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When it comes to finding the best 38 Special ammo, you need to consider a few things. The most important factor is the purpose for which you’re shooting. For self-defense, you’ll want something with good stopping power. For target practice or hunting, you’ll need a different type of ammo. In this blog post, we’ll recommend some of the best 38 Special ammo available on the market today. So whether you’re looking for hollow points or target rounds, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn more!
AmmoCave has collected the best hottest Best 38 Special Ammo for self-defense at sale prices
Table of Contents
- Our Selection 33 Best 38 Special Ammo – Editor’s Choice
- #1 38 Special – 158 Grain LRN FP – Armscor
- #2 38 Special – 148 Grain Hollow Base Wadcutter – Black Hills
- #3 38 Special – +P 125 Grain JHP – Black Hills Ammunition
- #4 38 Special – 158 Grain LRN – Blazer
- #5 38 Special – +P 158 Grain TMJ – Blazer Clean Fire
- #6 38 Special – 130 Grain FMJ – Browning
- #7 38 Special +P – 158 Grain LSWCHP – Federal Law Enforcement
- #8 38 Special – 130 Grain FMJ – Federal American Eagle
- #9 38 Special – 158 Grain LRN – Federal American Eagle
- #10 38 Special – 125 Grain SJHP – Fiocchi
- #11 38 Special – 125 Grain FMJ Flat – Magtech
- #12 38 Special – 158 Grain LSWC – Magtech
- #13 38 Special – 158 Grain FMJ FN – Magtech
- #14 38 Special – 158 Grain LRN – Magtech
- #15 38 Special – 132 Grain FMJ – PMC
- #16 38 Special + P – 125 Grain SJHP – Remington UMC
- #17 38 Special – 125 Grain TMJ – Speer Lawman
- #18 38 Special – 158 Grain TMJ – Speer Lawman
- #19 38 Special – +P 158 Grain TMJ – Speer Lawman Clean-Fire
- #20 38 Special – 125 Grain JHP – Speer Gold Dot
- #21 38 Special – 130 Grain FMJ – Tula
- #22 38 Special – 130 Grain FMJ – Winchester
- #23 38 Special – 158 Grain Lead Round Nose – Federal Premium
- #24 38 Special – 130 Grain FMJ – Remington
- #25 38 Special – 130 Grain FMJ – Wolf Ammo
- #26 38 Special – +P 135 Grain Gold Dot Hollow Point Short Barrel – Speer
- #27 38 Special – 50 Grain Hollow Point – Liberty Ammunition
- #28 38 Special – +P 158 Grain Total Metal Jacket – Speer
- #29 38 Special – +P 125 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point Brass Cased – Sig Sauer
- #30 38 Special – +P 81 Grain Centerfire Pistol Ammunition – Fort Scott Munitions
- #31 38 Special – 77 Grain Brass Cased Centerfire Pistol Ammunition – Norma
- #32 38 Special – 125 Grain Tracer-Like Jacketed Hollow Point Brass – Ammo
- #33 38 Special – 158 Grain Lead Round Nose – CCI Ammunition
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Our Selection 33 Best 38 Special Ammo – Editor’s Choice
#1 38 Special – 158 Grain LRN FP – Armscor
The Armscor 38 Special is a versatile cartridge that is perfect for range training or self-defense. The 158-grain lead round-nose flat point bullet is easy to use and provides superior rotational stability. The monolithic composition of the bullet ensures that it will engage with the steel target and knock it over. The broad meplat of the bullet also makes a clean hole through a conventional paper target.
#2 38 Special – 148 Grain Hollow Base Wadcutter – Black Hills
If you’re looking for reliable, accurate ammunition for target practice or competition shooting, look no further than Black Hills’ line of wadcutter cartridges. These .38 Special rounds come in boxer-primed brass cases and are perfect for use in revolvers or specially-designed semi-automatic pistols. With a flat front bullet design, wadcutter ammunition is known for its superior feeding properties and is ideal for short-range shooting. Whether you’re at the indoor range or outdoors plinking targets, Black Hills’ wadcutter ammo will help you stay on target all day long.
#3 38 Special – +P 125 Grain JHP – Black Hills Ammunition
When you need a round that is both accurate and effective, you want Black Hills 38 Special +P 125 Grain JHP. This ammunition has been used for decades by law enforcement and the military, so you know it can be relied on. The jacketed hollow point projectiles offer controlled expansion, making them ideal for self-defense situations. With a muzzle velocity of 1,050 feet per second, these rounds are sure to stop any potential threat. Don’t take chances with your safety – trust Black Hills to give you the performance you need.
