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.38 Super Comp Ammo

Professionally Reviewed by:

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.

Credentials:

  • • 2x Team Safari Competitor
  • • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
  • • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
  • • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified

.38 Super Comp: At a Glance

Key Characteristics
Firearm Type Semi-automatic pistol
Primer Type Small pistol
Used For Competition shooting, Self-defense
Case Design Rimless, straight
Year Introduced 1990s

.38 Super Comp: At a Glance: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • ✔ Higher velocity than standard .38 Super
  • ✔ Excellent accuracy for competition shooting
  • ✔ Lower recoil compared to larger calibers
  • ✔ Good penetration capabilities
  • ✔ Compatible with many 1911-style pistols

Cons

  • ✘ Limited availability compared to more common calibers
  • ✘ More expensive than standard .38 Super ammunition
  • ✘ Not as widely used for self-defense as 9mm or .45 ACP
  • ✘ Requires specific firearm modifications for optimal performance
  • ✘ May not be legal for all competition divisions

.38 Super Comp Ammo: In Depth

The .38 Super Comp is a high-performance variant of the .38 Super cartridge, specifically designed for competitive shooting. It offers enhanced velocity, accuracy, and reduced recoil compared to standard .38 Super loads. Popular in IPSC and USPSA competitions, the .38 Super Comp has gained a reputation for its flat trajectory, manageable recoil, and ability to meet power factor requirements in various shooting disciplines.

History and Development

The .38 Super Comp evolved from the original .38 Super cartridge, which was introduced by Colt in 1929. The Comp variant was developed in the late 1980s to early 1990s specifically for competitive shooting. It features a slightly different case design with a small step near the case mouth, allowing for more consistent headspacing and improved accuracy.

The development of the .38 Super Comp was driven by the need for a cartridge that could meet power factor requirements in competitive shooting while offering reduced recoil and faster follow-up shots. The cartridge quickly gained popularity in IPSC (International Practical Shooting Confederation) and USPSA (United States Practical Shooting Association) competitions.

Manufacturers like Wilson Combat, STI, and others have played significant roles in refining and popularizing .38 Super Comp ammunition and firearms. The cartridge's success in competition has led to continued development of specialized loads and components tailored for competitive shooters.

Performance Characteristics

The .38 Super Comp typically uses bullets weighing between 115 and 130 grains. It achieves velocities ranging from 1,300 to 1,450 feet per second, depending on the specific load. This combination of bullet weight and velocity allows it to easily meet major power factor requirements in most shooting competitions.

One of the key advantages of the .38 Super Comp is its flat trajectory, which aids in accuracy at various distances encountered in competitive stages. The cartridge also produces less muzzle flip compared to larger calibers like .45 ACP, allowing for faster follow-up shots and improved overall stage times.

Timeline of .38 Super Comp Development:

Year Event
2020 .38 Super Comp remains popular in IPSC and USPSA competitions, with ongoing refinements in load development.
2010 Increased adoption of .38 Super Comp in Open Division USPSA competitions.
2000 Major ammunition manufacturers begin offering factory .38 Super Comp loads.
1994 .38 Super Comp gains significant popularity in IPSC competitions
1990 First commercial introduction of .38 Super Comp ammunition
1988 Development of .38 Super Comp begins, focusing on competitive shooting applications
1929 Original .38 Super cartridge introduced by Colt

.38 Super Comp Performance

The .38 Super Comp offers excellent performance characteristics that have made it a popular choice for competitive shooting. Here's a breakdown of its key performance characteristics:

Characteristic Performance
Velocity 1,300-1,450 fps (115-130 grain bullets)
Varies based on specific load and barrel length
Power Factor 165-180
Easily meets major power factor requirements in most competitions
Trajectory Flat trajectory at typical competition distances
Aids in accuracy across various stage layouts
Recoil Moderate, less than .45 ACP
Allows for faster follow-up shots in competition
Accuracy Capable of 1-2 inch groups at 25 yards
Excellent for precision shooting in competitive stages
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.38 Super Comp: Effective Range for Different Applications

This table provides estimated effective ranges for .38 Super Comp ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.

