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38 SPECIAL

The 38 Special (aka 38 S&W Special or 38 Spl) is one of the most popular revolver cartridges in the United States. It is compatible with all 357 Magnum firearms, including lever-action rifles. Overpressure 38 Special ammo is popular for self-defense, although the shooter must make certain their firearm is rated for +P before firing it. Defensive loads often have 125 grain jacketed hollow point (JHP) bullets; target loads often feature 130 grain full metal jacket (FMJ) or 158 grain wadcutter projectiles. See our in-stock 38 special ammo for sale below and stock up today.
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Manufacturer: Winchester Ammunition

9 Items

  1. 500rds - 38 Special Winchester USA 130gr. FMJ Ammo 500rds - 38 Special Winchester USA 130gr. FMJ Ammo

    $219.95

    $199.95

    $0.4/ppr

    45 In Stock

    Bullet type
    Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)     Muzzle Energy
    185     Casing Type
    Brass     Muzzle Velocity
    800     Primer Type
    Boxer     Bullet Weight
    130 Grain
    Ballistic Data Available
  2. 100rds - 38 Special Winchester USA 130gr. FMJ Value Pack Ammo 100rds - 38 Special Winchester USA 130gr. FMJ Value Pack Ammo
    $44.59
    $0.45/ppr

    ☆☆☆☆☆ 1 Review

    28 In Stock

    ☆☆☆☆☆ 1 Review

    Bullet type
    Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)     Muzzle Energy
    185     Casing Type
    Brass     Muzzle Velocity
    800     Primer Type
    Boxer     Bullet Weight
    130 Grain
    Ballistic Data Available
  3. 50rds - 38 Special Winchester USA 130gr. FMJ Ammo 50rds - 38 Special Winchester USA 130gr. FMJ Ammo
    $24.95
    $0.5/ppr

    153 In Stock

    Bullet type
    Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)     Muzzle Energy
    185     Casing Type
    Brass     Muzzle Velocity
    800     Primer Type
    Boxer     Bullet Weight
    130 Grain
    Ballistic Data Available
  4. 50rds - 38 Spec. Winchester 125gr. Jacketed Soft Point Ammo 50rds - 38 Spec. Winchester 125gr. Jacketed Soft Point Ammo
    $34.95
    $0.7/ppr

    35 In Stock

    Bullet type
    Jacketed Soft-Point (JSP)     Muzzle Energy
    201     Casing Type
    Brass     Muzzle Velocity
    850     Primer Type
    Boxer     Bullet Weight
    125 Grain
  5. 500rds – 38 Special Winchester Super-X 148gr. Wadcutter Ammo 500rds – 38 Special Winchester Super-X 148gr. Wadcutter Ammo
    $474.95
    $0.95/ppr

    4 In Stock

    Bullet type
    Lead Wadcutter     Muzzle Energy
    166     Casing Type
    Brass     Muzzle Velocity
    710     Primer Type
    Boxer     Bullet Weight
    148 Grain
  6. 50rds - 38 Special Winchester 148gr. SUPER MATCH Wadcutter Ammo 50rds - 38 Special Winchester 148gr. SUPER MATCH Wadcutter Ammo
    $49.95
    $1/ppr

    ☆☆☆☆☆ 3 Reviews

    60 In Stock

    ☆☆☆☆☆ 3 Reviews

    Bullet type
    Lead Wadcutter     Muzzle Energy
    166     Casing Type
    Brass     Muzzle Velocity
    710     Primer Type
    Boxer     Bullet Weight
    148 Grain
    Ballistic Data Available
  7. 200rds – 38 Special Winchester Silvertip 110gr. JHP Ammo 200rds – 38 Special Winchester Silvertip 110gr. JHP Ammo
    $199.95
    $1/ppr

    3 In Stock

    Bullet type
    Jacketed Hollow-Point (JHP)     Muzzle Energy
    218     Casing Type
    Brass     Muzzle Velocity
    945     Primer Type
    Boxer     Bullet Weight
    110 Grain
  8. 50rds – 38 Special +P Winchester Super-X 125gr. JHP 50rds – 38 Special +P Winchester Super-X 125gr. JHP
    $51.95
    $1.04/ppr

