About .38 Special Ammo
The .38 Special cartridge is known for low recoil and consistent accuracy, making it one of the most enduring and respected revolver calibers in the world of shooting sports.
First introduced in 1898 by Smith & Wesson, the .38 Special was created as a direct improvement over the underperforming .38 Long Colt, which had failed to meet the stopping power needs of the U.S. military during that era.
Developed to offer higher velocity, deeper penetration, and improved ballistic performance, the .38 Special quickly became the gold standard for military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters alike.
It was originally chambered for the Smith & Wesson Military & Police Model revolver, which later became one of the most widely issued sidearms in American police departments throughout the 20th century.
A Legacy of Reliability and Versatility
Unlike its predecessor, the .38 Long Colt, .38 Special ammo delivered the stopping power that law enforcement demanded—while maintaining a low recoil profile that made it easy to shoot accurately and comfortably.
Its combination of muzzle control, manageable recoil, and dependable terminal performance made it a favorite not only for duty use but also for personal protection, target practice, and even small-game hunting.
As firearms and ammunition technology evolved, so too did the .38 Special. Today, it’s available in a wide variety of configurations, including:
- Standard-pressure loads for casual shooting and training
- +P (overpressure) rounds for enhanced self-defense stopping power
- Wadcutter and semi-wadcutter bullets for competition and paper-punching accuracy
Still a Top Choice for Modern Shooters
Despite being over a century old, the .38 Special continues to be a top choice for revolver shooters, concealed carry permit holders, and even beginners looking for a soft-shooting, highly accurate handgun cartridge.
Its versatility, combined with widespread availability and continued innovation, ensures that .38 Special remains a staple in gun safes and holsters across America.
Whether you're practicing at the range, looking for a reliable defensive load, or enjoying a day in the field, .38 Special ammunition offers a proven blend of performance, history, and user-friendly handling that few other cartridges can match.
Common Names for 38 Special Ammunition
Since its initial production over 120 years ago, 38 Special Ammo has had many different name variations. Some of the most common include:
- .38 Special Ammunition
- 38 Spl Ammo
- 38 SPC Ammo
- 38Sp Ammo
- 38 S&W Special Ammo
Regardless of your preferred terminology, the 38 Spl has maintained high its popularity over the years and is available from nearly every major American ammo manufacturer.
Popular .38Sp Gun Brand/Modles
- SMITH & WESSON
- Model 642
- Model 442
- Model 638
- M&P Bodyguard
- TAURUS
- Model 856
- Defender 856
- Model 85
- RUGER
- LCR
- LCRX
- SP101
- CHARTER ARMS
- Undercover
- Undercover Lite
Types of .38 Special Ammunition
Like similar firearm cartridges, .38 special ammunition comes in a variety of variations. However, unlike many other firearms, most 38 Special revolvers can reliably fire a variety of cartridges and loads without mishap, even when a variance is loaded into the same cylinder.
For this reason and more, many gun owners opt for pistols chambered in 38 Spl simply for its variety of load options.
Additionally, many handloaders have come to appreciate the 38 Spl cartridge and has proven to be a favorite among them.
Some of the most common 38 Special loads include:
- Full metal jacket (FMJ): These standard load cartridges feature a lead bullet covered in a harder metal, fitted in a casing made of brass, steel, or aluminum.
- Jacketed hollow point (JHP): Made for self-defense, .38 Special JHP ammo cartridges have a bullet designed with a hollow point in the middle, increasing their ability to expand when they hit a target.
- +P: Originally designed for the FBI, .38 Special +P ammo is loaded under a higher pressure, increasing velocity and power.
- +P+: Loaded under more pressure than the +P, this ammo is often reserved for those on duty, including law enforcement and military.
- Frangible: Unlike JHP rounds, frangible bullets don’t expand on impact; instead, these particular type of .38 Special ammo explodes and shatters into tiny fragments (if the target is harder than the bullet), eliminating the risk of over penetration; also referred to as Advanced Energy Transfers (AETs).
- Round nose: While most ammo comes with a round nose, standard issue .38 Special ammo features a flat tip that became popular with the 1909 Colt, but the option is still available for those who want it.
Popular Brands of .38 Special Ammo
When it comes to choosing high-quality .38 Special ammo, shooters rely on brands known for reliability, consistency, and innovation.
Whether you're buying for self-defense, target practice, or competition shooting, selecting the right manufacturer is key to getting the best results from your revolver.
