A Glance Back at History
Origins
Before we dissect their performance, it’s crucial to understand where these powerful cartridges came from. Their origins and the reasons behind their creation tell us a lot about their intended roles.
The 38 Super
The 38 Super, developed in the early twentieth century, came about as a response to the need for a more potent pistol cartridge, especially within the context of law enforcement and the burgeoning era of automobile travel. Early law enforcement was increasingly encountering criminals armed with powerful vehicles; existing cartridges were often insufficient at stopping vehicles or penetrating car doors. The 38 Super sought to remedy this with a significant velocity boost compared to its contemporaries. It was designed to work in the John Browning-designed Colt 1911 platform, initially as an upgraded version of the 38 ACP. The added power provided improved penetration and stopping power.
The 9x23mm
The 9x23mm, on the other hand, emerged in the late twentieth century. It was born from the desire for enhanced performance within the burgeoning world of competitive shooting and law enforcement. It sought to push the boundaries of pistol cartridge performance. The primary goal was to combine extreme power with controllability, and the 9x23mm quickly gained a reputation for being the powerhouse of pistol cartridges. It offered high velocity and the ability to use heavier bullets for increased energy transfer, which was highly prized in shooting sports.
Delving into Ballistic Performance
Cartridge Design
The heart of any cartridge comparison lies in its ballistic performance. This is where we dissect the numbers to reveal the true capabilities of each round.
38 Super
One of the most crucial areas of comparison is the cartridge’s design and dimensions. The 38 Super, though rooted in the classic dimensions, features a bottle-necked design. The overall length of the cartridge, along with the projectile diameter and bullet weight, contribute significantly to its ballistic profile. It often used a .355-inch diameter bullet, consistent with the 9mm family. The case is designed to hold high-pressure loads, enabling high velocity from the bullet.
9x23mm
The 9x23mm features a straight-walled case design, giving it added strength. It’s typically loaded with .355-inch diameter bullets. The case design supports extremely high pressures, which are crucial for achieving the high velocities it is known for.
Performance Characteristics
These inherent differences in design translate into distinct performance characteristics. The 38 Super, because of its slightly smaller case capacity (when compared in similar pressure ranges), typically operates at slightly lower velocities than its competitor. However, it still delivers substantial energy on target. The 9x23mm, thanks to its larger capacity and higher pressure capabilities, routinely surpasses the 38 Super in terms of velocity and energy. It can push bullets to velocities that rival those of some pistol-caliber carbines.
Energy on Impact
The energy on impact is another key element. The 9x23mm’s higher velocity and potential for heavier bullets often translate to a greater amount of energy on target. The effect, of course, depends on the specific ammunition being used and the barrel length of the gun.
Trajectory
The trajectory of the bullet also impacts accuracy at distance. The 9x23mm’s flatter trajectory, a result of its higher velocity, provides an advantage at longer ranges, reducing the need for holdover to compensate for bullet drop. For those aiming for greater distances, this is a vital factor.
Recoil
Recoil is another significant consideration. The 9x23mm, known for its significant power, usually generates a sharper recoil impulse than the 38 Super. The felt recoil, however, is a subjective experience that can be mitigated with proper gun design, such as porting, muzzle brakes, or carefully considered spring weights. The 38 Super, though powerful in its own right, tends to have a more moderate recoil, making it easier for some shooters to manage, especially during rapid-fire sequences.
Exploring Advantages and Disadvantages
38 Super Advantages
Examining the advantages and disadvantages of each cartridge further illuminates their strengths and weaknesses.
The 38 Super offers several clear advantages. It’s a comparatively mature cartridge. Ammunition, while not as ubiquitous as other more common calibers, is relatively easy to find at most gun stores. The 38 Super also boasts a good selection of firearms built for the cartridge, often based on the popular 1911 platform. This compatibility provides a wide array of choices for shooters.
38 Super Disadvantages
However, it’s worth mentioning that because the 38 Super design is older, the performance of factory loads can vary. This can affect both accuracy and consistency.
