.38 Special Ammo

By 1900, black powder revolvers had become technically outdated but remained widely used by American military and police forces. These firearms typically fired brass-cased ammunition, with most cartridges barely exceeding 700 fps and using relatively lightweight bullets. While smokeless powder revolvers were available, they were not common, and using the new powder technology in older, weaker-framed guns could result in catastrophic failures. Additionally, reports from abroad indicated that the Army's .38 Long Colt cartridge often failed to stop charging assailants, even with well-placed shots. This created a demand for improved performance, though it wasn't yet time to completely phase out revolvers. In fact, the .38 Long Colt would remain the primary sidearm cartridge for the U.S. Army until 1911, a notable year for the introduction of a certain rimless cartridge automatic pistol.

 

During the .38 Long Colt’s service, Smith & Wesson introduced the .38 Smith & Wesson Special by lengthening the brass case and increasing the powder charge. Soon after, they replaced black powder with smokeless powder, significantly boosting the cartridge’s velocity. The .38 Special featured a 158-grain lead round-nose bullet traveling at approximately 800 fps. To promote this new round, S&W updated one of their popular revolvers, creating the 1902 S&W Military and Police revolver, which quickly gained traction, especially in American law enforcement.

 

During World War I, the production of the M1911 was insufficient to equip the vast number of troops, leading to a 1905 version of the S&W M&P being used to supplement sidearm supplies. This pattern continued into World War II, with another variant, the S&W Victory, seeing extensive use by the Navy and Marine Corps.

 

Despite the emergence of more powerful cartridges like the .357 Magnum in the 1930s, the .38 Special remained the preferred choice for U.S. law enforcement for most of the 20th century. Shooters appreciated the manageable recoil, even with +P loads, and the all-steel frames of revolvers like the M&P and Colt’s Official Police helped mitigate any harshness in shooting. Smaller-framed .38 Special snub-nose revolvers often served as backup weapons, easily concealable in ankle holsters.

 

The need for better ballistics and higher capacity eventually led law enforcement to favor .40 S&W and 9mm Luger. However, lightweight metal revolvers chambered in .38 Special continued to find use as backup weapons, off-duty carry options, and for concealed carry among the general public. Today, much of the demand for this cartridge is tied to concealed carry, with many emphasizing the reliability of revolvers in close encounters—especially since they can be fired discreetly from beneath clothing or in bags, where semi-autos might struggle. Others appreciate the simplicity of revolvers in handling and maintenance. Regardless of one’s preferences, the .38 Special remains a capable cartridge for self-defense, even if its capacity falls short compared to modern semi-autos.

.38 Special: Guns

Smith and Wesson’s 1902 M&P (Military and Police) Model revolver was the first firearm made specifically for the .38 Special, entering the scene right as smokeless powder was really taking off. Early guns fired a load roughly equivalent to the .38 Long Colt, but it wouldn’t be long before revolver frames and the new load itself were beefed up to handle extra pressure. As a result, there are a few different stampings you may encounter on your barrel: .38 Special, .38 Special +P, and .357 Magnum. As always, make sure the stamp on your barrel and the writing on your box of ammo agree with each other!

.38 Special Revolvers

  • Smith and Wesson Military and Police / Victory
  • Colt Original Police / Commando
  • Colt Detective Special

.38 Special +P Revolvers

  • Ruger SP101
  • Smith and Wesson Model 36 Classic
  • Ruger LCR
  • Smith and Wesson Model 642
  • Taurus 856
  • Smith and Wesson M&P Bodyguard

.357 Magnum Revolvers

  • Ruger GP100
  • Smith and Wesson Model 27 Classic
  • Colt Python
  • Smith and Wesson Model 686
  • Taurus 65

Carbines / Rifles (.357 Magnum Chambers)

  • Henry Big Boy Steel Side Gate Carbine
  • Winchester Model 1892
  • Marlin Classic Series Model 1894
  • Winchester Model 1873

Why Choose .38 Special?

The .38 Special is one of the most popular and recognized revolver cartridges. Its strong ties to law enforcement have contributed significantly to its lasting respect and tradition. Additionally, the ability to fire .38 Special rounds from a firearm chambered in .357 Magnum is a major advantage.

Plinking / Target / Competition

The .38 Special is an excellent beginner cartridge for revolver shooting and can be safely fired in firearms chambered for .357 Magnum. Its use in competitions dates back to the early 20th century. Additionally, tube-fed carbines chambered in .38 Special boost muzzle velocity, allowing for flatter shooting at greater distances.

Concealed Carry / Defensive Carry

Small, lightweight revolvers chambered in .38 Special are a popular option for concealed carry. These types of firearms have been concealed for a long time, with some of the earliest snub-nose models chambered in .38 Special. Compact revolvers, particularly hammerless ones, can fire an entire cylinder while tucked beneath a cover garment or in a bag, making them ideal for this style of carry. Additionally, .38 Special +P defensive loads offer a solid alternative to 9mm Luger for those who prefer revolvers.

