More Powerful: .38sp. or 9mm

[CZ evo3]

Jaybird, what do you plan to do with this retirement gift? The intended purpose could be a deciding factor. The average .38 special 130 gr fmj rounds you find in gun shops are typically much lower powered (velocity X bullet weight) than the average 115 gr 9mm fmjs. This has been my recent experience.

 

[erasure]

Dang Red, you've been doing some deep digging for these old threads!

Somewhere, jaybird is weeping with joy. Finally some good advice...after all these years...

 

[NKBJ]

If you want to blunt an action to give you the opportunity to achieve your mission...

Isn't maximum penetration a most desired trait?

 

[Redhorse]

I am going to buy myself a retirement gift of a handgun. I want either a .38sp, or a 9mm. Which has more power? The 38sp rounds are bigger than the 9mm, but I have been told that 9mm is actually more powerful. What do you think?

They're so negligible it’s not funny. Just get both.

EDIT: Wow, wish I’d checked the date on this one

 

[russc2542]

Which has more power? yes.

No really, the problem is that while 9mm has a narrow window of function (enough oomph to make a semi-auto function, not so much it blows up) the .38 has a HUGE range of possible loads. Some .38s are just as powerful as 9mm or even more so. Especially if you get into .38+p. On the other hand a lot of .38 target or plinking loads are going to be much softer than 9mm. unless you get a manufacturer that wants to make a hot one. or mouse farts.

If you want capability to stop a bad guy, I'd go with a 9mm. Assuming ballistics for SD rounds are near enough with each other, you get more rounds with the 9. Every round is a chance to stop the bad guy. On the other hand, a semi-auto is very unlikely to get more than one round off from inside a pocket so if you want that capability, get a revolver = .38. So it's really more about how you want to carry than which has more stopping power.

 

[Amishman44]

I wouldn't worry about it. Decide whether you want a semi-auto or revolver and go for the one that looks and feels best to you.

Exactly...and when it comes to personal defense, there is no 'best' firearm, the main deciding factor should be 'comfortable-in-the-hand' and personal preference.
I EDC a semi-auto when I'm out with the family...and sometimes a S&W 360J when I'm just by myself...it's a personal and comfort thing!

The 9mm does indeed have greater muzzle energy than the .38 special. Here's some fun (or not so fun if you aren't a nerd like me) reading for you:
9mm vs 38 Special | Ballistics 101
Either cartridge will get the job done assuming that you do your part. The article highlights some of the advantages of each round. In this case most of my decision would lie in
whether I wanted a revolver or a semi-auto pistol. That part is up to you.

The 9mm may have greater muzzle velocity than a .38 special however, keep in mind that you can get a .38 Special in 158 grain (bullet weight) and that breaks the 150 grain barrier in which the round itself begins to generate it's own 'momentum' which aids in improved penetration...which is something the 9mm caliber does not produce.
Also, a lighter bullet tends to accelerate faster due to it's lighter weight whereas a heavier grain bullet can take longer (aka, travel farther) to get up to velocity...but then generates greater energy disbursement via the 'momentum' factor! Between 9mm and .38 Special, for a single shot, I prefer the .38 special caliber.

Here is a thread regarding Concealed Carry of .38 Special from a year ago: https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/carry-issues-self-defense/473949-any-cc-38-special-anymore.html