#4 38 Special – 158 Grain LRN – Blazer
Searching for a great value on target shooting, plinking, or range training ammunition? Check out this newly manufactured 38 Special ammunition from CCI Blazer. Each round features a full metal jacket bullet atop a boxer-primed aluminum casing.
A great choice for target practice or plinking, this 38 Special ammunition from CCI Blazer is sure to give you the performance you’re looking for. Non-corrosive and non-reloadable, this ammo is great for range training or simply enjoying some time at the shooting range. Order your box today!
#5 38 Special – +P 158 Grain TMJ – Blazer Clean Fire
If you want to find an American-made alternative to lead-based ammunition, CCI Blazer Clean-Fire is an excellent choice. This cartridge uses state-of-the-art Clean-Fire primers and Speer TMJ bullets, designed for indoor range shooting. This virtually eliminates airborne lead, barium, and antimony for a much cleaner burning round. Each round features a total metal jacket bullet atop a Berdan-primed aluminum casing. This product is non-corrosive and easy to clean up after your shooting session. Order your box of 50 rounds today!
#6 38 Special – 130 Grain FMJ – Browning
Would you like to get a top-of-the-line revolver cartridge that will serve you well during training? Pay attention to Browning’s 38 Special. This 130-grain full metal jacketed bullet is perfect for those who want to practice their shooting without worrying about terminal expansion. Boxer-primed brass casings make this an extremely reliable choice, and with 50 rounds per box, you’ll have plenty of ammunition to get in some good target practice.
#7 38 Special +P – 158 Grain LSWCHP – Federal Law Enforcement
Wish to purchase top-quality, American-made defense ammo? Check out the Federal Law Enforcement 38 Special +P. This brass-cased, boxer-primed ammunition is designed specifically for law enforcement and is only occasionally made available to the general public. It features Federal’s Lead Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point bullets, which are great for both target practice and self-defense. The +P designation means this ammo is slightly more powerful than standard 38 Special ammo, so be sure to use it only in firearms that are approved for +P ammunition.
#8 38 Special – 130 Grain FMJ – Federal American Eagle
Introducing the Federal American Eagle 38 Special – 130 Grain FMJ. This product is excellent for target practice, plinking, and routine tactical exercises. Each round is brass-cased, boxer-primed, non-corrosive, and reloadable. The product is both economical and precision manufactured in the United States by an established U.S. cartridge producer. Don’t miss your chance to get your hands on this high-quality ammo!
#9 38 Special – 158 Grain LRN – Federal American Eagle
The Federal American Eagle 38 Special is a great choice for target practice, plinking, and routine tactical exercises. Each round is brass-cased, boxer-primed, non-corrosive, and reloadable. The bullets are soft lead and are great for shooting metal spinner targets (lower ricochet than jacketed bullets). This product is both economical and precise.
#10 38 Special – 125 Grain SJHP – Fiocchi
The Fiocchi 38 Special – 125 Grain SJHP is a top-quality product that is flawless for personal defense. The expansion on impact makes it ideal for self-defense, and the new production, non-corrosive, boxer-primed, reloadable brass cases make it a great choice for serious shooters. With 50 rounds per box, this ammunition is sure to provide plenty of firepower for any situation.
#11 38 Special – 125 Grain FMJ Flat – Magtech
Need a reliable and affordable option for target practice or range training? Think about Magtech’s 38 Special FMC Flat Nose rounds. These reloadable rounds feature a brass casing, full metal cased bullet, boxer primer, and non-corrosive propellant – perfect for shooters who demand reliability and accuracy.
#12 38 Special – 158 Grain LSWC – Magtech
Do you want to find a clean-cut way to shoot paper targets? Magtech’s 38 Special – 158 Grain LSWC – Magtech is your perfect ammunition. With a lead semi-wadcutter, you’ll get a cleaner hole than with a typical FMJ round, and the brass casing and boxer primer make this ammo reloadable. Plus, since 1926 Magtech has manufactured its components, so you can be confident in the quality of every round. So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced shooter, pick up a box of Magtech 38 Special – 158 Grain LSWC – Magtech and enjoy some fun target practice!
#13 38 Special – 158 Grain FMJ FN – Magtech
Looking for an excellent round for target practice or range training? Look no further than the new Magtech 38 Special 158 Grain FMJ FN. Each reloadable round boasts a brass casing, full metal cased bullet, boxer primer, and non-corrosive propellant.
