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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. Speer Lawman 38 Special Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 158 Grain TMJ Ammunition

    $419.99

    $399.99

    58 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 850 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 253 ft lbs
    • 1000 Rounds
    • 40¢ per round
    • Made by Speer
  2. Magtech 38 Special Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 158 Grain LRN Ammunition

    $414.99

    53 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
    • 41.5¢ per round
    • Made by Magtech
  3. Sellier and Bellot 38 Special Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 158 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $419.99

    24 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 889 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 278 ft lbs
  4. Federal Champion 38 Special Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 130 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $449.99

    31 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 890 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 229 ft lbs
    • 1000 Rounds
    • 45¢ per round
    • Made by Federal
  5. Magtech 38 Special Ammo - 50 Rounds of 158 Grain LRN Ammunition

    $22.99

    75 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
    • 50 Rounds
    • 46¢ per round
    • Made by Magtech
  6. Speer CleanFire 38 Special Ammo - 50 Rounds of 158 Grain TMJ Ammunition

    $22.99

    51 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 850 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 253 ft lbs
    • 50 Rounds
    • 46¢ per round
    • Made by Speer
  7. Sellier and Bellot 38 Special Ammo - 50 Rounds of 158 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $24.99

    5 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 889 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 278 ft lbs
  8. Federal Champion 38 Special Ammo - 50 Rounds of 130 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $24.99

    40 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 890 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 229 ft lbs
    • 50 Rounds
    • 50¢ per round
    • Made by Federal
  9. Prvi Partizan 38 Special Ammo - 50 Rounds of 130 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $25.49

    45 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 1017 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 299 ft lbs
  10. Fiocchi 38 Special Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 158 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $512.99

    1 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
    • 51.3¢ per round
    • Made by Fiocchi
  11. Federal 38 Special Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 130 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $519.99

    8 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 890 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 229 ft lbs
    • 1000 Rounds
    • 52¢ per round
    • Made by Federal
  12. Remington 38 Special Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 130 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $519.99

    16 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 790 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 180 ft lbs
    • 1000 Rounds
    • 52¢ per round
    • Made by Remington
  13. Remington 38 Special Ammo - 250 Rounds of 130 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $134.99

    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 790 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 173 ft lbs
    • 250 Rounds
    • 54¢ per round
    • Made by Remington
  14. Sellier and Bellot 38 Special Ammo - 50 Rounds of 158 Grain LFN Ammunition

    $27.49

    4 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
  15. Remington UMC 38 Special Ammo - 300 Rounds of 130 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $164.99

    12 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 800 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 185 ft lbs
    • 300 Rounds
    • 55¢ per round
    • Made by Remington
  16. Federal 38 Special Ammo - 50 Rounds of 130 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $27.99

    50 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 890 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 229 ft lbs
    • 50 Rounds
    • 56¢ per round
    • Made by Federal
  17. Magtech 38 Special Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 158 Grain SJHP Ammunition

    $559.99

    3 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
    • 56¢ per round
    • Made by Magtech
  18. Winchester 38 Special Ammo - 500 Rounds of 130 Grain FMJ Ammunition

    $289.99

    5 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 800 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 185 ft lbs
  19. Magtech 38 Special +P Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 158 Grain SJHP Ammunition

    $589.99

    4 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
    • 59¢ per round
    • Made by Magtech
  20. Magtech 38 Special Ammo - 50 Rounds of 158 Grain SJHP Ammunition

    $29.99

    51 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
  21. Federal 38 Special Ammo - 1000 Rounds of 158 Grain LRN Ammunition

    $599.99

    3 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 770 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 208 ft lbs
    • 1000 Rounds
    • 60¢ per round
    • Made by Federal
  22. Federal 38 Special Ammo - 50 Rounds of 158 Grain LRN Ammunition

    $31.99

    40 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 770 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 208 ft lbs
    • 50 Rounds
    • 64¢ per round
    • Made by Federal
  23. Federal Train + Protect 38 Special Ammo - 500 Rounds of 158 Grain LSWCHP Ammunition

    $324.99

    17 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type LSWCHP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 830 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 242 ft lbs
    • 500 Rounds
    • 65¢ per round
    • Made by Federal
  24. Magtech 38 Special +P Ammo - 50 Rounds of 158 Grain SJHP Ammunition