Here are some of the most popular and respected brands producing .38 Special ammunition today:
- Federal Premium
Known for its dependable performance and advanced engineering, Federal .38 Special ammo is a top choice for personal defense and range training. Options like Hydra-Shok JHP and American Eagle FMJ loads offer excellent expansion and accuracy, trusted by law enforcement and civilians alike. - Hornady
Hornady’s Critical Defense and Custom lines are purpose-built for self-defense, featuring FTX bullets that offer rapid expansion and deep penetration. Hornady .38 Special ammo is known for precision and innovation, often used by concealed carry holders and competitive shooters. - Winchester
A staple in the ammunition industry, Winchester .38 Special ammunition combines tradition with modern ballistic performance. Their Super-X, USA Forged, and Defender series deliver exceptional reliability for both defense and recreational shooting. - Remington
For generations, Remington .38 Special ammo has been trusted by American shooters. From UMC range rounds to high-performance Golden Saber JHP loads, Remington is known for crafting rounds that offer solid accuracy and consistent terminal performance. - Speer
Speer’s Gold Dot series is one of the most trusted lines of defensive ammunition on the market. With bonded-core bullets that resist separation and maintain weight retention, Speer .38 Special ammo is a go-to for law enforcement and personal protection. - Fiocchi
Offering both affordability and reliability, Fiocchi .38 Special rounds are a favorite among budget-conscious range shooters. Their Training Dynamics line is perfect for high-volume plinking and practice without sacrificing performance. - Sellier & Bellot
Manufactured in the Czech Republic, Sellier & Bellot offers clean-shooting, accurate .38 Special ammo for range and recreational use. Known for its quality control and value, it’s a dependable option for shooters worldwide.
Top Features of .38 Special Ammunition
VERSATILITY
38 Special ammunition is a versatile cartridge that can be used for a variety of purposes, including self-defense, target shooting, and hunting small game.
RELIABILITY
38 Spl ammunition is a reliable cartridge that is easy to shoot and has a relatively low recoil, making it a good choice for beginners.
STOPPING POWER
38 Special ammo delivers good stopping power, making it an effective choice for self-defense.
CALIBER OPTIONS
The 38 Spl ammo is available in a variety of bullet types, including hollow-point, full metal jacket, and wadcutter. The 38 SPL +P and +P+ loads offer increased velocity and stopping power for those who need it.
MODERATE RECOIL
Many 38 Special ammo loads are designed with reduced recoil, making them easier to shoot and more comfortable for beginners or those with recoil sensitivity. While 38 Special ammunition can produce significant recoil, it is generally less than other revolver cartridges, making it easier to shoot accurately for extended periods of time.
AVAILABILITY
38 Spl ammunition is generally less expensive than other popular cartridges, making it an affordable option for those on a budget. Additionally, 38 SPL ammo is widely available and can be found at most gun stores and online retailers.
38Sp Ammo FAQs
QUESTION: What is 38 Special ammo?
ANSWER: 38 Special ammo is a revolver cartridge that was introduced by Smith & Wesson in 1898. It is commonly used for target shooting, self-defense, and law enforcement.
QUESTION: What is the difference between 38 Special and 357 Magnum?
ANSWER: The 357 Magnum is a longer and more powerful version of the 38 Special ammunition. It can be fired from a revolver chambered in 357 Magnum, while 38 Special ammo can also be fired from a revolver chambered in 357 Magnum.
QUESTION: What is 38 Special Ammo used for?
ANSWER:Historically, 38 Special Ammo or 38 Spl Ammo has primarily been utilized for target shooting, formal competitions, personal defense, concealed carry, and small game hunting.
While its popularity has declined over the years due to higher capacity handguns like the 9mm, the ammunition has traditionally been most popular among US police departments nationwide.
QUESTION: What is 38 Special +P Ammo?
ANSWER: Like other +P ammunition, 38 Special +P ammo is loaded to a higher pressure than standard 38 Spl rounds. This added pressure gives the bullet a higher velocity and more power. Although most modern 38 Special revolvers are designated safe for using +P ammo, owners should check their manual to ensure it can withstand the increased power.
QUESTION: What is the best 38 Special Ammo for self-defense?
ANSWER: There are many factors to consider when selecting a self-defense ammunition right for you. For example, if you're carrying a snub nose, either Jacketed Hollow Points (JHP) or Wadcutters (WC) could be the right fit.
Because snub revolvers have a short length 2-inch barrel, a JHP bullet may not reach the necessary velocity to expand on impact, making it only as effective as an FMJ bullet. But wadcutter ammo can cut through soft tissue like paper and has surprisingly good wound ballistics.
QUESTION: What is the effective range of 38 Special ammo?
ANSWER: The effective range of 38 Special ammunition depends on the specific load and the shooter's skill level. However, it is generally considered effective up to 25 yards for self-defense and target shooting.
QUESTION: What is the most powerful 38 Special Ammo?
ANSWER: Although subject to debate, jacketed hollow points (JHP) are believed to be the most powerful 38 Spl ammo type. These rounds are designed for self-defense and have more stopping power than traditional full metal jacket cartridges.
In addition, JHP bullets expand on impact, increasing their stopping power and reducing the risk of overpenetration.
QUESTION: What are the most popular brands of 38 Special Ammo?
ANSWER: Nearly every significant ammunition manufacturing company produces 38 Spl ammo cartridges. The following are quality and affordable ammunition brands you can trust and are available at Ammunition Depot:
- Federal American Eagle 38 Special 158-grain LRN
- Fiocchi Classic Line 38 Special 158-grain FMJ
- Tulammo 38 Spl 130-grain FMJ
- Blazer Brass 38 Special 125-grain FMJ Flat Nose