.357 Magnum vs .38 Special

.357 Magnum vs .38 Special comparison

Understanding Revolver Calibers

.357 Magnum and .38 Special share the same diameter bullet (.357\") but differ significantly in case length and pressure. All .357 Magnum revolvers can safely fire .38 Special, making this a versatile combination. Do not fire .357 Magnum in a .38 Special–only revolver.

Ballistics & Energy

.38 Special: 125gr often around 800–1,000 fps (load + barrel dependent). Mild recoil, easy to control.

.357 Magnum: 125gr often around 1,200–1,500 fps (load + barrel dependent). Significantly more power and recoil.

.357 Magnum often delivers substantially more energy—commonly around 1.5–2.5× depending on the specific loads and barrel length.

Recoil & Shootability

.38 Special is mild and easy to control, even from lightweight revolvers. .357 Magnum has substantial recoil, especially from snub-nose revolvers. Most shooters can shoot .38 Special significantly faster and more accurately.

Practical Applications

Self-Defense: Both work. .357 Magnum offers more power but also more recoil and blast. .38 Special +P is easier to control for rapid follow-up shots.

Hunting: .357 Magnum can be used for deer-sized game at closer ranges (often ~25–75 yards) with appropriate loads and good shot placement. .38 Special is generally not recommended for deer; for small game it can work with proper loads and careful shot placement.

Practice: Most .357 owners practice with .38 Special due to lower cost and recoil, then carry .357 Magnum or .38 +P.

Cost Comparison

.38 Special: often ~$0.35–$0.60/round. .357 Magnum: often ~$0.60–$1.20/round (brand/load dependent). The ability to practice cheaply with .38 Special while having .357 Magnum available is a key advantage.

The Best of Both Worlds

Buy a .357 Magnum revolver and you get both calibers. Practice with affordable .38 Special, carry .357 Magnum or .38 +P for defense. This versatility makes .357 revolvers excellent choices. If you practice with lots of .38 Special in a .357 cylinder, clean the chambers well to prevent carbon buildup that can make .357 rounds hard to chamber.

Recommended Strategy

  • Buy a .357 Magnum revolver (4\" barrel recommended)
  • Practice with .38 Special for economy
  • Carry .357 Magnum, .38 +P, or .38 Special based on your recoil tolerance
  • Use .357 Magnum for hunting if desired

Bottom Line

.357 Magnum revolvers are usually the best value because they can shoot both calibers. Practice with softer, cheaper .38 Special, then carry .357 Magnum or .38 +P based on your recoil tolerance. If you want the lightest recoil or a smaller/lighter revolver, a .38 Special–only gun can still make sense—but most buyers should start with .357 for flexibility.

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