Sport ammunition was designed for shooters looking for accuracy, reliability, and exceptional performance, round after round. So if you’re looking for a high-quality round that will give you consistent results, Magtech 38 Special is the ideal choice.
#14 38 Special – 158 Grain LRN – Magtech
Want to purchase a great round of ammunition for target practice or plinking? Pay attention to the Magtech 38 Special LRN! This newly manufactured product by Magtech is excellent for recreational shooting and comes with a full quality control guarantee. Each reloadable round boasts a brass casing, boxer primer, and non-corrosive propellant, making it ideal for those who are looking for accuracy and reliability. The goal is to provide shooters with the best possible experience, round after round. So pick up a box of 38 Special LRN today and see for yourself!
#15 38 Special – 132 Grain FMJ – PMC
Presenting the 38 Special – 132 Grain FMJ from PMC. This newly manufactured ammunition is perfect for target practice and range training and is suitable for use in all 38 Special firearms. The FMJ bullets are precision manufactured for consistent accuracy, while the brass casings are boxer primed for reliable ignition. This ammo is a great alternative to steel-cased products or more expensive defensive ammunition and is sure to provide many hours of shooting enjoyment. So don’t miss out – order your box of rounds today!
#16 38 Special + P – 125 Grain SJHP – Remington UMC
The Remington UMC 38 Special +P 125 Grain SJHP is the perfect option for self-defense. With 100 rounds in each box, you’ll have plenty of ammunition to protect yourself and your loved ones. The semi-jacketed hollow point bullets are designed to expand on impact, penetrating deep into an attacker while causing maximum damage. The brass casings are boxer-primed and can be reloaded for future use. The +P pressure rating makes this ammo suitable for use in firearms with a +P designation. Order your box of Remington UMC 38 Special +P 125 Grain SJHP today!
#17 38 Special – 125 Grain TMJ – Speer Lawman
If you’re serious about being proficient with your revolver for self-defense, then this 1,000-round case of .38 Special ammunition from Speer Lawman is a great choice. These cartridges deliver the same recoil and trajectory as more expensive defensive ammunition but fire more economical total metal jacket (TMJ) projectiles instead. TMJ bullets are particularly well suited to indoor shooting because they have no exposed lead and have a lower risk of releasing heavy metals into the air when the round is fired. Each round fires a light 125-grain bullet at a muzzle velocity of 863 feet per second. With such high-quality components and construction, you can be confident that these rounds will perform when you need them most. So don’t wait until it’s too late – stock up on this affordable and reliable ammunition today.
#18 38 Special – 158 Grain TMJ – Speer Lawman
If you require high-quality, reliable training ammunition, take a look at Speer’s Lawman line. These rounds are perfect for both sport shooters and law enforcement professionals, with each round loaded into boxer-primed new production brass that is reloadable. The 158-grain Total Metal Jacket (TMJ) projectiles leave the barrel at 850 feet per second and are loaded with clean-burning propellants and CCI primers to ensure you get reliable ignition every time. With over 75 years in the business, Speer is a name you can trust for all your ammunition needs.
#19 38 Special – +P 158 Grain TMJ – Speer Lawman Clean-Fire
When it comes to choosing the right ammunition for indoor range training, you can’t go wrong with Speer Lawman Clean-Fire 38 Special +P. The clean-burning powders and 158-grain TMJ bullet help to keep your indoor range training safe and enjoyable, while the +P powder charge provides realistic recoil for more lifelike practice sessions. With 1000 rounds in each box, you’ll be prepared for an all-day range trip with this great .38 Special ammo from Speer Lawman.
#20 38 Special – 125 Grain JHP – Speer Gold Dot
When you’d like to purchase high-quality ammunition to protect yourself and your loved ones, trust Speer Gold Dot. The 38 Special 125 Grain JHP bullets are outstanding for self-defense situations. The Bonded core helps the bullet achieve impeccable weight retention and explosive expansion, while the low-flash powder and Boxer-primers create a consistent, reliable fire. The nickel-plated brass casings also resist corrosion, making them perfect for long-term storage. You can’t go wrong with Speer Gold Dot ammo.
