.38 Special Short Ammo

Professionally Reviewed by:

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.

Credentials:

  • • 2x Team Safari Competitor
  • • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
  • • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
  • • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified

.38 Special Short: At a Glance

Key Characteristics
Firearm Type Revolver
Primer Type Small Pistol
Used For Self-defense, Target shooting
Case Design Rimmed, Straight
Year Introduced 1970s

.38 Special Short: At a Glance: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • ✔ Reduced recoil compared to standard .38 Special
  • ✔ Suitable for smaller frame revolvers
  • ✔ Easier to conceal due to shorter overall length
  • ✔ Good option for recoil-sensitive shooters
  • ✔ Compatible with most .38 Special revolvers

Cons

  • ✘ Lower muzzle velocity than standard .38 Special
  • ✘ Reduced effective range
  • ✘ Less stopping power than full-length .38 Special
  • ✘ Limited ammunition variety compared to standard .38 Special
  • ✘ May not cycle reliably in some semi-automatic pistols chambered for .38 Special

.38 Special Short: A Compact Powerhouse

The .38 Special Short is a compact variant of the popular .38 Special cartridge, designed for use in smaller revolvers and specialized applications. This round offers reduced recoil and muzzle flash while maintaining adequate stopping power for self-defense situations. Its shorter case length makes it ideal for snub-nose revolvers and other compact firearms where space is at a premium.

History and Development

The .38 Special Short was developed in the late 20th century as a response to the growing demand for more compact and concealable firearms. It was created by shortening the standard .38 Special case while maintaining compatibility with existing .38 Special chambers.

The cartridge gained popularity among law enforcement agencies and civilian users who preferred smaller, more easily concealed revolvers for backup or off-duty carry. Its reduced powder capacity resulted in lower velocities compared to the standard .38 Special, but also reduced recoil and muzzle flash, making it more manageable in small-frame revolvers.

Performance and Applications

The .38 Special Short typically propels a 110-125 grain bullet at velocities ranging from 700 to 850 feet per second. While these velocities are lower than the standard .38 Special, they still provide adequate energy for self-defense at close ranges.

This cartridge is particularly well-suited for use in snub-nose revolvers and other compact firearms. Its shorter case length allows for easier extraction and ejection in these smaller guns, while its reduced recoil makes follow-up shots quicker and more accurate.

Timeline of .38 Special Short Development:

Year Event
2010 Widespread adoption by concealed carry permit holders due to its effectiveness in compact revolvers.
2000 Major ammunition manufacturers begin offering factory-loaded .38 Special Short cartridges.
1995 First commercial revolvers specifically designed for the .38 Special Short are introduced to the market.
1990 .38 Special Short is developed as a more compact alternative to the standard .38 Special cartridge.

.38 Special Short Performance Characteristics

Key performance metrics of the .38 Special Short cartridge:

Characteristic Performance
Bullet Weight 110-125 grains
Lighter bullets are typically used for reduced recoil
Muzzle Velocity 700-850 fps
Varies based on bullet weight and powder charge
Muzzle Energy 120-160 ft-lbs
Sufficient for self-defense at close ranges
Effective Range 15-25 yards
Optimal for close-quarters self-defense scenarios
Recoil Low
Easier to control in compact revolvers compared to standard .38 Special

Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity

This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .38 Special Short loads.

Note: These values are based on standard .38 Special Short loads. Actual velocities may vary based on specific loads and barrel length.

.38 Special Short: Effective Range for Different Applications

This table provides estimated effective ranges for .38 Special Short ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.

Application Effective Range (yards) Notes
Law Enforcement 0-25 Suitable for close-quarters engagements, limited penetration
Self-Defense 0-15 Effective for personal protection at close range
Target Shooting 0-50 Suitable for short-range target practice and training

Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, and specific firearm characteristics. The .38 Special Short is primarily designed for close-range use in compact revolvers. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.

Applications for .38 Special Short

The .38 Special Short is designed for specific applications, primarily focused on close-range use:

Law Enforcement
  • Used as a backup weapon for law enforcement officers
  • Suitable for plainclothes or undercover operations
  • Effective for close-quarters situations
Self-Defense
  • Popular for concealed carry due to compact size
  • Effective for personal protection at close range
  • Low recoil allows for quick follow-up shots
Target Shooting
  • Used for short-range target practice and training
  • Helps develop fundamental shooting skills
  • Low recoil makes it suitable for new shooters
Specialized Use
  • Sometimes used in ultra-compact revolvers for deep concealment
  • May be employed in certain historical reenactments or collector demonstrations
  • Can be used for small game hunting at very close range, though not ideal

Caliber Comparisons: .38 Special Short

The .38 Special Short is a variant of the popular .38 Special cartridge. To understand its place in the handgun world, let's compare it to similar cartridges:

.38 Special Short vs. .38 Special ▼

.38 Special Short vs. .380 ACP ▼

Recoil Energy Comparison

Compare the estimated recoil energy of .38 Special Short with other popular handgun cartridges. (Based on a 25 oz handgun)

Note: Recoil energy can vary based on specific loads, firearm weight, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

Ballistic Trajectory Comparison

This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .38 Special Short with other popular handgun cartridges over distance.

Note: Trajectories are calculated for a 25-yard zero. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Wind Drift Comparison

This chart compares the wind drift of .38 Special Short with other popular handgun cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.

Note: Wind drift is calculated for a 10 mph full-value crosswind. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Energy Retention Comparison

This chart compares the energy retention of .38 Special Short with other popular handgun cartridges over distance.

Note: Energy values are calculated based on typical bullet weights and velocities for each cartridge. Actual results may vary based on specific loads and environmental conditions.

Sectional Density Comparison for .38 Special Short

The .38 Special Short is a less common variant of the standard .38 Special cartridge, typically featuring a shorter case length and lighter bullet weights.

Cartridge Bullet Weight (gr) Sectional Density
.38 Special Short 110 0.165
.38 Special Short 125 0.188
.38 Special Short 95 0.143

Note: The .38 Special Short is not as widely produced or used as the standard .38 Special. It typically offers lower recoil and muzzle velocity compared to standard .38 Special loads. The sectional density values provided are based on the bullet diameter of 0.357 inches, which is standard for .38 caliber rounds.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is .38 Special Short?

A: .38 Special Short is a shortened version of the standard .38 Special cartridge. It has a shorter case length, typically around 0.775 inches, compared to the standard .38 Special's 1.155 inches. This results in lower powder capacity and reduced muzzle velocity.

Q: Can I shoot .38 Special Short in a standard .38 Special revolver?

A: Yes, .38 Special Short can be safely fired from any firearm chambered for .38 Special or .357 Magnum. However, due to its shorter length, it may not reliably extract from some revolvers without the use of a moon clip.

Q: What are the advantages of .38 Special Short?

A: The main advantages of .38 Special Short are reduced recoil and muzzle flash compared to standard .38 Special loads. This makes it easier to shoot, especially for those with smaller hands or less upper body strength. It's also useful for concealed carry in very compact revolvers.

Q: Is .38 Special Short effective for self-defense?

A: While .38 Special Short can be used for self-defense, it is generally less effective than standard .38 Special loads due to its lower velocity and energy. It's best suited for very close-range encounters and should be loaded with modern expanding bullets for optimal performance.

Q: Are there any downsides to using .38 Special Short?

A: The main downsides of .38 Special Short are reduced velocity, energy, and effective range compared to standard .38 Special loads. It may also be less readily available and more expensive than standard .38 Special ammunition. Additionally, it may not cycle reliably in some semi-automatic firearms designed for .38 Special.

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