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38 Special Ammo

A revolver chambered in .38 Special is a versatile American classic. Palmetto State Armory has a wide selection of .38 Special ammunition for your concealed carry snubnose, duty revolver, or home defense handgun. Shop brands like Fiocchi, Hornady, Winchester, Magtech, and much more.

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  1. Remington UMC FMJ 130gr .38 Special Ammunition, 250rds - 23731

    Remington UMC FMJ 130gr .38 Special Ammunition, 250rds - 23731

    Rating:
    90%
    (2)
    Regular Price $170.99 Special Price $153.99 $0.62
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  2. G2 Research .38 Special+P 105 gr SCHP Telos Ammunition, 20 Rounds

    G2 Research .38 Special+P 105 gr SCHP Telos Ammunition, 20 Rounds - G00618

    Rating:
    100%
    (2)
    Regular Price $29.99 Special Price $23.99 $1.20
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  3. Magtech 38 Special 158gr LFN Ammunition 50rds - 38L

    Magtech 38 Special 158gr LFN Ammunition 50rds - 38L

    Rating:
    100%
    (3)
    $28.99 $0.58
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  4. Federal 38 Special 110gr Hydra-Shok Ammunition 20rds - PD38HS3 H

    Federal 38 Special 110gr Hydra-Shok Ammunition 20rds - PD38HS3 H

    Rating:
    100%
    (3)
    Regular Price $32.99 Special Price $28.99 $1.45
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  5. Cor-Bon 38 Special+P 125gr JHP Ammunition 20rds - SD38125/20

    Cor-Bon 38 Special+P 125gr JHP Ammunition 20rds - SD38125/20

    Regular Price $20.99 Special Price $18.39 $0.92
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  6. Glaser Pow'rBall 38 SPC +P 100gr Ammunition 20rds - PB38100/20

    Glaser Pow'rBall 38 SPC +P 100gr Ammunition 20rds - PB38100/20

    Rating:
    87%
    (3)
    Regular Price $25.99 Special Price $22.79 $1.14
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  7. Nosler ASP .38 Special 125 Grain HP Ammo, 20Rds - 40137

    Nosler ASP .38 Special 125 Grain HP Ammo, 20Rds - 40137

    Regular Price $21.99 Special Price $19.99 $1.00
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  8. Fort Scott Munitions Claw Defense 38SPC+P 135gr FN Ammo, 20rds - 38+P135SCVFNCD

    Fort Scott Munitions Claw Defense 38SPC+P 135gr FN Ammo, 20rds - 38+P135SCVFNCD

    $21.99 $1.10
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  9. HSM Ammunition Training .38 Special 158 gr WC 50rds

    HSM Ammunition Training .38 Special 158 gr WC 50rds

    Rating:
    100%
    (1)
    Regular Price $35.99 Special Price $32.29 $0.65
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  10. Lehigh Defense .38 Special 125 gr Controlled Fracturing 20rds

    Lehigh Defense .38 Special 125 gr Controlled Fracturing 20rds

    Regular Price $58.99 Special Price $52.99 $2.65
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  11. Lehigh Defense .38 Special 100 gr 20rds

    Lehigh Defense .38 Special 100 gr 20rds

    Regular Price $59.99 Special Price $49.99 $2.50
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  12. Underwood Ammo .38 Special +P 158 gr WC 20rds

    Underwood Ammo .38 Special +P 158 gr WC 20rds

    Regular Price $22.99 Special Price $20.69 $1.03
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  13. Underwood Ammo .38 Special +P 158 gr WCHP 20rds

    Underwood Ammo .38 Special +P 158 gr WCHP 20rds

    Regular Price $33.99 Special Price $29.79 $1.49
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  14. Underwood Ammo .38 Special 150 gr WC 20rds

    Underwood Ammo .38 Special 150 gr WC 20rds

    Rating:
    100%
    (1)
    Regular Price $21.99 Special Price $18.99 $0.95
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  15. Underwood Ammo .38 Special +P 125 gr JHP 20rds

    Underwood Ammo .38 Special +P 125 gr JHP 20rds

    Rating:
    80%
    (1)
    Regular Price $24.99 Special Price $21.99 $1.10
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  16. Norma NXD .38 Special 80 gr Injection Molded Copper Ammo, 20rds - 611240020

    Norma NXD .38 Special 80 gr Injection Molded Copper Ammo, 20rds - 611240020

    Rating:
    100%
    (2)
    Regular Price $19.99 Special Price $17.49 $0.87
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  17. HSM Ammunition Cowboy Action .38 Special 148gr SWC Handgun Ammo, 50Rds

    HSM Ammunition Cowboy Action .38 Special 148gr SWC Handgun Ammo, 50Rds

    Rating:
    100%
    (1)
    Regular Price $38.99 Special Price $34.99 $0.70
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  18. DoubleTap Ammunition .38 Special 148 gr JHP 20rds Handgun Ammo for Effective Self-Defense - 38SP148CE

    DoubleTap Ammunition .38 Special 148 gr JHP 20rds Handgun Ammo for Effective Self-Defense - 38SP148CE

    Regular Price $27.99 Special Price $25.19 $1.26
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  19. DoubleTap Ammunition DT SnakeShot .38 Special 130 gr #9 Handgun Shotshell, 20Rds

    DoubleTap Ammunition DT SnakeShot .38 Special 130 gr #9 Handgun Shotshell, 20Rds

    Rating:
    97%
    (6)
    Regular Price $30.99 Special Price $27.09 $1.35
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  20. Remington Golden Saber Defense .38 Special 125 gr Ammo BJHP - 20rds - 27606

