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38 Special Ammo At A Glance
| Feature | Common Options |
| Cartridge | .38 Special |
| Common Bullet Weights | 110gr, 125gr, 130gr, 135gr, 148gr, 158gr |
| Training Loads /span> | FMJ, TMJ, LRN |
| Case Types | Brass, nickel-plated brass, aluminum |
| Pressure | Standard pressure and +P |
| Common Quantities | 20, 50, 100, 250, 500 and 1,000 rounds |
| Firearms | Primarily revolvers and some other firearms specifically chambered for .38 Special |
How To Choose 38 Special Ammo At Bulk Cheap Ammo?
When comparing products on Bulk Cheap Ammo, pay attention to:
With hundreds of listings, manually comparing every box can be time-consuming. Instead, narrow your search in stages:
- 1. Confirm the Cartridge: Make sure you are looking specifically at .38 Special ammunition. Do not confuse it with similarly named cartridges such as .38 S&W or .38 Super.
- Select the Bullet Weight: Use grain weight to narrow your choices when you have a preferred load configuration.
- Choose the Bullet Type: Compare FMJ, TMJ, LRN, wadcutter, JHP and other projectile designs based on your intended application.
- Check Pressure: If your firearm is rated for +P, you can compare compatible +P loads. Otherwise, stay within the ammunition specifications approved by your firearm manufacturer.
- Compare CPR: Use cost per round to make different package sizes easier to compare.
- Check Shipping: Look beyond the ammunition price and consider the shipping cost.
- Evaluate The Retailer: Price isn't the only factor. Retailer ratings and purchasing policies can also help you decide between otherwise similar listings.
Which Bullet Type You Should Buy?
.38 Special ammunition comes in several bullet designs, and each type can make sense for a different shooting purpose.
| Bullet Type | When To Consider This Type |
| FMJ | Consider FMJ when you want economical ammunition for regular range practice or training. |
| TMJ | Consider TMJ when you want a training-oriented load with a more completely enclosed projectile. |
| LRN | Consider LRN when you prefer a traditional .38 Special load or are looking for a classic lead-bullet configuration. |
| JHP | Consider JHP ammunition when you are specifically looking for a factory load with an expanding-bullet design and your firearm is compatible with that ammunition. |
| Wadcutter | Consider wadcutters when your primary focus is target shooting and paper-target practice. |
| Semi-Wadcutter | Consider semi-wadcutters when you want an alternative to traditional round-nose or full-wadcutter designs. |
Which Bullet Weight You Should Buy?
| Bullet Weight | When To Consider This Type |
| 110 Grain | Consider 110gr when you want to compare lighter-bullet loads and their published velocity and recoil characteristics. |
| 125 Grain | Consider 125gr when you want a widely available bullet weight with several projectile designs to compare. |
| 130 Grain | Consider 130gr when comparing commonly available .38 Special ammunition for regular range use and general shooting. |
| 135 Grain | Consider 135gr when a particular load or bullet design is offered in this weight and its specifications meet your requirements. |
| 148 Grain | Consider 148gr when you are specifically comparing wadcutter ammunition for target shooting and paper-range practice. |
| 158 Grain | Consider 158gr when you want to compare traditional .38 Special loads or different bullet designs available at this weight. |
FAQs
Is 125 grain or 158 grain better for 38 Special?
Ans: Neither is universally better. 158-grain bullets offer traditional accuracy, deeper pene tration, and match fixed sights on classic revolvers. 125-grain bullets produce less felt recoil and faster follow-up shots, making them great for target practice and low-recoil training.
Is 38 Special the same as 38 S&W?
Ans: .38 Special and .38 S&W are different cartridges. Always verify the exact cartridge designation before purchasing ammunition.
Can a 38 Special revolver shoot 357 Magnum?
Ans: No. A firearm chambered only for .38 Special should not be used with .357 Magnum ammunition. Some .357 Magnum firearms are designed to accept .38 Special ammunition, but the firearm manufacturer's specifications should always be followed.
What is 38 Special +P ammo?
Ans:.38 Special +P is ammunition loaded to a higher pressure specification than standard-pressure .38 Special. It should only be used in firearms specifically approved for +P ammunition.
What is wadcutter 38 Special ammo?
Ans:Wadcutter ammunition uses a relatively flat, full-diameter projectile and is commonly associated with target shooting. It is one of the most distinctive ammunition types available for .38 Special.
