38 SPECIAL AND 38 SPECIAL BULK AMMO

About 38 Special Ammo

First introduced in 1898 by Smith & Wesson, the .38 Special was developed as a more powerful and accurate successor to the underperforming .38 Long Colt, which had proven inadequate in military service.

Designed with improved velocity, penetration, and terminal performance, the .38 Special quickly became a trusted standard for the U.S. military, law enforcement agencies, and civilian shooters across the nation.

Firing a .357-inch diameter bullet and typically available in bullet weights ranging from 110 to 158 grains, the .38 Special is renowned for its mild recoil, impressive accuracy, and exceptional versatility.

Its user-friendly performance has made it a go-to cartridge for personal defense, concealed carry, training, and small-game hunting.

Originally loaded with black powder, the cartridge transitioned early to smokeless powder, significantly increasing both reliability and performance. Over the years, ammo manufacturers have introduced a wide variety of specialized loads to suit evolving needs, including:

• Jacketed Hollow Points (JHP) for effective self-defense
• Wadcutter and Semi-Wadcutter rounds for precision in target and competition shooting
• +P (overpressure) variants for those who need higher velocity and stopping power in defensive situations

These advancements have allowed the .38 Special to remain relevant in the modern firearms landscape, especially among competitive shooters, concealed carriers, and enthusiasts of classic revolvers.

For much of the 20th century, the .38 Special served as the standard-issue sidearm cartridge for police departments across the United States.

Its dependable performance and manageable recoil contributed to the development of countless revolver designs, influencing handgun culture on a global scale.

Today, the .38 Special continues to be one of the most widely used and respected handgun cartridges in the world.

It’s chambered in an extensive array of revolvers and lever-action carbines, offering shooters a time-tested option that excels in accuracy, reliability, and everyday usability.

38 Special Ammunition Features

Versatile Performance
.38 Special ammo is one of the most adaptable handgun cartridges available. It's suitable for a wide range of applications including self-defense, target shooting, competitive shooting, and even small-game hunting, making it a go-to round for both beginners and seasoned shooters.

Reliable and User-Friendly
Known for its consistent ignition and smooth cycling, .38 Spl offers reliable performance in a variety of revolvers and carbines. Its low to moderate recoil makes it especially appealing for new shooters, training sessions, and those seeking an easier shooting experience.

Effective Stopping Power
While manageable in recoil, .38 Special delivers solid terminal performance, especially when loaded with hollow-point or +P rounds. It has long been trusted for personal defense, offering a balance between power and control.

Wide Range of Caliber Options
From full metal jacket (FMJ) for range practice to wadcutters for competition and +P or +P+ hollow points for enhanced defensive capability, .38 Special is available in numerous bullet styles and pressure levels to match your specific needs.

Moderate Recoil for Greater Control
Most .38 Spl loads are designed to produce less recoil than larger handgun calibers, helping shooters maintain better accuracy and control during extended shooting sessions. This makes it ideal for recoil-sensitive individuals and elderly shooters as well.

Accessible and Affordable
.38 Special ammunition is widely available at local gun shops and online retailers. It's also one of the more affordable revolver calibers, especially when bought in bulk—making it a smart choice for those who want dependable performance without breaking the bank.

Common Types of 38 Special Ammunition Uses

One of the biggest advantages of the .38 Special cartridge is its wide range of load options, giving shooters flexibility for training, self-defense, hunting, and even competition.

Unlike many other calibers, most .38 Special revolvers can reliably fire different types of loads from the same cylinder without issue, making it a favorite among both casual shooters and professionals alike.

This remarkable versatility is one reason why many gun owners choose revolvers chambered in .38 Special – it’s a platform that adapts to nearly any shooting need. It's also a top pick for handloaders, who appreciate the cartridge’s consistency, reloadability, and history of customization.

Below are some of the most common types of 38 Special ammunition you'll encounter:

Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
FMJ rounds feature a lead core encased in a harder metal jacket, commonly brass or copper. These are ideal for target shooting and training, offering consistent performance at a relatively low cost. They’re not typically used for self-defense due to limited expansion.

Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP)
Designed for personal protection, JHP bullets have a hollowed-out tip that promotes expansion upon impact. This increases stopping power while reducing the risk of over-penetration—making them a top choice for concealed carry and home defense.

+P Loads
Originally developed for law enforcement applications, +P rounds are loaded at higher pressures than standard 38 Special ammo. This provides increased velocity and energy, improving terminal ballistics. Many modern .38 Special revolvers are rated for +P use, but always check your firearm's specifications before using them.

+P+ Loads
Pushing the envelope even further, +P+ ammunition is loaded at even higher pressure levels than +P. These are typically reserved for duty use by law enforcement and military due to the increased wear they can place on firearms. Most commercial revolvers are not rated for +P+ ammo, so use caution.

