Did You Know This About The Most Popular Caliber?

Published on February 5, 2026
Duration: 2:52

This video from hickok45 delves into the nuances of the .38 Special caliber, explaining why its name is a misnomer regarding actual bullet diameter. It highlights the historical evolution from "heel type" bullets to modern designs and compares it to other calibers like .357 Magnum and 9mm, offering insights into cartridge naming conventions and manufacturing changes.

Quick Summary

Hickok45 explains that modern .38 Special bullets are approximately .357 inches in diameter, not .38 inches. This is due to historical changes in bullet seating, where older 'heel type' bullets sat flush with the case, making them true to their name, while modern bullets are seated inside the case.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the .38 Caliber
  2. 00:15Historical 'Heel Type' Bullets
  3. 00:38Modern Bullet Seating
  4. 01:12Actual Caliber Measurements
  5. 02:10The .36 Caliber Family

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the .38 Special caliber not actually .38 inches in diameter?

Modern .38 Special bullets are typically around .357 inches in diameter. This change occurred because bullet designs evolved to seat inside the case, requiring a slight reduction in diameter while the case itself remained the same size. Historical 'heel type' bullets were closer to the named diameter.

What is a 'heel type' bullet used in early .38 caliber cartridges?

A 'heel type' bullet in early .38 cartridges had a base diameter that matched the case diameter, allowing it to sit flush with the outside of the brass case. This design meant the bullet itself was truly .38 inches in diameter, unlike modern bullets that are seated deeper within the case.

Which other common calibers share a similar bullet diameter to the .38 Special?

Several popular calibers share a bullet diameter close to that of the .38 Special, including .357 Magnum, .357 Maximum, .38 Super, 9mm (which is approximately .356-.357 inches), and .380 ACP. This similarity is due to evolving cartridge design and manufacturing standards.

How did cartridge naming conventions evolve regarding bullet diameter?

Caliber names like .38 Special and .44 Magnum often stuck for historical or marketing reasons and don't always reflect precise modern measurements. For instance, .38 Special bullets are closer to .36 caliber, and .44 Magnum bullets are closer to .43 caliber, reflecting a legacy of naming rather than exact current dimensions.

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