    15 In Stock

    Bullet type
    Jacketed Hollow-Point (JHP)     Muzzle Energy
    248     Casing Type
    Nickel-Plated Brass     Muzzle Velocity
    945     Primer Type
    Boxer     Bullet Weight
    125 Grain
  9. 200rds – 38 Special +P Winchester Defender 130gr. PDX1 Bonded JHP Ammo 200rds – 38 Special +P Winchester Defender 130gr. PDX1 Bonded JHP Ammo
    $279.95
    $1.4/ppr

    9 In Stock

    Bullet type
    Jacketed Hollow-Point (JHP)     Muzzle Energy
    260     Casing Type
    Nickel-Plated Brass     Muzzle Velocity
    950     Primer Type
    Boxer     Bullet Weight
    130 Grain

9 Items

Geltest header image

38 SPECIAL ballistic gel test results

We shot 16 different loads of 38 Special self-defense ammo into ballistic gel

Used firearms icon
Firearm Used S&W 640
Barrel length icon
Barrel Length 2.125"
Distance target icon
Distance to Target 10 Feet
Barrier icon
Barrier 4-layer cloth
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More on 38 Special Ammo

Here is a look at some of the more common questions our customer service team gets related to 38 Special. If you're new to the caliber, some of these might be helpful as you start your ammo journey.

How Does the .38 Special Compare to the .38 S&W?

The .38 Special (which has the full name of “.38 S&W Special”) is based off the older .38 S&W, but they are different rounds that are not interchangeable. The .38 S&W is not only a much older cartridge, dating back to the 1870’s, but it has larger bullet, rim, and neck diameters. The .38 Special is generally faster and more powerful when judging muzzle velocities. We do still carry factory loaded 38 S&W ammo by the way.

Can I shoot .38 Special +P in My 38 Special Handgun?

“+P” is a designation given to many rounds that indicates the ammunition has been loaded to higher pressures than is standard for that cartridge. A .38 Special +P looks exactly like a regular .38 Special, but it will fire with a greater velocity and power. (.38 Special +P is often considered a subcategory of the .38 Special, not a standalone cartridge.) This also means that the internal pressure is higher, so firearms not made for +P rounds can be damaged, even if they fire standard loads. If firing .38 Special +P, always verify that your firearm can handle the increased power. (Hint: most older .38-caliber guns cannot take +P.)

What is the Difference Between the .38 Special and the .357 Magnum?

The .357 Magnum is essentially the same as a .38 Special, but the case is longer to allow more room for propellant, once again increasing the velocity and power. The .357 Magnum is larger (while the bullet can remain the same size) so it won’t fit in guns built precisely for the .38 Special; the increased pressure could cause damage. However, guns built for the .357 Magnum can take the .38 Special. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations or consult a gunsmith before interchanging the .38 Special, .38 Special +P, and the .357 Magnum. To see a more in-depth analysis, click here to see the differences between 357 magnum vs 38 special.

Is the .38 Special Cartridge Only for Revolvers?

No. Although rare, the bullet is also used in semi-automatic pistols and carbines. However, the round is commonly associated with revolvers, so if you hear someone discussing target practice with .38 Special ammo, you can be all but positive they are using a revolver.

What Kind of .38 Special Bullets Should I Choose?

That depends on your purpose. If you are using the .38 Special or .38 Special +P for self defense, then you will want an expanding round. In most cases, this means a hollow-point bullet, such as a JHP. However, you could also choose a soft-nose bullet. To learn more about the best 38 special ammo for self-defense, head to this article on our blog.

If you are using the using the round for target practice, then full-metal jacket bullets are ideal, as you will have less fouling in the barrel. You can also choose lead round nose bullets, which are generally more affordable but can leave more residue in the barrel.

Recent 38 SPECIAL Reviews