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38 Special Ammo For Sale

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The 38 Special cartridge has earned a world-renowned reputation, largely due to its remarkable versatility and time-tested performance. Its most sought-after advantage is that it can be chambered in small, easily concealed, and highly accurate revolvers. For those looking to train consistently, check out our bulk 38 Special ammo page. Learn More
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  1. Magtech 38 Special Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 158 Grain LRN Ammunition

    $409.99

    4 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type LRN
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 755 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 200 ft lbs
    • 1000 Rounds
    • 41¢ per round
    • Made by Magtech
  2. Sellier and Bellot 38 Special Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 158 Grain LRN Ammunition

    $436.99

    10 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type LRN
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 997 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 349 ft lbs
  3. PMC 38 Special Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 132 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $437.99

    2 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 917 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 232 ft lbs
    • 1000 Rounds
    • 43.8¢ per round
    • Made by PMC
  4. Fiocchi 38 Special Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 130 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $449.99

    17 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 950 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 260 ft lbs
    • 1000 Rounds
    • 45¢ per round
    • Made by Fiocchi
  5. Fiocchi 38 Special Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 158 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $488.99

    2 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 730 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 187 ft lbs
    • 1000 Rounds
    • 48.9¢ per round
    • Made by Fiocchi
  6. PMC Bronze 38 Special Ammo - 50 Rounds of 132 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $24.99

    26 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 917 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 232 ft lbs
    • 50 Rounds
    • 50¢ per round
    • Made by PMC
  7. Speer Lawman 38 Special Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 125 Grain TMJ Ammunition

    $499.99

    12 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type TMJ
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 865 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 208 ft lbs
    • 1000 Rounds
    • 50¢ per round
    • Made by Speer
  8. Magtech 38 Special Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 158 Grain SJSP Ammunition

    $519.99

    8 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type SJSP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 755 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 200 ft lbs
    • 1000 Rounds
    • 52¢ per round
    • Made by Magtech
  9. Magtech 38 Special Ammo - 50 Rounds of 158 Grain SJSP Ammunition

    $26.99

    44 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type SJSP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 755 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 200 ft lbs
    • 50 Rounds
    • 54¢ per round
    • Made by Magtech
  10. Magtech 38 Special Ammo - 50 Rounds of 125 Grain LFN Ammunition

    $26.99

    49 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type LFN
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 919 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 234 ft lbs
    • 50 Rounds
    • 54¢ per round
    • Made by Magtech
  11. Magtech 38 Special Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 158 Grain SJHP Ammunition

    $539.99

    2 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type SJHP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 807 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 229 ft lbs
    • 1000 Rounds
    • 54¢ per round
    • Made by Magtech
  12. Sellier and Bellot 38 Special Ammo - 50 Rounds of 158 Grain LFN Ammunition

    $27.49

    30 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type LFN
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 800 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 225 ft lbs
  13. Magtech 38 Special +P Ammo - 50 Rounds of 125 Grain SJSP Ammunition

    $27.99

    28 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type SJSP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 938 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 244 ft lbs
    • 50 Rounds
    • 56¢ per round
    • Made by Magtech
  14. Magtech 38 Special +P Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 158 Grain SJHP Ammunition

    $569.99

    1 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type SJHP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 886 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 275 ft lbs
    • 1000 Rounds
    • 57¢ per round
    • Made by Magtech
  15. Remington 38 Special Ammo - 50 Rounds of 158 Grain LRN Ammunition

    $28.99

    18 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type LRN
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 755 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 200 ft lbs
  16. Magtech 38 Special Ammo - 50 Rounds of 158 Grain SJHP Ammunition

    $29.99

    15 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type SJHP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 807 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 229 ft lbs
    • 50 Rounds
    • 60¢ per round
    • Made by Magtech
  17. Magtech 38 Special +P Ammo - 50 Rounds of 158 Grain SJHP Ammunition

    $29.99

    10 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type SJHP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 886 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 275 ft lbs
    • 50 Rounds
    • 60¢ per round
    • Made by Magtech
  18. Magtech 38 Special +P Ammo - 50 Rounds of 125 Grain SJHP Ammunition

    $31.99

    14 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type SJHP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 938 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 244 ft lbs
    • 50 Rounds
    • 64¢ per round
    • Made by Magtech
  19. Winchester 38 Special Ammo - 50 Rounds of 125 Grain JSP Ammunition

    $39.99

    25 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type JSP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 775 FPS
  20. Black Hills Ammunition 38 Special Ammo - 50 Rounds of 158 Grain CNL Ammunition

    $43.99

    51 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type LFN
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 800 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 225 ft lbs
    • 50 Rounds
    • 88¢ per round
    • Made by Black Hills Ammunition
  21. Remington HTP 38 Special +P Ammo - 20 Rounds of 158 Grain LHP Ammunition

    $17.99

    48 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type LHP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 890 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 278 ft lbs
    • 20 Rounds
    • 89.9¢ per round
    • Made by Remington
  22. Winchester Super-X 38 Special Ammo - 500 Rounds of 148 Grain Wadcutter Ammunition

    $479.99

    5 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type LWC
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 710 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 166 ft lbs
  23. Winchester Super-X 38 Special Ammo - 50 Rounds of 148 Grain LWC Ammunition

    $49.99

    47 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type LWC
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 710 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 166 ft lbs
  24. Federal Punch 38 Special +P Ammo - 200 Rounds of 120 Grain JHP Ammunition

