10mm Auto vs .38 Special
Part of our full caliber comparison chart — energy, drop and recoil for every handgun caliber side by side.
The 10mm Auto vs .38 Special comparison shows what a century of handgun development can produce. The 10mm Auto (175gr JHP at 1150 fps) delivers 429 ft-lbs at 50 yards while the .38 Special (125gr JHP at 900 fps) produces 202 ft-lbs. The 10mm penetrates 15.5-15.9 inches, centered in the FBI's 12-18 inch optimal zone, while the .38 Special sits at the lower edge with 11.9-12.1 inches. Recoil reflects the power difference: 7.69 ft-lbs for the 10mm versus 2.19 ft-lbs for the .38 Special. The .38 Special works well in lightweight snub-nose revolvers for concealed carry; the 10mm excels for woods defense and hunting.
Ammunition Parameters
10mm Auto Parameters (Self-Defense Load)
.38 Special Parameters (Self-Defense Load)
10mm Auto vs .38 Special Ballistics Chart
Comparing bullet drop at various ranges between 10mm Auto and .38 Special.
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10mm Auto vs .38 Special Energy Comparison
Comparing the muzzle energy and energy retention at various distances between 10mm Auto and .38 Special.
10mm Auto vs .38 Special Bullet Penetration
Comparison of estimated penetration depth in 10% ballistic gel between 10mm Auto and .38 Special at self-defense distances.
Self-Defense Ammunition Penetration
Notes:
- FBI standard for optimal penetration is 12-18 inches in 10% ballistics gel
- These penetration figures come from a model of sectional density, velocity and expansion, not from gel tests. Use them to compare the two calibers, not as a measured result.
- Actual results may vary depending on clothing barriers and other factors
10mm Auto vs .38 Special Recoil
Comparing recoil energy and impulse between 10mm Auto and .38 Special.
10mm Auto Recoil (Self-Defense Load)
.38 Special Recoil (Self-Defense Load)
Notes:
- Recoil calculations based on bullet weight, velocity, powder charge, and firearm weight
- Recoil energy indicates the felt force when firing the weapon
- Recoil impulse represents momentum transfer during firing
- Actual felt recoil can vary based on grip, stance, and firearm design
10mm Auto vs .38 Special Velocity
Velocity decay from muzzle to 50 yards for 10mm Auto and .38 Special.
10mm Auto vs .38 Special Average Cost
Comparing cost per round and training affordability between 10mm Auto and .38 Special.
Cheapest 10mm Auto Deals
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