Caliber matchup
| Metric | .45 ACP | .38 Special |
|---|---|---|
| Typical bullet | 230 gr | 130 gr |
| Muzzle velocity | 890 fps | 890 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 404 ft·lb | 229 ft·lb |
| Cost per round | $0.45 | $0.40 |
| Recoil | Moderate push | Light-moderate |
| Introduced | 1904 | 1898 |
| Best role | Defense / classic service | Revolver classic |
.45 ACP: Big, slow, proven. Lower capacity and higher cost than 9mm.
.38 Special: Soft-shooting revolver staple; +P loads close some of the gap to 9mm.
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