9x23mm Advantages
The 9x23mm, in contrast, has its advantages. Its most significant one is its outstanding ballistic performance. It’s a powerful cartridge, known for its high velocity and flat trajectory. Additionally, this cartridge offers a lot of room for reloading options. You can experiment with different bullet weights and powders to optimize performance, allowing shooters to precisely tailor their ammunition to suit their specific needs.
9x23mm Disadvantages
However, the 9x23mm also has drawbacks. It is significantly less common than the 38 Super. This lack of widespread adoption can make finding ammunition at your local sporting goods store more difficult and expensive. The cartridge’s high-pressure operation also demands robust firearm designs, often pushing up the price of handguns chambered for it.
Firearms and Compatibility: Where They Reside
Firearms for 38 Super
The platforms available for each cartridge are another important aspect of comparison.
The 38 Super has had a long-standing association with the iconic 1911 platform. Many manufacturers produce 1911s in this caliber. Other pistol designs, such as some from Tanfoglio and other European makers, have also been chambered in 38 Super.
Firearms for 9x23mm
The 9x23mm, being a more specialized cartridge, has fewer dedicated platforms. The Colt series have been made for the round, and some custom gunsmiths have created builds to support it. Often, the firearms are based on the robust 1911 design, modified and strengthened to handle the pressures generated by the cartridge.
Conversions
As for the possibility of converting firearms between the two, this is sometimes possible, but with numerous caveats. A conversion from .38 Super to 9x23mm will often involve a barrel change, and other modifications may be necessary to ensure proper fit, function, and safety, like changing out the recoil spring and possibly other components. It’s essential to consult a qualified gunsmith before attempting any conversion. This is critical for maintaining the structural integrity of the firearm.
Practical Applications: How They are Used
Self-Defense
The intended purpose of a cartridge is essential to understanding its usefulness in various scenarios.
The 38 Super, while used for self-defense, is often surpassed by some of the newer, more powerful cartridges. However, due to its long history and compatibility with classic firearms, it remains a viable choice. Its moderate recoil and effective energy transfer makes it a suitable option for those seeking a handgun for personal protection.
Competition
Both cartridges are highly regarded in competitive shooting. The flatter trajectory and higher velocities of these rounds can be useful in various shooting sports. This allows for faster and more accurate shots. The versatility of both cartridges makes them a popular choice among competitive shooters.
Other Applications
The 38 Super and the 9x23mm have niche applications. The power and penetration of the rounds make them useful in special-purpose scenarios. However, due to the availability of more modern and purpose-built rounds, these applications have decreased.
Examining the Availability and Cost of Ammunition
38 Super Ammunition
The price of ammunition and the ease of finding it are always important considerations for any shooter.
The 38 Super’s ammunition is generally easier to locate than that of its contender. The price varies, but it is usually more affordable than the 9x23mm.
9x23mm Ammunition
Ammunition for the 9x23mm can be more difficult to find at your local sporting goods store. The price of factory-loaded ammunition is usually higher. The scarcity of the round also increases the cost of ammunition.
Reloading
Reloading adds an important dimension to the equation. For those who reload, both cartridges can be cost-effective. Reloading allows you to tailor loads to your specific needs and reduce the overall cost of shooting. However, you will need reloading equipment.
Conclusion
In the battle of power and performance, both the 9x23mm and the 38 Super offer a potent package for the discerning shooter. The 38 Super, with its historical significance, availability, and compatibility with classic platforms, remains a worthy contender. It’s a solid choice for those seeking a balance of power and practicality. The 9x23mm, with its exceptional ballistic performance and flat trajectory, truly shines. It offers a substantial advantage, especially for those seeking maximum velocity and energy transfer. Ultimately, the best choice comes down to individual priorities. Do you value the availability of the 38 Super, or do you prioritize the blistering speed of the 9x23mm?
Choose wisely, and happy shooting!
Additional Resources for the Curious Shooter:
Online forums
Gun magazines
Gunsmiths’ websites
