Cartridge Drawing

The .38 S&W was designed by Smith & Wesson and introduced during the late 1870`s. Also known as the .38 Super Police and the .38 Colt New Police, the .38 S&W was once available in numerous revolver made by too many foreign firms to mention, plus U.S. manufacturers such as Harrington & Richardson, Smith & Wesson, Colt, Iver Johnson, and Hopkins & Allen. There was a time when the Welby revolver in .38 S&W was the official sidearm of the British military, a combination claimed to be more effective in combat then the old .455 Welby revolver. More recently, Ruger built a number of Service Six revolvers in this chambering for the government of India.

Like the less powerful .32 S&W, the .38 Smith & Wesson once enjoyed tremendous popularity in the private sector simply because of its availability in inexpensive pocket revolvers. It 145 grain and 200 grain loadings were rated at respective muzzle velocities of 730 and 620 fps, for the 173 and 176 foot pounds of energy. U.S. ammunition manufacturers now offer factory loads with a 146 grain bullet at 685 fps for 150 foot pounds of energy.

Although specified nominal bullet diameter commonly seen listed for the .38 S&W varies from .359 inch to .361 inch, most owners of guns in this caliber report acceptable accuracy with the more common .357 inch bullets. Like many guns built during the first half of the century, some in .38 S&W caliber are now quite weary, something the wise handloader will keep in mind.

Cartridge:
.38SW

Weight:
145 - 200 grain