Frangible Rounds (AETs)
Also known as Advanced Energy Transfers, frangible bullets are engineered to break apart into tiny fragments upon hitting a hard surface. This minimizes the risk of over-penetration or ricochet, making them useful for close-quarters training, steel target shooting, or indoor defensive scenarios.

Round Nose / Flat Nose
Traditional round nose bullets are still available and offer smooth feeding and decent penetration, though many shooters today opt for flat-nose or semi-wadcutter styles. These designs offer better target impact and cleaner holes, making them popular for range use and older-style revolvers.

38 Special Ammo FAQs

Question: What is 38 Special ammo?
Answer: 38 Special ammo is a rimmed, centerfire revolver cartridge introduced by Smith & Wesson in 1898. Known for its accuracy, manageable recoil, and reliability, it has remained one of the most popular handgun calibers for self-defense, target shooting, and law enforcement backup guns for over a century.

Question: What is .38 Special ammo used for?
Answer: 38 Special ammunition is incredibly versatile and is commonly used for:

• Concealed carry and home defense
• Target practice and range training
• Law enforcement backup firearms
• Cowboy action shooting
• Small game hunting

Its soft recoil and practical stopping power make it a favorite among both new and experienced shooters.

Question: What’s the difference between .38 Special and .357 Magnum?
Answer: The .357 Magnum is essentially a longer, more powerful version of the .38 Special. It delivers higher velocity and energy but also more recoil. While you can safely shoot .38 Special rounds in a .357 Magnum revolver, the reverse is not true—.357 Magnum rounds should never be fired in a .38 Special-only firearm.

Question: Can you shoot .38 Special ammo in a .357 Magnum revolver?
Answer: Yes! .357 Magnum revolvers are fully compatible with .38 Special ammo, including +P loads. This makes .357 revolvers especially versatile and allows shooters to practice with lower recoil and more affordable ammunition.

Question: What is .38 Special +P ammo?
Answer: .38 Special +P is a higher-pressure version of standard .38 Special ammunition. It generates more velocity and energy, which can increase stopping power for self-defense. However, +P ammo should only be used in firearms rated for +P pressure. Always check your firearm’s manual or manufacturer specs before use.

Question: What’s the best 38 Special ammunition for self-defense?
Answer: The best self-defense rounds typically include:

• Jacketed Hollow Points (JHP) – For expansion and stopping power
• Wadcutters (WC) – Especially in snub-nose revolvers, where hollow points may not expand properly

Snub-nose revolvers with short barrels may not generate enough velocity to fully expand JHP rounds, so wadcutters are sometimes preferred due to their consistent and effective wound channels.

Question: What bullet types are available in .38 Special ammunition?
Answer: Common bullet types include:

• FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) – Ideal for range training
• JHP (Jacketed Hollow Point) – Designed for self-defense
• LRN (Lead Round Nose) – Traditional target and cowboy action loads
• WC/SWC (Wadcutter/Semi-Wadcutter) – Great for accuracy and clean holes in targets
• +P variants – Loaded hotter for added defensive power

Question: What is the effective range of .38 Special ammo?
Answer: .38 Special rounds are generally effective up to 25 yards for self-defense and consistent target shooting. In skilled hands or longer-barreled firearms, the round can remain accurate up to 50 yards or more for recreational purposes.

Question: What is the most powerful 38 Special ammo?
Answer: Jacketed Hollow Points (JHP) and +P loads are generally considered the most powerful 38 Special rounds. They offer greater velocity and expansion, providing enhanced stopping power for personal protection compared to standard FMJ loads.

Question: Is 38 Special a good choice for beginners?
Answer: Absolutely. Low recoil, revolver simplicity, and wide availability make 38 Special an excellent caliber for new shooters. It allows beginners to develop accuracy and confidence without the harsh recoil of more powerful cartridges.

Question: Is 38 Special ammo expensive?
Answer: 38 Special ammunition is more expensive than rimfire cartridges like .22 LR but is affordable compared to other centerfire handgun rounds. Buying bulk .38 Special ammo is a smart way to save money, especially for regular range training.

Question: Can I buy bulk .38 Special ammo?
Answer: Yes! Bulk .38 Special ammo is readily available in:

• 250-round packs
• 500-round bricks
• 1,000-round cases

Bulk purchases reduce cost per round and are ideal for training, competitive shooting, or simply ensuring a reliable stockpile.

Question: What are the best brands of 38 Special ammo?
Answer: Some of the most trusted brands for reliable, accurate .38 Special ammo include:

• Federal American Eagle
• Hornady (Critical Defense, Custom)
• Remington
• Speer Gold Dot
• Fiocchi
• PMC
• Blazer Brass
• Winchester