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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. Magtech 158 gr Semi-Jacketed Soft Point Flat .38 Spl Ammo, 50/box - 38C

    Magtech 158 gr Semi-Jacketed Soft Point Flat .38 Spl Ammo, 50/box - 38C

    Regular Price $34.99 Special Price $31.39 $0.63
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  2. Fiocchi Shooting Dynamics 148 gr Semi-Jacketed Hollow Point .38 Spl Ammo, 50/box - 38E

    Fiocchi Shooting Dynamics 148 gr Semi-Jacketed Hollow Point .38 Spl Ammo, 50/box - 38E

    $30.99 $0.62
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  3. Corbon Ammunition Original 110 gr Jacketed Hollow Point .38 Spl +P Ammo, 20/box - SD38110-20

    Corbon Ammunition Original 110 gr Jacketed Hollow Point .38 Spl +P Ammo, 20/box - SD38110-20

    Regular Price $20.99 Special Price $18.99 $0.95
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  4. Fiocchi Shooting Dynamics 158 gr Full Metal Jacket .38 Spl Ammo, 50/box - 38G

    Fiocchi Shooting Dynamics 158 gr Full Metal Jacket .38 Spl Ammo, 50/box - 38G

    $28.99 $0.58
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  5. Buffalo Bore 38 Super +P 147 grain Jacketed Hollow Point Pistol and Handgun Ammo, 20/Box - 33E/20

    Buffalo Bore 38 Super +P 147 grain Jacketed Hollow Point Pistol and Handgun Ammo, 20/Box - 33E/20

    Regular Price $35.99 Special Price $32.09 $1.60
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  6. Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure 38 Special 110 grain Barnes TAC-XP Lead-Free Short Barrel Low Flash Handgun Ammo, 20/Box - 20G/20

    Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure 38 Special 110 grain Barnes TAC-XP Lead-Free Short Barrel Low Flash Handgun Ammo, 20/Box - 20G/20

    Regular Price $46.99 Special Price $41.59 $2.08
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  7. Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure Heavy 38 Special 150 grain Hard Cast Wadcutter Low Flash Short Barrel Pistol and Handgun Ammo, 20/Box - 20D/20

    Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure Heavy 38 Special 150 grain Hard Cast Wadcutter Low Flash Short Barrel Pistol and Handgun Ammo, 20/Box - 20D/20

    Regular Price $34.99 Special Price $31.79 $1.59
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  8. Buffalo Bore 38 Special +P 158 grain Lead Soft Cast Hollow Point - Gas Checked Pistol and Handgun Ammo, 20/Box - 20A/20

    Buffalo Bore 38 Special +P 158 grain Lead Soft Cast Hollow Point - Gas Checked Pistol and Handgun Ammo, 20/Box - 20A/20

    Regular Price $36.99 Special Price $32.99 $1.65
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  9. Buffalo Bore Outdoorsman 38 Special +P 158 grain Hard Cast Keith Handgun Ammo, 20/Box - 20H/20

    Buffalo Bore Outdoorsman 38 Special +P 158 grain Hard Cast Keith Handgun Ammo, 20/Box - 20H/20

    Regular Price $35.99 Special Price $32.39 $1.62
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  10. Prvi Partizan .38 Super Auto FMJ 130 gr +P 50 Rounds Ammunition - PPH38SU

    Prvi Partizan .38 Super Auto FMJ 130 gr +P 50 Rounds Ammunition - PPH38SU

    Regular Price $34.99 Special Price $30.79 $0.62
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  11. Hornady 38 Special 125gr XTP American Gunner Ammunition 25rds - 90324

    Hornady 38 Special 125gr XTP American Gunner Ammunition 25rds - 90324

    Rating:
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    $23.99 $0.96
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  12. Fiocchi Range Dynamics .38 Special 130gr FMJ Ammo, 50rds - 38A

    Fiocchi Range Dynamics .38 Special 130gr FMJ Ammo, 50rds - 38A

    Rating:
    100%
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    $24.99 $0.50
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  13. Sellier & Bellot .38 Special 158 gr LRN 50 Rounds Ammunition - SB38A

    Sellier & Bellot .38 Special 158 gr LRN 50 Rounds Ammunition - SB38A

    Rating:
    40%
    (1)
    Regular Price $27.99 Special Price $24.39 $0.49
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  14. Liberty 38 Special 50gr HP Civil Defense Ammunition 20rds - LA-CD-38-025

    Liberty 38 Special 50gr HP Civil Defense Ammunition 20rds - LA-CD-38-025

    Rating:
    90%
    (2)
    Regular Price $45.99 Special Price $40.99 $2.05
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  15. PMC Bronze 38 Super Auto+P Ammo 130 Grain FMJ 50rds - 38SA

    PMC Bronze 38 Super Auto+P Ammo 130 Grain FMJ 50rds - 38SA

    Rating:
    80%
    (2)
    Regular Price $31.99 Special Price $28.79 $0.58
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  16. Magtech 38 Special 125gr LFN Ammunition 50rds - 38U

    Magtech 38 Special 125gr LFN Ammunition 50rds - 38U

    Regular Price $34.99 Special Price $30.99 $0.62
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  17. Magtech .38 Special 158gr SJSP Flat 50 Rounds Ammunition - 38N

    Magtech .38 Special 158gr SJSP Flat 50 Rounds Ammunition - 38N

    Rating:
    80%
    (1)
    Regular Price $32.99 Special Price $29.99 $0.60
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  18. Magtech 125gr LRN 38 Special Short Ammo

    Magtech 125gr LRN 38 Special Short Ammo, 50 rds/box - 38G

    Rating:
    100%
    (3)
    Regular Price $32.99 Special Price $29.59 $0.59
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  19. Magtech 38 Special 158gr SJHP Ammunition 50rds - 38H

    Magtech 38 Special 158gr SJHP Ammunition 50rds - 38H

    Regular Price $37.99 Special Price $33.99 $0.68
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  20. Remington UMC 38 Special+P 125gr SJHP Revolver Ammunition 50rds - L38S2

    Remington UMC 38 Special+P 125gr SJHP Revolver Ammunition 50rds - L38S2

    Rating:
    100%
    (5)
    $33.99 $0.68
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  21. Winchester USA 38 Special 130gr FMJ Ammunition 100rds - USA38SPVP

    Winchester USA 38 Special 130gr FMJ Ammunition 100rds - USA38SPVP

    Rating:
    90%
    (2)
    $58.99 $0.59
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  22. Magtech 38 Special 158gr LRN Ammunition 50rds - 38A

    Magtech 38 Special 158gr LRN Ammunition 50rds - 38A

    Rating:
    93%
    (3)
    $26.99 $0.54
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  23. HSM 38 Special 158gr RFP Low Velocity Ammunition New Manufactured Cowboy Action 50rds HSM-38-5-N

    HSM 38 Special 158gr RFP Low Velocity Ammunition New Manufactured Cowboy Action 50rds HSM-38-5-N

    Rating:
    80%
    (1)
    Regular Price $38.99 Special Price $34.59 $0.69
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  24. CCI Blazer 38 Special 158gr FMJ Aluminum Cased Ammunition 50rds - 3519

    CCI Blazer 38 Special 158gr FMJ Aluminum Cased Ammunition 50rds - 3519

    $30.99 $0.62
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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.