), and so can be reloaded much faster than any conventional rimmed-cartridge revolver.

A 9mm revolver might be attractive to some due to free or very cheap ammo availability.

A small 9mm revolver might also be attractive as a "backup" or second gun for those who carry a 9mm semiauto as a primary weapon. The revolver can be reloaded from a 9mm magazine using the thing somewhat like a PEZ dispenser. This is not a horrible way to reload a revolver--not as good as a snowflake clip or a conventional speedloader, but better than fumbling around with individual cartridges.

I don't own a 9mm revolver, but at times I wish I'd bought one of those 3", round-butted Smith Ks in 9mm (was it called model 547?) when they were available.

 

[DGW1949]

Depending on "which load" and barrel length.....ballisticly speaking, the 9MM and the 38Spl can be very similar......I can't think of any real advantage to using a 9MM revolver over a 38Spl revolver. On the other hand though, there ARE advantages to the .38....but that tweren't the question.

DGW

 

[Buckhorn150]

I reload so the 38 spl. for me. I make loads for just my wifes stubby, and feel there's just so many more options, loads you can play with.

 

[writwing]

Depending on "which load" and barrel length.....ballisticly speaking, the 9MM and the 38Spl can be very similar......I can't think of any real advantage to using a 9MM revolver over a 38Spl revolver. On the other hand though, there ARE advantages to the .38....but that tweren't the question.

DGW

Feel free to list the advantages of the 38.

Thanks

 

[DGW1949]

Depending on "which load" and barrel length.....ballisticly speaking, the 9MM and the 38Spl can be very similar......I can't think of any real advantage to using a 9MM revolver over a 38Spl revolver. On the other hand though, there ARE advantages to the .38....but that tweren't the question.

DGW

Feel free to list the advantages of the 38.

Thanks

The .38SPL will deliver the same amount of power with less pressure, can be used to launch a longer/heavier bullet if desired, and being designed for a revolver right from the get-go....it don't need no moon clips (or spring-thingy's added to the extractor) in order to eject the empties out of a DA gun. I would also suggest that if maximum accuracy is the goal, that it'd be hard to concoct a 9MM load that will shoot as well as the tried 'n true 38Spl 148-wadcutter load.

DGW

 

[RaisinRiverRon]

Beat me to it DGW. You hit all the points I was going to make. Only thing I could add is the +P FBI load, that soft lead HP has a pretty good record. Oh, and it headspaces on the rim.