38 S&W AND BULK 38 S&W AMMO

About 38 S&W Ammo

The 38 Smith & Wesson (38 S&W) cartridge is a historic round with deep roots in the world of personal defense and early law enforcement.

First introduced in 1877 by Smith & Wesson, it was designed specifically for use in the company's line of top-break revolvers.

Originally loaded with black powder, the 38 S&W marked a significant development in handgun cartridge design during the late 19th century. With a bullet diameter of approximately .361 inches (distinctly different from the more modern .38 Special), the 38 S&W was commonly used in small-frame revolvers and compact carry guns.

It quickly became a favored option for civilian self-defense, as well as police and military use in both the United States and abroad, particularly in British service revolvers during both World Wars.

As ammunition technology evolved, so did the 38 S&W.

Transitioning from black powder to modern smokeless powder improved its velocity, consistency, and reliability. Over time, various loadings were introduced, including lead round nose, full metal jacket, and wadcutter rounds, helping extend its usefulness in both defensive and recreational shooting.

Though never a high-velocity cartridge, the 38 S&W offered low recoil, simplicity, and concealability – qualities that made it a go-to choice for early pocket revolvers and compact carry guns.

Its manageable recoil and modest power also made it a practical choice for new shooters or those sensitive to recoil.

While no longer as prominent as modern cartridges like the 38 Special or 9mm, the 38 S&W has left a lasting impact on concealed carry firearm design and the development of revolver ammunition.

It played a key role in the shift toward smaller, more practical handguns for personal protection during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Today, 38 S&W ammo continues to be produced by major manufacturers for use in vintage revolvers, historical reenactments, and by collectors who value classic firearms. It remains a relevant caliber for those preserving history or simply enjoying the timeless feel of an old-school wheel gun.

Common Types of 38 S&W Ammunition

Though often overshadowed by its more modern counterparts, 38 Smith & Wesson (38 S&W) ammunition remains available in several variations tailored for vintage revolvers, personal defense, and historical shooting enthusiasts.

With a distinct bullet diameter and shorter case length than the 38 Special, the 38 S&W has its own family of load options designed to suit different shooting purposes.

Here's a look at the most common types:

Lead Round Nose (LRN)
The most traditional and widely available type of 38 S&W ammo, lead round nose bullets offer reliable feeding and consistent performance. Known for their simplicity and affordability, LRN rounds are often used in target shooting, casual plinking, and historical revolver restoration. They generate moderate velocities and are generally gentle on older firearms.

Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
FMJ rounds feature a soft lead core encased in a harder metal shell. This design provides better feeding reliability, reduced barrel fouling, and improved penetration compared to unjacketed bullets. FMJ is a solid choice for practice and range shooting, especially when preserving the integrity of collectible or classic revolvers.

Wadcutter (WC)
Wadcutter bullets are flat-nosed and designed to cut clean holes in paper targets, making them ideal for precision shooting and scoring accuracy in competitions or training. Although less common in 38 S&W, wadcutters are occasionally used in target practice scenarios where accuracy and clean paper cuts are important.

Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP)
Though rare in 38 S&W due to the cartridge’s lower velocity, JHP bullets are designed to expand on impact, offering better terminal performance for close-range personal defense. These are typically offered in specialty or modernized defensive loads for shooters seeking enhanced effectiveness from vintage revolvers.

Black Powder Loads
For historical reenactments or period-correct shooting, some specialty manufacturers produce 38 S&W cartridges loaded with black powder or black powder substitutes. These loads replicate the original ballistic performance and are ideal for collectors and black powder enthusiasts using antique revolvers.

Low-Velocity Lead Loads
Some 38 S&W ammunition is designed with extra low-pressure loads, specifically for use in older or top-break revolvers that may not be built to withstand modern pressures. These loads maintain safety while preserving the shootability of legacy firearms.

38 S&W Ammunition Features

Low Recoil
One of the most notable features of 38 S&W is its soft shooting recoil, making it ideal for new shooters, recoil-sensitive users, or those practicing with older top-break revolvers. Its manageable recoil also helps maintain control and accuracy during extended range sessions.

