.38 Special +P (Handloader issue #346)

The .38 Special was introduced by Smith & Wesson in 1898 as an improvement over the earlier .38 Long Colt, which had demonstrated inadequate stopping power during the Philippine-American War. Designed with a longer case and greater powder capacity, the new cartridge quickly earned a reputation for excellent accuracy, mild recoil, and dependable performance. It became one of the most widely adopted revolver cartridges in the world, serving military personnel, law enforcement officers, and civilian shooters for much of the twentieth century. In the early 1970s, SAAMI formally established the .38 Special +P specification, allowing ammunition to be loaded to slightly higher pressures than standard .38 Special while remaining safe in firearms specifically rated for +P use.

The +P designation provides a meaningful increase in velocity and terminal performance without significantly increasing recoil or sacrificing the controllability that has made the .38 Special so popular. This improved performance has made .38 Special +P one of the most respected revolver cartridges for personal defense, particularly in lightweight concealed-carry revolvers where manageable recoil and reliable expansion are essential. Modern bullet technology has further enhanced the cartridge's effectiveness, with premium hollow-point designs providing dependable expansion and penetration while maintaining the cartridge's inherently pleasant shooting characteristics.

Handloaders appreciate the .38 Special +P because it offers exceptional versatility across a broad range of applications. Light target loads can be assembled for economical practice, while carefully developed +P loads provide increased velocity for defensive use or small-game hunting. The cartridge works well with a wide variety of powders and .357-inch bullets, including cast lead, plated, and jacketed designs. Because many revolvers chambered in .357 Magnum can also safely fire .38 Special +P ammunition, reloaders have considerable flexibility when tailoring loads for specific firearms and purposes. As always, +P data should be used only in firearms specifically rated for that pressure level.

More than 125 years after its introduction, the .38 Special remains one of the most enduring revolver cartridges ever developed, and the +P variant has helped it remain relevant in the modern era. Its combination of moderate recoil, excellent accuracy, widespread availability, and improved defensive performance continues to make it a favorite among shooters of all experience levels. Whether carried for personal protection, used for recreational target shooting, or assembled on the loading bench, the .38 Special +P remains a practical and highly respected cartridge.

Source: Handloader Issue #346 – October 2023