.357 Magnum vs .38 Special: Same Revolver, Different Power
.357 Magnum is a longer, higher-pressure cartridge built on the .38 Special case idea. A firearm marked .357 Magnum can fire .38 Special for mild practice; a firearm marked only .38 Special must never fire .357 Magnum. That one-way compatibility is the most important practical difference.
At a Glance
| .357 Magnum | .38 Special | |
|---|---|---|
| Other names | 357 Mag | 38 Spl |
| Common bullet weights (our listings) | 125, 140, 158 gr | 125, 130, 158 gr |
| Pressure / power | Higher | Lower (standard and +P) |
| Typical use | Defense, hunting sidearm, lever guns | Practice, defense, mild revolver loads |
| Fires in .357 gun? | Yes | Yes |
| Fires in .38-only gun? | No — unsafe | Yes |
| Shop | .357 Magnum ammo | .38 Special ammo |
.357 Magnum vs .38 Special Ballistics
Factory figures for common revolver loads in each caliber.
Load key: JSP = jacketed soft point; JHP = jacketed hollow point; LRN = lead round nose; FMJ = full metal jacket; +P = higher-pressure .38 load.
| Load (Federal data) | Velocity (fps) muzzle / @50 yd |
Energy (ft-lb) |
|---|---|---|
| Federal American Eagle (AE357A) 357 Magnum 158 gr Jacketed Soft Point |
1240 / 1139 | 539 / 455 |
| Federal Premium HST (P357HST1S) 357 Magnum 154 gr HST JHP |
1340 / 1185 | 614 / 480 |
| Federal American Eagle (AE38B) 38 Special 158 gr Lead Round Nose |
770 / 745 | 208 / 195 |
| Federal American Eagle (AE38K) 38 Special 130 gr FMJ |
890 / 852 | 229 / 209 |
| Federal Punch (PD38P1) 38 Special +P 120 gr JHP |
1000 / 907 | 266 / 219 |
Figures are as published by Federal Premium on each product page (checked November 5, 2026). Federal lists handgun figures from a 4 or 5-inch test barrel. Velocity from your own barrel will differ.
One-Way Compatibility
If the barrel and barrel markings say .357 Magnum, .38 Special is usually fine for practice. If they say .38 Special only, never use .357 Magnum.
Recoil
Full-power .357 Magnum is a big step up from standard .38 Special, especially in small revolvers. Many owners practice with .38 and carry a defensive .357 or .38 +P load they can control.
Hunting and Defense
.357 Magnum hollow points and soft points are used for defense and, in longer barrels, for small-to-medium game where legal. .38 Special remains a common defensive revolver load with modern JHPs.
Rifles
Some lever-action rifles chambered in .357 Magnum also shoot .38 Special. Confirm with the rifle maker before mixing ammo.
Shop Both
.357 Magnum ammo | .38 Special ammo | handguns. Compare current cost per round in our Ammo Price Index, see every cartridge in our ammo caliber chart. Related: .38 Special vs 9mm.
Orders of $500 or more ship free; ammunition orders under $500 ship for $15.99. Ammunition is not returnable. Some states and cities restrict ammo purchases or shipments, so read our ammo and magazine laws by state before ordering. Tactical Surplus USA has been selling firearms, ammunition and gear since 2022.
FAQ
Can I shoot .38 Special in a .357 Magnum?
Yes, in a firearm chambered and marked for .357 Magnum. It is the usual way to get mild practice in a .357 revolver.
Can I shoot .357 Magnum in a .38 Special?
No. .357 Magnum is longer and higher pressure. Firing it in a .38 Special firearm is dangerous.
How much more powerful is .357 Magnum?
In Federal's figures on this page, 158 gr .357 Magnum JSP lists 539 ft-lb at the muzzle versus 208 ft-lb for 158 gr .38 Special LRN. +P .38 loads sit in between.
Is .357 Magnum too much recoil?
In a light J-frame it can be sharp. In a mid-size or larger revolver many shooters manage it well after practice. Start with .38 Special loads if you are new to the gun.
Is .357 Magnum good for defense?
Yes, with quality hollow points. Many people carry .38 Special or mild .357 loads in small revolvers for control.
Do lever-action rifles use both?
Some lever guns are chambered in .357 Magnum and can also fire .38 Special. Check your rifle's markings and manual.