Application Effective Range (yards) Notes
Competition Shooting 0-50 Optimal for IPSC and USPSA competitions
Self-Defense 0-25 Effective stopping power with manageable recoil
Target Shooting 0-75 Accurate and flat-shooting for paper targets

Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, and specific firearm characteristics. The .38 Super Comp is known for its high velocity and flat trajectory, making it particularly suitable for competition shooting. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.

Applications for .38 Super Comp

The .38 Super Comp's performance profile makes it particularly well-suited for specific applications:

Competition Shooting
  • Designed specifically for IPSC and USPSA competitions
  • Meets power factor requirements while offering low recoil
  • Flat trajectory allows for faster sight acquisition between targets
Self-Defense
  • High velocity provides good stopping power
  • Manageable recoil allows for quick follow-up shots
  • Capacity advantage in some pistol designs compared to larger calibers
Target Shooting
  • Flat trajectory makes it easier to shoot accurately at various distances
  • Lower recoil compared to larger calibers allows for longer practice sessions
  • Good option for those who enjoy high-performance handgun shooting
Handloading
  • Popular among handloaders due to its versatility
  • Can be loaded to a wide range of power factors
  • Allows for fine-tuning of loads for specific firearms and applications

.38 Super Comp Ammo Comparisons

To understand the .38 Super Comp's place in the competitive shooting world, it's helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:

.38 Super Comp vs. 9mm Luger ▼

.38 Super Comp vs. .40 S&W ▼

.38 Super Comp vs. .38 Super ▼

Recoil Energy Comparison

Compare the estimated recoil energy of .38 Super Comp with other popular handgun cartridges. (Based on a 2.5 lb handgun)

Note: Recoil energy can vary based on specific loads, firearm weight, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

Ballistic Trajectory Comparison

This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .38 Super Comp with other popular handgun cartridges over distance.

Note: Trajectories are calculated for a 25-yard zero. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Wind Drift Comparison

This chart compares the wind drift of .38 Super Comp with other popular handgun cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.

Note: Wind drift is calculated for a 10 mph full-value crosswind. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Energy Retention Comparison

This chart compares the energy retention of .38 Super Comp with other popular handgun cartridges over distance.

Note: Energy values are calculated based on typical bullet weights and velocities for each cartridge. Actual results may vary based on specific loads and environmental conditions.

Sectional Density Comparison for .38 Super Comp Ammo

Sectional density is a measure of a bullet's mass relative to its diameter. For .38 Super Comp ammo, this metric is particularly relevant due to its use in competitive shooting where penetration and energy retention are crucial.

Cartridge Bullet Weight (gr) Sectional Density
.38 Super Comp 115 0.130
.38 Super Comp 124 0.140
.38 Super Comp 130 0.147
.38 Super Comp 147 0.166
.38 Super Comp 160 0.181

Note: Sectional density is calculated as (bullet weight in pounds) / (bullet diameter in inches)². For .38 Super Comp, the bullet diameter is typically 0.356 inches. The .38 Super Comp is known for its high velocity and flat trajectory, making it popular in competitive shooting sports, particularly in IPSC and USPSA competitions.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q:What is .38 Super Comp ammo?

A: .38 Super Comp is a high-pressure variant of the .38 Super cartridge, designed specifically for competitive shooting. It features a semi-rimless case and is known for its flat trajectory and low recoil.

Q: How does .38 Super Comp differ from standard .38 Super?

A: .38 Super Comp has a slightly different case design with a reduced rim for more reliable feeding in semi-automatic pistols. It also typically operates at higher pressures, resulting in increased velocity and improved accuracy for competition use.

Q: Can I use .38 Super Comp ammo in a standard .38 Super pistol?

A: It is not recommended to use .38 Super Comp in standard .38 Super pistols. The higher pressures of .38 Super Comp can potentially damage firearms not specifically designed for this cartridge. Always use ammunition that matches your firearm's specifications.

Q: What are the typical applications for .38 Super Comp ammo?

A: .38 Super Comp is primarily used in competitive shooting, particularly in IPSC and USPSA matches. It's favored for its ability to make major power factor while offering less recoil than larger calibers like .45 ACP.

Q: What is the average muzzle velocity of .38 Super Comp ammo?

A: The average muzzle velocity for .38 Super Comp ammo typically ranges from 1,300 to 1,450 feet per second, depending on the specific load and bullet weight. This high velocity contributes to its flat trajectory and effectiveness in competition shooting.

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