Home Defense

In home defense, full-sized steel revolvers have largely been overshadowed by semi-autos due to capacity considerations, but they remain a strong recommendation for those less experienced with firearms. For individuals who struggle to rack the slide of a semi-auto, a revolver is often the better choice. While it has become a movie cliché to dramatically reveal a small snub-nose revolver from a desk drawer or nightstand, there are clear advantages to keeping a compact firearm with ammunition readily accessible, rather than relying on a semi-auto with a magazine that could be misplaced, potentially rendering the gun unusable due to a magazine disconnect. Note: Always store your firearms safely and securely!

Hunting

While the .38 Special can be used for hunting, most loads are subsonic and deliver only 200-250 ft-lbs of energy at the muzzle, with a few exceptions. Ballistics improve when fired from a carbine, but the .357 Magnum remains a superior choice for hunting. Additionally, small shot loads are available for snake defense and controlling small varmints.

.38 Special: Ammo Brands and Loadings

The .38 S&W Special is a rimmed cartridge that originated from the black powder .38 Long Colt and is generally not considered a particularly powerful round, especially in its standard loading. However, higher-pressure +P variants have been available since the 1930s, and most quality revolvers, including those chambered in .357 Magnum, can safely handle this ammunition (always check your firearm’s manual). While .38 Special revolvers have been utilized by various branches of the U.S. military at different times, surplus ammunition for this cartridge is not common. Nonetheless, its long-standing use in law enforcement, ease of use for target shooting, and ongoing popularity for concealed carry ensure a wide variety of load options are readily available.

Brands

Brownells, Hornady, Magpul Industries, Redding, Winchester Ammunition, Federal, Lee Precision, 10-8 Performance, 100 Straight Products, 17 Design And Manufacturing, 1791 Gunleather, 2A Armament, 3 Bucc Inc, 3M/Peltor, A&D Engineering, A-Zoom, A.R.M.S. Inc, A3 Tactical Inc, Accu-Lock, Accu-Shot, Accu-Tac, American Defense Manufacturing, American Defense Mfg, Advantage Arms

Standard Loadings

  • 130-gr. FMJ @ 925/fps
  • 158-gr. FMJ @ 770/fps

Bullet Types

  • FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) - Target, plinking
  • JHP (Jacketed Hollow Point) - Self defense
  • LRN (Lead Round Nose) - Self defense, target
  • Wadcutter - Target, self defense
  • Monolithic / Penetrator - Self defense w/ barrier penetration
  • Shot Capsule - Snake, rat and other small critter control

Bullet Weights

  • 110-gr. - JHP, high velocity rounds
  • 125-gr. to 130-gr. - Standard weights
  • 158-gr. - Original weight, also very common

Velocities (Including +P Ammo)

  • 110-gr. - 900/fps to 1000/fps
  • 125-gr. to 130-gr. - 800/fps to 900/fps
  • 158-gr. - 750/fps to 900/fps

+P Ammunition

38 Special +P ammunition, which indicates higher chamber pressure, is quite common for this cartridge. Any revolver chambered in .357 Magnum is capable of handling the increased pressure of these loads, as is any barrel stamped “.38 Special +P”.

.38 Special: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How are .38 Special and .357 Magnum related?

A: They both use .357 caliber projectiles (.358 with unjacketed, bare-lead projectiles). The .357 Magnum has a longer case than .38 Special – 0.135” longer, to be exact. .38 Special ammunition will chamber in and is safe to fire from a .357 Magnum firearm, but not the other way around.

 

Q: How can I determine what type of .38 Special ammo is safe for my gun?
A: A good starting point is to check the markings on the barrel. If the barrel is stamped “.38 Special,” it is not designed to handle .38 Special +P ammo. Conversely, a barrel marked “.38 Special +P” can safely fire both .38 Special and .38 Special +P ammunition. If you're unsure, refer to your firearm’s instruction manual to confirm its capability to shoot +P ammo. You can also contact the manufacturer directly for clarification.

 

For vintage .38 Special revolvers, it’s important to avoid using +P ammunition. Most modern full-sized revolvers are chambered in .357 Magnum, which can safely fire .357 Magnum, .38 Special +P, and standard .38 Special loads. However, you should never fire a .357 Magnum round from a .38 Special firearm, as the longer case will not fit in the cylinder.

 

Q: Is .38 Special a good choice for concealed carry?
A: Small, purpose-built revolvers chambered in .38 Special have been a popular choice for concealed carry since the introduction of the Colt Detective Special in 1927. Until the emergence of micro 9mm models, these revolvers were often regarded as the best options for deep concealment. Since the 1950s, manufacturers have increasingly used lighter materials to reduce the weight of these guns. In short, .38 Special has a rich tradition in concealed carry and remains a solid choice for this purpose.

 

For defensive carry, a .38 Special +P loading with a highly expanding bullet, such as Federal’s Hydra-Shok Deep Jacketed Hollow Point, is recommended. However, it's important to note that comparable loadings in 9mm Luger +P offer significantly more power.

 

Q: Can I hunt with .38 Special?
A: Hunting with a .38 Special is generally not recommended, as it lacks the energy needed to ethically take down most game. For hunting purposes, it’s better to use cartridges that offer significantly more power. However, there are specialty shot rounds available with a small pellet load that can be suitable for dealing with snakes and rats.

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