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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. Sellier & Bellot 38 Special 158gr FMJ Ammunition 50rds - SB38P

    Sellier & Bellot 38 Special 158gr FMJ Ammunition 50rds - SB38P

    Rating:
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    (4)
    $32.99 $0.66
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  2. Hornady 38 Special Lite 90gr FTX Critical Defense Ammunition 25rds - 90300

    Hornady 38 Special Lite 90gr FTX Critical Defense Ammunition 25rds - 90300

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    $32.99 $1.32
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  3. Hornady 38 Special 110gr FTX Critical Defense Ammunition 25rds - 90310

    Hornady 38 Special 110gr FTX Critical Defense Ammunition 25rds - 90310

    Rating:
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    $32.99 $1.32
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  4. Magtech 38 Special 158gr SJHP Ammunition 50rds - 38E

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

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    Regular Price $34.99 Special Price $31.29 $0.63
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  5. Magtech 38 Special 125gr SJHP Ammunition 50rds - 38F

    Magtech 38 Special 125gr SJHP Ammunition 50rds - 38F

    Regular Price $35.99 Special Price $31.99 $0.64
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  6. Hornady 38 Special 158gr XTP Custom Pistol Ammunition 25rds - 90362

    Hornady 38 Special 158gr XTP Custom Pistol Ammunition 25rds - 90362

    Rating:
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    $30.99 $1.24
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  7. Winchester USA 38 Special 130gr FMJ Ammunition 50rds - q4171

    Winchester USA 38 Special 130gr FMJ Ammunition 50rds - q4171

    $29.99 $0.60
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  8. PMC Bronze 38 Special 132gr FMJ Ammunition 50rds - 38G

    PMC Bronze 38 Special 132gr FMJ Ammunition 50rds - 38G

    Rating:
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    Regular Price $28.99 Special Price $25.29 $0.51
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  9. Remington UMC FMJ 130gr .38 Special Ammunition, 250rds - 23731

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

    Rating:
    90%
    (2)
    Out of Stock
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  10. Federal 38 Special 130gr FMJ Range Target Practice Ammunition

    Federal Range-Target-Practice 38 Special 130gr FMJ 50rds - RTP38130

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  11. Winchester Ammunition Super-X 158 gr Lead Round Nose .38 Spl Ammo, 50/box - X38S1P

    Winchester Ammunition Super-X 158 gr Lead Round Nose .38 Spl Ammo, 50/box - X38S1P

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  12. Geco 158 gr Full Metal Jacket Flat Nose .38 Spl Ammo, 50/box - 271640050

    Geco 158 gr Full Metal Jacket Flat Nose .38 Spl Ammo, 50/box - 271640050

    Out of Stock
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  13. Inceptor Sport & Carry 77, 84 gr ARX/RNP .38 Spl Ammo, 120/box - 38SPLRNDARX

    Inceptor Sport & Carry 77, 84 gr ARX/RNP .38 Spl Ammo, 120/box - 38SPLRNDARX

    Out of Stock
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  14. Fiocchi Hyperformance Defense .38 Special +P 125gr Jacketed Hollow Point Ammo, 25rds - 38XTPP25

    Fiocchi Hyperformance Defense .38 Special +P 125gr Jacketed Hollow Point Ammo, 25rds - 38XTPP25

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  15. Ammo Inc 38 Special 125gr JHP 20rd Box - 38125JHPA-20

    Ammo Inc 38 Special 125gr JHP 20rd Box - 38125JHPA-20

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  16. Fiocchi Hyperformance .38 Special +P 110 gr XTP Hollow Point Ammo, 25rds - 38XTPB25

    Fiocchi Hyperformance .38 Special +P 110 gr XTP Hollow Point Ammo, 25rds - 38XTPB25

    Rating:
    98%
    (8)
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  17. Cor-Bon 38 Super Auto+P **NOT FOR REVOLVERS ** 125gr DPX Ammunition 20rds - DPX38X125/20

    Cor-Bon 38 Super Auto+P **NOT FOR REVOLVERS ** 125gr DPX Ammunition 20rds - DPX38X125/20

    Out of Stock
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  18. PMC Starfire 38 Special+P 125gr SFHP Ammunition 20rds - 38SFA

    PMC Starfire 38 Special+P 125gr SFHP Ammunition 20rds - 38SFA

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  19. Winchester 38 Special 158gr LSWC Super-X Ammunition - X38WCPSV

    Winchester 38 Special 158gr LSWC Super-X Ammunition - X38WCPSV

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

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

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  21. PRVI Partizan 38 Special 130gr FMJ Ammunition 50rds - PP-R3.31

    PRVI Partizan 38 Special 130gr FMJ Ammunition 50rds - PP-R3.31

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  22. Hornady 38 Special 125gr XTP Custom Pistol Ammo 25rds - 90322

    Hornady 38 Special 125gr XTP Custom Pistol Ammo 25rds - 90322

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  23. PRVI Partizan 38 Super Auto +P **NOT FOR REVOLVERS** 130gr FMJ Ammunition 50rds - PP-R3.6

    PRVI Partizan 38 Super Auto +P **NOT FOR REVOLVERS** 130gr FMJ Ammunition 50rds - PP-R3.6

    Rating:
    60%
    (1)
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  24. Scorpion 38 Special 125gr JHP Ammo, 20rds - 38125JHP-S20

    Scorpion 38 Special 125gr JHP Ammo, 20rds - 38125JHP-S20

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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.