#21 38 Special – 130 Grain FMJ – Tula
Wish to buy a cost-effective option for range training? Check out Tula’s 38 Special FMJ ammunition. These rounds are perfect for use in revolvers and lever action rifles, and they come at a fraction of the price of brass ammunition. Tula is a well-known name in the shooting community for its quality and affordable steel ammo, and this 38 Special offering is no exception. With over 300 years of experience in producing weapons and ammunition, Tula Cartridge Works is a Russian company that you can trust. Their steel-cased ammo was chosen for its cost-saving benefits, and it is non-corrosive and non-reloadable. Get the most bang for your buck with Tula’s 38 Special FMJ ammo.
#22 38 Special – 130 Grain FMJ – Winchester
When you buy Winchester Centerfire Handgun Ammunition, you’re getting a product from a company with years of experience in making high-quality ammunition. The .38 Special is one of their most popular rounds, perfect for both range training and target shooting. This particular load is made with a full metal jacket, ensuring that it’s both durable and dependable. You can rest assured that when you buy Winchester Centerfire Handgun Ammunition, you’re getting a product from a company that knows how to make quality ammunition.
#23 38 Special – 158 Grain Lead Round Nose – Federal Premium
If you want to invest in quality American-made handgun ammunition, Federal Premium’s 38 Special 158 Grain Lead Round Nose is a flawless option. These bullets offer superior accuracy and reliability and are fascinating for shooters who want to reduce the noise they make while shooting without sacrificing performance. The bullets’ clean-burning powders also help keep your weapon clean, so you can shoot with confidence knowing your gun is in peak condition. Whether you’re an experienced shooter or a new gun owner, this ammunition is a great choice for anyone who wants the best possible shooting experience.
#24 38 Special – 130 Grain FMJ – Remington
Searching for high-quality, reliable handgun ammunition that won’t break the bank? Have a look at Remington UMC Centerfire Handgun Ammunition. This affordable ammo is perfect for high-volume shooting situations and provides great value without sacrificing performance or quality. The case mouth and primer are waterproofed for maximum reliability, and the cases are plated in nickel to reduce oxidation, improve feeding, and ease extraction. Plus, each bullet is treated with special powders to reduce muzzle flash. So whether you’re at the range or out in the field, you can rest assured that Remington UMC Centerfire Handgun Ammunition will provide consistent, reliable performance.
#25 38 Special – 130 Grain FMJ – Wolf Ammo
Hitting the range or hitting the road, this .38 Special ammo from Wolf is sure to be a blast! The 130-grain full metal jacket steel-cased centerfire pistol ammunition is perfect for anyone looking for an exceptional selection. The steel casing is built to be durable and withstand whatever you throw at it, while the full metal jacket provides maximum penetration. With Wolf Ammo, you know you’re getting a quality product that will provide you with years of shooting enjoyment.
#26 38 Special – +P 135 Grain Gold Dot Hollow Point Short Barrel – Speer
The Speer Gold Dot .38 Special +P 135 Grain Gold Dot Hollow Point Short Barrel Centerfire Pistol Ammunition is designed to provide maximum performance in barrels as short as 1.9 inches. The reliable feeding and consistent expansion and performance at a variety of distances and velocities make this ammunition a great choice for sub-compact handguns. The Gold Dot Hollow Point bullet provides additional penetration and expansion, making it an ideal choice for self-defense situations.
#27 38 Special – 50 Grain Hollow Point – Liberty Ammunition
Do you want to purchase a reliable, powerful, and accurate self-defense round? Look at Liberty Ammunition’s .38 Special. This 50-grain solid copper hollow point bullet is designed for maximum stopping power and barrier penetration. It’s also one of the lightest and fastest lead-free bullets on the market, making it a great choice for self-defense. And because it’s a standard pressure round, you’ll enjoy reduced recoil for greater control and accuracy. So whether you’re looking to protect yourself or your home, Liberty Ammunition’s .38 Special is an excellent choice.
#28 38 Special – +P 158 Grain Total Metal Jacket – Speer
The Speer Lawman training ammunition is a superbly consistent option for those looking for the best in feel and point of aim. The TMJ bullet with a plated jacket encapsulates the entire lead core, providing exceptional performance. With 50 rounds in each box, it’s perfect for target practice or training sessions. Muzzle velocity of 900 ft/s and muzzle energy of 284 ft-lbs make this ammunition a great choice for your handgun training needs.
#29 38 Special – +P 125 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point Brass Cased – Sig Sauer
The Sig Sauer 38 Special +P 125 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point is a top-of-the-line personal defense round. The V-Crown stacked hollow point design provides superior accuracy, reliability, and performance. The bullet has a unique toothed cannelure halfway up the shank to more effectively lock the jacket and core which provides exceptional structural integrity in a jacketed design, ensuring maximum weight retention and outstanding terminal performance. Brass cases are Techni-Crom coated for enhanced lubricity, superior corrosion resistance, and reliable feeding and extraction.