    $32.99

    24 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
    • 66¢ per round
    • Made by Magtech
  25. Remington Performance WheelGun 38 Special Ammo - 50 Rounds of 158 Grain LRN Ammunition

    $35.50

    30 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 158 ft lbs
    • 50 Rounds
    • 71¢ per round
    • Made by Remington
  26. Black Hills Ammunition 38 Special Ammo - 50 Rounds of 158 Grain CNL Ammunition

    $43.99

    18 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
  27. Hornady Critical Defense Lite 38 Special Ammo - 25 Rounds of 90 Grain FTX Ammunition

    $32.99

    45 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
  28. Underwood 38 Special Ammo - 20 Rounds of 158 Grain LSWHPGC Ammunition

    $29.99

    37 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type LSWCHP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Nickel-Plated Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 980 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 337 ft lbs
    • 20 Rounds
    • $1.5 per round
    • Made by Underwood
  29. Federal Hydra-Shok Deep 38 Special +P Ammo - 20 Rounds of 130 Grain JHP Ammunition

    $31.99

    11 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type JHP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Nickel-Plated Brass
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 900 FPS
    Muzzle Energy 234 ft lbs
    • 20 Rounds
    • $1.6 per round
    • Made by Federal
  30. CCI Pest Control Shotshell 38 Special Ammo - 10 Rounds of 80 Grain #8 Bismuth Shot Ammunition

    $22.49

    17 In stock now

    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +10
    Bullet type #8 Shot
    Shot Material Bismuth
    Primer Type Boxer
    Casing Type Aluminum
    Condition New
    Muzzle Velocity 1100 FPS
    • 10 Rounds
    • $2.25 per round
    • Made by CCI

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.

The 38 Special is frequently mixed up with the 38 Super, which is a high-pressure semi-automatic cartridge rather than a revolver round. Our 38 Super vs. 38 Special comparison lays out the differences.

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

Our 38 Special ballistics charts put those same matchups side by side on velocity, energy and bullet drop, load by load.

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

  • Gary said:

    All I have to say is the ammo is crap. It does not eject from the gun, and they swell up and jam the gun. It cost $75 to unjam the gun.

  • BIS said:

    I had a 3% dud rate. Recoil for a .38 special is very heavy. Many times i had to use a tool to knock the used rounds out of the cylinder. I used this ammo at my outdoor range since the indoor range would not let me use steel case ammo. I dont know why. I am a loyal ammo.com customer and this was the first time i had any issues. All other purchases have been of excellent quality

  • Josh said:

    I went to the range and used this first thing with a cleaned Ruger sp101. Shot one chamber of 5 and all of the rounds where stuck and I had to smack the ejector rod just to get them a little bit up. It took a bit of effort getting them out and one I wasn't sure was going to come out. I then shot 100 rounds of various brands in both .38 and .357 mag with no problems. I have shot hundreds of rounds through this gun ( multiple brands ) and never have had a problem . They had all been brass cased but I thought I would try these for the price. Not worth it if I have to pry them out.

  • Festus said:

    No problems at all.

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  • Rich said:

    I think if you are looking for great deals then don't look any farther.

  • Bcino said:

    Wanted for my 357 magnum.. perfect

  • Donald said:

    We used 1 box on re-active targets and were greatly impressed. They really smack hard!

  • Gene said:

    They come in a convenient bag. They all fire when the trigger is pull. I see no variation in the ballistics,

  • td said:

    good for the price

  • Bill said:

    Purchased rounds for girlfriend, though she hasnt fired any yet they seem like quality target rounds. And all ''100'' where accounted for.

  • rothbaby said:

    I plink'd about 100 rds so far and I am very pleased. This stuff shoots great.

  • Tim said:

    This is my first online ammo purchase. The service was great, and I think it is a good value. My revolver is a little fussy with dirty ammo and this is my only complaint. It shoots fine, and for the price, I'll get over it.

