The 38 Super Automatic +P is a centerfire handgun cartridge standardised by SAAMI in ANSI/SAAMI Z299.3. SAAMI sets its maximum average pressure at 36,500 psi, and measures its reference velocities in a 5.000 in standard test barrel rifled 1 turn in 16.00 in, left hand. This guide sets out SAAMI’s published reference velocity for each bullet weight, computes the muzzle energy each one carries, and compares the 38 Super Automatic +P with the 9mm Luger on the same basis.
38 Super ballistics chart: SAAMI reference data
SAAMI publishes one nominal mean instrumental velocity for each reference bullet weight, measured at 15 feet from the standard test barrel. It does not publish energy, so the ft-lb column is computed. Where SAAMI lists more than one velocity for a weight, both ends of the span are shown.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| Bullet weight | Reference velocity | Computed muzzle energy |
|---|---|---|
| 115 gr | 1,130–1,280 fps | 326–418 ft-lb |
| 125 gr | 1,230 fps | 420 ft-lb |
| 130 gr | 1,200 fps | 416 ft-lb |
What the numbers mean for a shot
SAAMI lists 3 reference bullet weights for the 38 Super Automatic +P, from 115 to 130 grains. The lightest, 115 grains, is listed at 1,130–1,280 fps, which computes to 326–418 ft-lb. The heaviest, 130 grains, is listed at 1,200 fps, which computes to 416 ft-lb. The most energetic reference load is the 125-grain at 1,230 fps: 420 ft-lb computed.
SAAMI lists more than one reference velocity for 115 grains. Its own note says this is because a weight can carry several introductions meeting different market needs, such as reduced-recoil loads, or because propellant and loading advances allowed higher velocities after the original load appeared.
None of this is a downrange figure. SAAMI measures at 15 feet, so retained velocity, energy and drop depend on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient, which SAAMI does not publish. Each product in our 38 Super ammo range lists whatever its maker publishes for that item.
Barrel, chamber and pressure
SAAMI’s standard test barrel for the 38 Super Automatic +P is 5.000 in long and rifled 1 turn in 16.00 in, left hand, with a .355 in groove diameter. That is the barrel every reference velocity above was measured in, not a statement about your handgun: handgun barrels vary widely in length, and a shorter barrel gives lower velocity. The maximum average pressure is 36,500 psi. Fire 38 Super Automatic +P ammunition only in a firearm chambered for it. Several unrelated cartridges share a number, so match the full designation on the box to the marking on your barrel.
SAAMI lists the 38 Automatic as a separate cartridge, at a maximum average pressure of 26,500 psi against 36,500 psi for the 38 Super Automatic +P. They are different standards. Do not fire 38 Super Automatic +P ammunition in a firearm marked for the 38 Automatic.
38 Super vs 9mm: the SAAMI comparison
A figure from one maker’s catalogue cannot be laid beside a figure from another’s: each picks its own test barrel, zero and bullet, and many publish no test barrel at all. SAAMI is the shared basis, because it fixes one standard test barrel and one way of measuring velocity for every cartridge it lists.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| SAAMI specification | 38 Super Automatic +P | 9mm Luger |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum average pressure | 36,500 psi | 35,000 psi |
| Maximum average pressure, +P | No +P standard | 38,500 psi |
| Standard test barrel length | 5.000 in | 4.000 in |
| Test barrel twist rate | 1 turn in 16.00 in, left hand | 1 turn in 10.00 in |
| Test barrel groove diameter | .355 in | .3550 in |
| Lightest reference load | 115 gr — 1,130–1,280 fps / 326–418 ft-lb | 88 gr — 1,500 fps / 440 ft-lb |
| A weight both list | 115 gr — 1,130–1,280 fps / 326–418 ft-lb | 115 gr — 1,135–1,210 fps / 329–374 ft-lb |
| Heaviest reference load | 130 gr — 1,200 fps / 416 ft-lb | 150 gr — 900 fps / 270 ft-lb |
SAAMI standardises the 38 Super Automatic +P at 36,500 psi and the 9mm Luger at 35,000 psi, so the 38 Super Automatic +P runs 1,500 psi higher. At 115 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 38 Super Automatic +P reference velocity is up to 1,280 fps (418 ft-lb computed), against up to 1,210 fps (374 ft-lb) for the 9mm Luger. On that row the 38 Super Automatic +P carries the more energy. Their standard test barrels differ (5.000 in, 1 turn in 16.00 in, left hand for the 38 Super Automatic +P; 4.000 in, 1 turn in 10.00 in for the 9mm Luger), so compare the reference rows with that in mind.
What SAAMI cannot settle is anything past the muzzle. It publishes no ballistic coefficients and no downrange data, so it cannot say which cartridge shoots flatter at distance; that depends on the bullet. We stock the other side of this comparison too: 9mm ammo.
38 Super ballistics questions
What is the maximum pressure of the 38 Super Automatic +P?
ANSI/SAAMI Z299.3 sets the maximum average pressure for the 38 Super Automatic +P at 36,500 psi.
What twist rate and barrel length does SAAMI use for the 38 Super Automatic +P?
SAAMI’s standard test barrel for the 38 Super Automatic +P is 5.000 in long and rifled 1 turn in 16.00 in, left hand. Your own handgun may differ.
What bullet weights does SAAMI list for the 38 Super Automatic +P?
SAAMI lists 3 reference weights, from 115 to 130 grains: 115, 125 and 130.
Is the 38 Super Automatic +P more powerful than the 9mm Luger?
Power is not a SAAMI measure, but reference muzzle energy is a fair proxy. At 115 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 38 Super Automatic +P reference velocity is up to 1,280 fps (418 ft-lb computed), against up to 1,210 fps (374 ft-lb) for the 9mm Luger.
What is the effective range of the 38 Super Automatic +P?
Effective range is not a SAAMI specification and it is not a measured figure. SAAMI measures velocity at 15 feet, so it says nothing about performance at distance; that depends on the bullet and the shooter.
How much does the 38 Super Automatic +P drop at 100 yards?
SAAMI publishes muzzle velocity only, so it cannot give a drop figure. Drop depends on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient and on the zero range. A drop figure is unusable without its zero, so use the figure a maker prints for the specific load.
Where to buy these loads
Hilltop Armory carries 38 Super ammunition from Buffalo Bore, Winchester, Aguila, Federal, Fiocchi and Magtech. Browse the full 38 Super ammo range.