Compact Design
The 38 S&W cartridge features a shorter case and wider bullet diameter than the more common 38 Special. This compact size allows it to chamber in smaller-frame revolvers, many of which were designed for discreet carry and self-defense in the early 20th century.

Reliable Function in Vintage Firearms
Engineered for break-top and early swing-out revolvers, 38 S&W is well-suited for use in antique and collectible handguns. Many ammo manufacturers today still offer low-pressure factory loads to ensure safe function in older firearms, preserving historical integrity and shootability.

Versatility in Use
While not designed for high-performance modern defense, 38 S&W ammo can still serve effectively for close-range personal protection, target shooting, or recreational plinking. It’s a versatile round for those who appreciate the classic revolver experience.

Soft Lead & FMJ Options
38 S&W is most commonly found in lead round nose (LRN) or full metal jacket (FMJ) configurations. These bullet types are ideal for paper targets, steel plates, or simply enjoying a range day with an old-school wheel gun.

Historical Significance
A key feature of 38 S&W is its rich legacy in both civilian and military applications. It served as a standard sidearm caliber for various police departments and military forces, particularly in British service revolvers during World War I and II. Today, it remains a favorite among historical firearm enthusiasts.

Widely Available
Despite its age, 38 S&W is still readily available from major ammo manufacturers, offering reliable, modern production options for shooters who want to safely enjoy their classic revolvers.

38 S&W Ammo FAQs

Question: What is .38 S&W ammo?
Answer: 38 S&W (Smith & Wesson) is a rimmed, centerfire revolver cartridge introduced in 1877. It was originally designed for top-break revolvers and served both civilian and military roles for decades. It is not interchangeable with the more modern .38 Special, as it has a shorter case and a wider bullet diameter.

Question: Is .38 S&W the same as .38 Special?
Answer: No, .38 S&W and .38 Special are not the same and are not interchangeable. The .38 S&W has a shorter case and slightly larger bullet diameter than the .38 Special. Using the wrong cartridge in a firearm can be unsafe—always match your ammunition to the specific caliber marked on your firearm.

Question: What is 38 S&W ammo used for today?
Answer: Today, .38 S&W is mostly used in vintage revolvers, for historical shooting, collecting, and target practice. Some shooters also use it for recreational plinking or as a low-recoil self-defense round in compatible firearms.

Question: Can I use .38 S&W in a .38 Special revolver?
Answer: No. While the names are similar, .38 S&W will not chamber properly in most .38 Special revolvers due to dimensional differences. Always use ammunition specifically designed for your firearm’s chamber.

Question: Is 38 S&W still manufactured?
Answer: Yes, 38 S&W is still produced by several major ammunition brands, including Fiocchi, Remington, Winchester, and Prvi Partizan. It's typically available in lead round nose (LRN) and full metal jacket (FMJ) loads for vintage revolvers.

Question: What bullet types are available in .38 S&W?
Answer: Common .38 S&W bullet types include:

• Lead Round Nose (LRN) for traditional shooting
• Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) for cleaner feeding and reduced fouling
• Occasional Jacketed Hollow Points (JHP) for modernized self-defense loads
• Wadcutters (less common) for target shooting

Question: Is 38 S&W ammunition good for self-defense?
Answer: While it was once widely used for personal defense, modern calibers like 9mm or .38 Special offer more stopping power and are more widely supported. That said, in the right firearm and with proper shot placement, .38 S&W can still serve as a basic defensive option, especially for recoil-sensitive shooters.

Question: Can I reload 38 S&W cartridges?
Answer: Yes. .38 S&W can be reloaded by handloaders using appropriate dies, brass, and low-pressure load data. Many enthusiasts enjoy reloading this round for older revolvers, especially since factory options can be limited or costly.

Question: What firearms are chambered in .38 S&W?
Answer: 38 S&W was commonly used in top-break revolvers, such as the Smith & Wesson Safety Hammerless, Webley revolvers, and various British service handguns during World War I and II. It's primarily found in antique and collectible revolvers today.