    $229.99

    8 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type JHP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 1000 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 266 ft lbs
    • 200 Rounds
    • $1.15 per round
    • Made by Federal
  25. Hornady 38 Special Ammo - 250 Rounds of 158 Grain JHP Ammunition

    $289.99

    14 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type XTP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 800 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 199 ft lbs
    • 250 Rounds
    • $1.16 per round
    • Made by Hornady
  26. Hornady 38 Special Ammo - 25 Rounds of 158 Grain XTP Ammunition

    $30.00

    25 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type XTP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 800 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 199 ft lbs
    • 25 Rounds
    • $1.2 per round
    • Made by Hornady
  27. Hornady 38 Special Ammo - 250 Rounds of 110 Grain JHP Ammunition

    $299.99

    6 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FTX
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 1010 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 249 ft lbs
    • 250 Rounds
    • $1.2 per round
    • Made by Hornady
  28. Hornady 38 Special +P Ammo - 25 Rounds of 110 Grain FTX Ammunition

    $30.99

    53 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FTX
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 1090 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 290 ft lbs
    • 25 Rounds
    • $1.24 per round
    • Made by Hornady
  29. Hornady 38 Special Ammo - 25 Rounds of 110 Grain FTX Ammunition

    $31.99

    50 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type FTX
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 1010 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 249 ft lbs
    • 25 Rounds
    • $1.28 per round
    • Made by Hornady
  30. Hornady Critical Defense Lite 38 Special Ammo - 25 Rounds of 90 Grain FTX Ammunition

    $32.99

    44 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type JHP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 1200 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 288 ft lbs
    • 25 Rounds
    • $1.32 per round
    • Made by Hornady

Overview of 38 Special Ammo

The 38 Special has been a cornerstone of American self-defense and revolver shooting for over 120 years, introduced in 1902 and still one of the most widely chambered handgun cartridges in production today. A rimmed, centerfire cartridge, the 38 Special is most often chambered in revolvers, but carbines and a handful of semi-automatic pistols have also been built for the round.

The 38 Special goes by several other names, including the 38 Smith and Wesson Special, the 38 Colt Special, 9x29.5mmR, and 9.1x29mmR. In its standard loading, the 38 Special weighs 158 grain (gr), has a total cartridge length of 1.455 inches, and travels at roughly 755 feet per second (fps). +P loadings push velocity and energy higher for self-defense use, while wadcutter and target loads run lighter and softer for match work and practice.

Many revolver shooters eventually move from 38 Special to 357 Magnum for added power and versatility. The 357 Magnum was developed directly from the 38 Special case, and any 357 Magnum revolver will safely chamber and fire 38 Special ammo, which makes the 38 Special a popular practice load for 357 owners.

What are the most popular 38 Special brands you sell?

For extended range sessions and training, browse our 250 rounds of 38 Special ammo for bulk purchasing options, or step up to the 1000-round case for the best price per round.

How does the 38 Special Compare to Other Calibers?

Comparison Recoil Pros Cons
38 Special vs. 357 Magnum Higher Significantly more power and velocity, better for hunting Much higher recoil, more expensive ammunition
38 Special vs. 9mm Similar Higher capacity in semi-auto pistols, faster reloads Requires semi-auto maintenance, potential feed issues
38 Special vs. 380 ACP Lower Better energy and penetration, proven stopping power Lower capacity (revolver), more recoil than 380
38 Special vs. 38 S&W Lower More powerful and versatile, better ballistics Higher recoil than 38 S&W, not compatible with older firearms

Best 38 Special Ammo for Specific Use Cases

Use Case Winners
Best 38 Special for Self-Defense Best Overall: Hornady Critical Defense 38 Special +P 110gr JHP
Runner-Up: Speer 38 Special +P 125gr JHP
Best 38 Special for Snubbies Best Overall: Hornady Critical Defense 38 Special +P 110gr JHP
Runner-Up: Blazer 38 Special 125 Grain FMJ
Best 38 Special for Target Practice Best Overall: Ammo Inc 125gr TMJ
Runner-Up: Fiocchi 38 Special 130gr FMJ
Molly Carter
Written by
Molly Carter

Customer Reviews

  • Rick said:

    Large quantity arrived intact, price allows more frequent practice, thus maintaining proficiency. First box had one F to F. Second primer strike solved that. 25 rounds remain in first box for 4% error rate to date.

  • titanium194333 said:

    Will make further purchases --soon ---need 12 ga. ammo

  • Tyler said:

    And had light primer strikes like every ten rounds or so.

  • Chicago John 27 said:

    Just needed small amount to test fire a gun. Worked out very well.

  • Bcino said:

    Bought for my 357magnum… perfect

  • Bcino said:

    Pricing was fair this brand, less recoil for my 608 357 magnum revolver

  • Bcino said:

    FAIR price &+p is what I wanted for my 357 8rnd revolver for less recoil performance is fairly on point it’s decent ammunition that I will purchase again

  • Deead Eye Duff said:

    You need to check out, Ammo.com. You will not find a better price on hi quality ammo, anywhere. My friends and I in Texas, all stock up, with Ammo com. Keep 'em all in the 10 range. I even bought my wife .357 Ammo there!

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  • Bobby said:

    Will from u guys again great customer service

  • Tomcat said:

    I was looking for something to shoot that didn't cost me an arm and a leg. There were no 9mm or 22LR available so I bought these 38SPL rounds. They performed quite well and allowed me to shoot my old model 6. 4" heavy barrel S&W. Over all I am happy with the results.

  • Big Jake said:

    These are go to rounds for home. I love it , they wont.

  • Snuffy said:

    This amo is sharp, quick and no problem.