Caliber matchup
| Metric | .40 S&W | .38 Special |
|---|---|---|
| Typical bullet | 180 gr | 130 gr |
| Muzzle velocity | 1000 fps | 890 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 400 ft·lb | 229 ft·lb |
| Cost per round | $0.38 | $0.40 |
| Recoil | Snappy | Light-moderate |
| Introduced | 1990 | 1898 |
| Best role | Former LE standard | Revolver classic |
.40 S&W: Splits the difference between 9mm and .45; sharper recoil impulse.
.38 Special: Soft-shooting revolver staple; +P loads close some of the gap to 9mm.
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