.38 Special Trajectory Calculator
The .38 Special is a classic revolver cartridge known for mild recoil and accuracy. With a 158-grain bullet at 755 fps and a 25-yard zero, expect about 3.5 inches of drop at 50 yards, 11.1 inches at 75 yards, and 23.1 inches at 100 yards. Muzzle energy runs around 200 ft-lbs, retaining 169 ft-lbs at 100 yards. The .38 Special is best for self-defense, target shooting, and training at typical handgun distances.
Use the calculator to match your specific load. Click "Modify Calculation" to enter your bullet weight, muzzle velocity, and ballistic coefficient. Standard pressure loads range from 110-grain to 158-grain, with +P loads offering higher velocity. You can also factor in wind and atmospheric conditions.
Compare up to 5 different loads. The current caliber (.38 Special) is pre-selected for the first load.
.38 Special Trajectory Chart
.38 Special Ballistics Data
| Range (yd) | Elevation (in) | Elevation (MOA) | Elevation (MIL) | Windage (in) | Windage (MOA) | Windage (MIL) | Time (s) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | -0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.001 | 755.0 | 200.04 |
| 5 | -0.08 | 1.39 | 0.403 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.021 | 751.64 | 198.26 |
| 10 | 0.18 | -1.69 | -0.492 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.041 | 748.41 | 196.56 |
| 15 | 0.28 | -1.76 | -0.512 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.061 | 745.2 | 194.87 |
| 20 | 0.22 | -1.06 | -0.307 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.082 | 742.01 | 193.21 |
| 25 | 0.01 | -0.03 | -0.01 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.102 | 738.84 | 191.56 |
| 30 | -0.36 | 1.15 | 0.336 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.122 | 735.68 | 189.93 |
| 35 | -0.9 | 2.44 | 0.71 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.143 | 732.55 | 188.32 |
| 40 | -1.59 | 3.79 | 1.103 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.163 | 729.44 | 186.72 |
| 45 | -2.45 | 5.19 | 1.509 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.184 | 726.34 | 185.14 |
| 50 | -3.48 | 6.62 | 1.925 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.204 | 723.27 | 183.57 |
| 55 | -4.67 | 8.08 | 2.35 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.225 | 720.21 | 182.02 |
| 60 | -6.02 | 9.56 | 2.781 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.246 | 717.17 | 180.49 |
| 65 | -7.55 | 11.06 | 3.219 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.267 | 714.15 | 178.97 |
| 70 | -9.25 | 12.59 | 3.661 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.288 | 711.14 | 177.47 |
| 75 | -11.11 | 14.12 | 4.108 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.309 | 708.16 | 175.98 |
| 80 | -13.16 | 15.67 | 4.559 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.33 | 705.19 | 174.51 |
| 85 | -15.37 | 17.24 | 5.014 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.352 | 702.24 | 173.06 |
| 90 | -17.76 | 18.82 | 5.473 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.373 | 699.31 | 171.61 |
| 95 | -20.33 | 20.41 | 5.936 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.395 | 696.39 | 170.18 |
| 100 | -23.08 | 22.01 | 6.402 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.416 | 693.48 | 168.77 |
Available .38 Special Ammunition Ballistics
| Product | Velocity (fps) | BC | 25yd Drop | 50yd Drop | 75yd Drop | 100yd Drop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ammo Inc .38 Special 158gr TMC Ammo Ballistics | 947 | 0.206 | 0.0" | -2.0" | -6.7" | -14.1" |
| Ammo Inc Signature Line .38 Special 125gr TMC Ammo Ballistics | 947 | 0.14 | 0.0" | -2.1" | -6.9" | -14.6" |
| Armscor .38 Special 158gr FMJ Ammo Ballistics | 891 | 0.159 | 0.0" | -2.4" | -7.8" | -16.3" |
Similar Calibers
.38 Special Ballistics Comparisons
Stock Up On .38 Special Ammo for the Range
| PRODUCT | DEALER | QUANTITY | PRICE | SHIPPING | TOTAL PRICE | PRICE/RD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Ammo | 1000 | $365.00 | $16.73 | $381.73 |
$0.38
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Fast Ammo | 1000 | $396.81 | $44.99 | $441.80 |
$0.44
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Fast Ammo | 1000 | $428.55 | $44.99 | $473.54 |
$0.47
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Fast Ammo | 1000 | $433.61 | $44.99 | $478.60 |
$0.48
1000 Rounds
|
|
| Fast Ammo | 1000 | $435.74 | $46.99 | $482.73 |
$0.48
1000 Rounds
|