    Remington Golden Saber Defense .38 Special 125 gr Ammo BJHP - 20rds - 27606

    Rating:
    100%
    (1)
    $29.99 $1.50
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  21. Fort Scott Munitions Tumble Upon Impact .38 Special 81 gr Ammo SCS - 20rds - 38+P081SCV

    Fort Scott Munitions Tumble Upon Impact .38 Special 81 gr Ammo SCS - 20rds - 38+P081SCV

    Regular Price $31.99 Special Price $27.99 $1.40
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  22. Federal American Eagle .38 Special 100 gr Ammo Lead-Free IRT - 50rds - AE38LF1

    Federal American Eagle .38 Special 100 gr Ammo Lead-Free IRT - 50rds - AE38LF1

    Rating:
    80%
    (1)
    $40.99 $0.82
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  23. Atomic Ammunition Precision Craft .38 Special 148 gr LHP - 50rds - 00419

    Atomic Ammunition Precision Craft .38 Special 148 gr LHP - 50rds - 00419

    Regular Price $60.99 Special Price $54.99 $1.10
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  24. SinterFire Special Duty .38 Special 110 gr Ammo Lead-Free Frangible HP - 20rds - SF38110SD

    SinterFire Special Duty .38 Special 110 gr Ammo Lead-Free Frangible HP - 20rds - SF38110SD

    Rating:
    92%
    (5)
    Regular Price $17.99 Special Price $15.99 $0.80
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Learn More about .38 Special Ammo

History of .38 Special Ammo

The .38 Special has been a trusted cartridge since its debut in 1898 when Smith & Wesson designed it for their Military and police revolvers. Initially, the round was intended to improve upon the .38 Long Colt, which had proven underpowered in combat. With its larger casing, the .38 Special offered better velocity and stopping power, quickly establishing itself in law enforcement and military applications.After being widely adopted by police forces in the early 1900s, the .38 Special became the standard issue for officers across the United States and held this position for several decades. Despite advances in ammunition technology, it remains popular among revolver enthusiasts, target shooters, and concealed carriers, thanks to its long-standing reputation and reliability.

Practical Application

The .38 Special’s versatility extends to various applications, from self-defense to target shooting and even small-game hunting. With a manageable recoil and moderate power, it’s a popular choice for new and experienced shooters. The .38 Special performs reliably in defensive situations, especially in smaller, lightweight snub-nose revolvers. These compact firearms are easy to carry and conceal, making them a go-to for many self-defense scenarios.The .38 Special is also a solid performer in the range and competition worlds. Its balanced power allows for quick follow-up shots and accuracy while minimizing recoil fatigue, an essential aspect for anyone training with high round counts or participating in competitive shooting. For hunters, the .38 Special can also work effectively with smaller game, though its range and power are better suited to closer distances.

.38 Special vs. .357 Magnum

One of the most common comparisons is between the .38 Special and the .357 Magnum, developed directly from the .38 Special case. While they look similar, the .357 Magnum is a much higher-pressure round, delivering more speed and energy upon impact. This added power makes the .357 Magnum ideal for situations that require deeper penetration and stopping power, like hunting or self-defense against more significant threats.The .38 Special, however, stands out for its lighter recoil, making it a friendlier choice for extended shooting sessions or shooters who prefer a gentler experience. Additionally, many .357 Magnum revolvers are designed to chamber and fire .38 Special rounds, providing flexibility for those who want to alternate between a lighter and more powerful load. This interchangeability allows shooters to practice with the .38 Special at a lower cost while saving the more intense .357 rounds for specific purposes.

Accuracy

Accuracy is one of the .38 Special’s strengths, especially in the right hands and paired with a quality firearm. The cartridge’s moderate recoil makes it easier to control, promoting better shooting form and more consistent groupings. At standard self-defense distances of around 7 to 25 yards, the .38 Special has proven to be highly effective and precise. Even at longer ranges, experienced shooters can achieve impressive accuracy with a steady hand.Because the round produces a smooth and predictable recoil, shooters often find it easier to maintain their sight picture and deliver follow-up shots accurately. Target shooters particularly appreciate the .38 Special’s stable, consistent trajectory, which contributes to better accuracy over short to medium ranges. While it may not have the long-range power of larger calibers, the .38 Special is exceptionally accurate in its intended range and applications.

Affordability

Compared to other centerfire cartridges, the .38 Special is moderately priced, making it an economical choice for those who shoot regularly. Though it’s generally more expensive than popular semi-automatic rounds like 9mm, it remains more affordable than many larger or more specialized revolver rounds, such as the .357 Magnum or .44 Special. This cost-effectiveness is one reason why the .38 Special is a popular choice among recreational shooters, self-defense users, and those who spend a lot of time at the range.Reloading enthusiasts also appreciate the .38 Special for its affordability and flexibility. Brass cases can be reloaded multiple times, and the low-pressure design reduces wear on the casings, extending their lifespan and helping save on overall costs. Reloaders can adjust bullet weights and powder charges to create custom rounds suited to specific needs, from light target loads to defensive rounds. For those on a budget or who simply prefer revolvers, the .38 Special is a cost-effective way to shoot without compromising quality or performance.

Why Buy .38 Special Ammo from Palmetto State Armory?

Customers should buy .38 Special ammo from Palmetto State Armory for its unbeatable combination of quality, selection, and value. Offering a wide variety of trusted brands and types, PSA ensures you'll find the right ammunition for target practice, self-defense, or competition shooting. With competitive pricing and a reputation for exceptional customer service, PSA is the go-to destination for reliable .38 Special ammo.