  • Dan said:

    I have fired 175 rounds and I have had 3 misloads due to cracks in the bullet case. On one round I had to disassemble the lever gun to dislodge the bullet. I will be looking very closely at the remaining rounds and not buying from your group in the futu

  • Bruce S said:

    quality is ok but usually i experience no duds

  • Scott said:

    Not impressed with this being a Winchester product. Out of 15 shells,2 were duds . Not a good track record.

  • Eli said:

    This was my first purchase from Ammo.com, but it will not be my last.

  • pissed off ohio said:

    this ammo sucked and i bout 500 rnds.

  • Reid said:

    Shot 50 rounds of the 1000 I purchased. Weapon was a new Ruger ACR. Every spent round was difficult to remove from the cylinder; I had to remove one spent casing with a screwdriver. I put an an equal number of brass ammo through the gun with no problem expelling the ammo.

  • BOBBER said:

    I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEM WITH THE 150 ROUNDS I HAVE SHOT

  • Bernice said:

    Ditto above review. I will order again when more is needed. Thanks

  • Farmer said:

    I have been shooting this in my air weight Smith and Wesson. Very accurate. Good quality. I will buy more.

  • eric said:

    Effective with power similar to 357 round. I'm purchasing again

  • EARL said:

    Great ammo, great price, had a no problem shoot.

  • home defender said:

    this ammo shoots so smooth out my 3-inch model 36 Smith and Wesson that it allows my wife to group the shots very tight with a very slight muzzle flip at 40 feet. If I am not home, my wife can pick up the revolver and point and shoot without worrying about safety's, slides, magazines, clip in or out etc. - as she would have a lot of other things to think about in a pressure situation including threat assessment and visual target identification

  • Nitemare said:

    Bought this Magtech ammo for my son's 38 special revoler. Turned out to be very good ammo. Clean and accurate.

  • Johnny said:

    Great ammo for target practice.

  • Old_Dude said:

    This was my first order from Ammo.com and I was not disappointed. The 1000 rounds came packaged securely, was reasonably priced and arrived on time. I use these as range ammo in my 3 revolvers; S & W 686-6 357 mag, S & W Airweight 38 snub nose and my Ruger LCR 38 snub nose.They work and that's all I can ask. They perform well, and are fine for an indoor range with good ventilation. I will use these again. I also use Hornady Critical Defense 110 gr JHP in the 38s at home and Winchester in my 686 at home for self defense if needed.

  • sailormanNH said:

    I've shot approx 2,000 rounds no failures. Good cheap rang ammo a little dirty not excessive.

  • mike116m1a1 said:

    bought 50 rounds to run through my ruger cmdr no issues loading or cycling for practice on paper,plates and pins so came back and ordered 500 more rounds

  • ed said:

    fully satisfied, good value, good price

  • Johnny-Boy said:

    Worked great and shot straight.

  • Tyler said:

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

  • David said:

    Approximately every one in six rounds has a primer issue and will not fire when used in a Smith and Wesson Model 10

  • STABE said:

    good all around

  • Nancy said:

    The bullets provided a lot of smoke, which might be ok for an outdoor range, but not so appealing inside. I didn't see anything to suggest they would be this way, and i'm not very happy about it.

  • 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

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  • Bruce said:

    The ammunition had a 4% dud rate. And produced more than an expected emission of black powder residue

  • Mike493 said:

    Looked at several sites before finding the ammo purchased

  • Gene said:

    They all went "bang!"

  • Chuck said:

    I will definitely buy this again...................

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  • John said:

    Speer makes great ammo. Unfortunately, with supply so low, prices are high. But, you better have good ammo on hand. This is good!!!!

  • John said:

    Speer makes great ammo. Unfortunately, with supply so low, prices are high. But, you better have good ammo on hand. This is good!!!!

  • Spudman said:

    Great Service and Quick Shipping No Better Way to Buy

  • Robert said:

    Bought 1000 of these to teach myself how to shoot a snub nose Smith & Wesson. Gone through more than half. Each kicks the same. No miss fires. Come out of the cylinder easily. Will buy them again to keep in practice.

  • Woody Strode said:

    What can I say? It's Federal. Never fails, clean burning, consistent shot after shot. My first choice for factory new ammo.

  • Frank said:

    Worked like it should it went in the gun. it came out of the gun . so it worked just fine.