Grab Your Ammunition and... Go!
Contact Support 979 277 9676

38 SUPER AUTO

The 38 Super is not to be mistaken for 38 Special – it will not work in 38 Special or 357 Magnum firearms! This semi-automatic pistol cartridge frequently includes “+P” in its name, which only serves as additional indication that it is not 38 Special. The 38 Super is especially popular among competitive target shooters, and 1911-style pistols are frequently chambered for it. A 130 grain bullet is normal for 38 Super, although lighter loads are preferred when lower recoil is desired.

More fromThe Lodge

See how 38 Super ammo compares to the more common 45 ACP cartridge. Check out AmmoToGo.com's blog about ammo, guns and shooting.

38 Super vs. 45 ACP

A side by side look at the 38 Super vs. 45 ACP calibers. Let’s explore the benefits of each and help determine which is best for your needs.

Read at the Lodge

More 38 Super ammo resources Read our in-depth ammo guides to get the most out of your ammunition.

Popular Categories
pistol / 9mm
pistol / 380 ACP
pistol / 45 ACP
   rifle / 223 / 5.56
   rifle / 308 / 7.62x51
All Categories
Pistol Ammo
Pistol Ammo
Rifle Ammo
22LR & All Rimfire Ammo
Shotgun Ammo
Specialty Ammo
Clearance Items
Cheap Ammo Specials
Bulk Ammo Calibers
Accessories
Subsonic Ammo
Magazines & Accessories
Ammo Cans / Desiccant
Gun Cleaning Supplies
Ear / Eye Protection
Holsters
Optics & Sights
Reloading Supplies
Targets
Gift Cards
AR-15 Parts & Accessories
Top Ammo Brands
Shop by manufacturer
Federal Ammo
Federal Ammo
Hornady Ammo
Hornady Ammo
Winchester Ammo
Winchester Ammo
Black Hills Ammunition
Black Hills Ammunition
CCI Ammo
CCI Ammo
Fiocchi Ammo
Fiocchi Ammo
Remington Ammo
Remington Ammo
Wolf Ammo
Wolf Ammo
PMC Ammo
PMC Ammo
Browse all brands
Shooters Share Their Thoughts About AmmoToGo.com

Bob said: "A great way to pick up ammo without having to search for a retail outlet."

Randall G said: "ATG, I won't buy anywhere else."

More About 38 Super Ammo

What is the Difference Between a .38 Super Auto and a .38 Special?

Because of their similar names, these two cartridges are often confused. However, they are very different cartridges, each with unique profiles and statistics. While they have some similar dimensions, the important difference is that the .38 Super was intended for semiautomatic weapons, while most .38 Special ammo was made for a revolver. Therefore, they rarely function ideally when they are interchanged; using one in a gun designed for the other is generally not recommended.

Are the .38 Super Auto and .38 Super the Same?

Yes. The .38 Super Auto has many different names, including .38 Super and .38 Super ACP. It is sometimes called the “Super .38,” but these are all names used to describe the same cartridge.

What Makes it so “Super?”

It all comes down to speed. In the early 1900’s, law enforcement found themselves outgunned by criminals who shielded themselves with body armor or ducked behind car doors. Before the .38 Super, law enforcement was using rounds like the .45 ACP and .38 Special, which, while throwing heavy bullets, did not have enough velocity to penetrate many barriers. Created by John Browning, the .38 Super was faster and could penetrate better than any other cartridge available at the time. Unfortunately for the cartridge, the .357 Magnum burst onto the scene not long after and overshadowed the Super. While it’s not one of the most popular cartridges today, it has found a loyal following among a very specific circle…

What is the Most Popular Use for the .38 Super?

Competition target shooting. The .38 Super was designed to give law enforcement more power against bad guys, but it has now become one of the staples at elite-level competition shooting. Known for its speed and accuracy, the .38 Super is now a leader at the competition target range, a trend that began in the 1980’s. It’s popular for many reasons, but largely because it is a safe way to have ideal pressures while conforming to the rules of the sport.

What Types of Weapons are Preferred for the .38 Super?

This cartridge is made for 1911-style automatic weapons. Because of its intentional purpose for this handgun, it remains a popular cartridge for semiautomatic handguns. You can find other weapons, such as revolvers, that shoot 38 super, but they remain fairly rare.

Recent 38 SUPER AUTO Reviews