#30 38 Special – +P 81 Grain Centerfire Pistol Ammunition – Fort Scott Munitions
The Fort Scott Munitions 38 Special +P TUI ammo is a match-grade round designed for use in self-defense. This round is made to be fired from concealed carry revolvers and thru bolt action rifles. With its Tumble Upon Impact design, you get a devastating wound cavity without sacrificing accuracy or penetration.
#31 38 Special – 77 Grain Brass Cased Centerfire Pistol Ammunition – Norma
The Norma ARX .38 Special 77gr Brass Cased Centerfire Pistol Ammunition is a top-quality product that is ideal for those who are looking for a reliable and long-lasting ammunition option. The Norma ARX .38 Special 77gr Brass Cased Centerfire Pistol Ammunition is made from some of the most durable materials on the market, and it is designed to provide you with many years of dependable use. Norma has been making high-quality products for a very long time, and this product is their way of showing how much they care about their customers.
#32 38 Special – 125 Grain Tracer-Like Jacketed Hollow Point Brass – Ammo
Ammo, Inc. STREAK .38 Special 125gr Tracer-Like JHP Brass Pistol Ammunition is the faultless choice for those who want to see their shots in action. These unique bullets leave behind laser-like streaks that make it easy to see where your shots are landing and make corrections to your aim. The tracer-like effect is only visible from within 30 degrees of the shooter’s point of view, making it a great choice for both self-defense and training. This 38 Special ammunition is also non-incendiary and safe for indoor range use. Get yours today to see the future of personal protection.
#33 38 Special – 158 Grain Lead Round Nose – CCI Ammunition
If you’re looking for reliable, accurate performance for training at the range, think about CCI Ammunition Blazer Aluminum .38 Special 158 Grain Lead Round Nose Centerfire Pistol Ammunition. The loads feature aluminum cases to keep price to a minimum, yet offer the same high quality and performance you’ve come to expect from CCI. The bullets are heat-treated for maximum durability and each round is loaded with a reliable primer for consistent ignition. So whether you’re just getting started or you’re a seasoned pro, this ammo is sure to meet your needs.
FAQ
Is all 38 Special ammo the same?
No, all 38 Special ammo is not the same. There are a few different types of 38 Special ammo, each with its benefits and drawbacks. In the article, you may get acquainted with some of the best of them and choose one which best meets your needs.
Is there a difference between .38 and .38 Special?
The .38 Special is a higher pressure loading of the .38 S&W case. It was introduced in 1898 for the Colt New Army & Navy revolvers. The extra pressure developed by the heavier bullet and more powder generates an increased velocity and energy, resulting in better performance than the .38 S&W.
What is +P ammunition?
+P ammunition is simply a slightly higher pressure loading of standard .38 Special ammunition. It is not dangerous to fire in any modern revolver designed for .38 Special ammunition, but it may shorten the life of the gun due to increased wear and tear.
Is a 38 more powerful than a 9mm?
It has more stopping power than a 9mm and is easily controlled in rapid fire. Plus, it can be had in +P varieties that pack even more punch.
Is the 38 Special good for self-defense?
The 38 Special is a great choice for self-defense. It is powerful enough to stop an attacker, but not so powerful that it will cause excessive damage to your property. The 38 Special also has a good reputation for accuracy, making it a good choice for those who want to be able to defend themselves with a firearm.
What is the best 38 Special ammo for self-defense?
There are many different types of 38 Special ammo available, and the best type for self-defense will depend on your specific needs. If you are looking for maximum stopping power, then you will want to choose a hollow point or jacketed hollow point bullet. These types of bullets expand upon impact, causing more damage to the target. If you are concerned about over-penetration, then you may want to choose a lighter bullet that will not penetrate as deeply.
Why do they call it a 38 Special?
The 38 Special was introduced in 1899 by Smith & Wesson. It was designed to be a more powerful load than the then-standard 38 Long Colt. The original 38 Special cartridges used black powder.
Conclusion
38 Special ammo is a popular cartridge for self-defense and concealed carry. In this article, we’ve reviewed five of the best 38 special ammo loads on the market today. We’ve also included some tips on how to choose the right ammunition for your needs. Whether you’re looking for target shooting or personal protection, there’s something here for everyone. Thanks for reading!
