38 Special Ammo

The most widely used revolver cartridge in the world is surely .38 Special ammo, a balanced caliber that offers solid all-around performance for target shooting and self-defense. While the traditional .38 Special load typically fires a 158 grain lead bullet at a relatively low velocity, modern self-defense ammo often opts for a lighter 110-130 grain projectile and a higher velocity approaching 1,000 feet per second. This is due to the nature of jacketed hollow point bullets, which expand more reliably at higher velocities. .38 Special cartridges can be fired in .357 Magnum revolvers, making them an excellent low-cost, low-recoil alternative choice for owners of such firearms.

.38 Special handguns are often used for concealed carry. Additionally, an LEO who is typically issued a semi-automatic pistol may choose to also carry a compact backup gun so he can perform a "New York Reload"--a quick switch from an empty primary weapon to a fully loaded secondary weapon. The .38 Special is a common caliber for this purpose.

While not historically accurate to the "Wild West" period, the .38 lends itself well to action shooting. Cowboy loads in .38 Special use bare lead in order to play nice with steel targets; they're also lighter-shooting than typical range ammo in order to help the user make fast, accurate shots without regard to stopping power.

You'll find 38 special ammunition frequently in-stock from CCI, Magtech, Federal, Winchester and other great brands here at Widener's. You can see all our available rounds for sale below.

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  1. Black Hills Cowboy Action 38 Special 158 Grain CNL – 50 Rounds

    $43.85

    In stock

    Product Type Ammo
    Manufacturer Black Hills Ammunition
    Condition New
    Bullet Weight 158 Grain
    Bullet Type Lead Flat Nose
    Use Type plinking at the range, Subsonic
    Casing Type Brass
    Quantity 50
    Ammo Caliber 38 Special
    Manufacturer SKU DCB38N1
    Primer Type Boxer
    Magnetic No
    UPC Barcode 612710107018
    Cost Per Round 87.7¢ per round
    An excellent choice if you're in search of a great 38 Special round for plinking at the range, Subsonic. This New Black Hills Ammunition ammo comes loaded with a 158 Grain Lead Flat Nose along with a Boxer primer that's loaded in a Brass case. With this package, you'll receive 50 rounds ready to fire. Plus, you know it'll come fast from our warehouse to your door because we know shooting ammo is a lot more fun than looking at it online or waiting on delivery!
  2. Winchester Super-X 38 Special 148 Grain Wadcutter – 500 Rounds

    $449.85

    In stock

    Product Type Ammo
    Manufacturer Winchester
    Condition New
    Bullet Weight 148 Grain
    Bullet Type Lead Wadcutter
    Use Type match or precision shooting, plinking at the range, Subsonic
    Casing Type Brass
    Quantity 500
    Ammo Caliber 38 Special
    Manufacturer SKU X38SMRP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Magnetic No
    UPC Barcode 40020892201369
    Cost Per Round 90¢ per round
    Do you want 5,000 rounds of high-quality 38 Special target and competition ammo? Perfect! Just order 10 cases of Winchester Super-X Super Match! And if you don’t want quite that much, then we’re just as happy to ship a single case to your doorstep.

    When you’re going hard on paper and cardboard with a thirty-eight, you really want a 148 grain lead hollow base wadcutter loaded to a muzzle velocity of 710 fps. That’s a low and slow muzzle velocity for a bullet of that weight, which means you’ll be looking at less felt recoil, less muzzle flip, and an easier time landing your follow-up shots precisely where you want them. The wadcutter’s base is slightly hollowed out, kind of like a champagne bottle’s. The hollow base promotes more accurate performance by helping the bullet align more closely with the bore axis, as well as by improving the bullet’s aerodynamic stability.

    All of that overlooks the best part of a wadcutter’s performance: the clean hole it chops through its target! If you’re sick of the way round nose bullets tear up tight groups, then the wadcutter is here to make you feel all better.

    Made in America. Brand new brass cases, which are reloadable. A great low-recoil, high-accuracy option for 357 Mag firearms as well!
  3. Black Hills 38 Special 148 Grain HBWC – 50 Rounds

    $47.85

    In stock

    Product Type Ammo
    Manufacturer Black Hills Ammunition
    Condition New
    Bullet Weight 148 Grain
    Bullet Type Hollow Back Wadcutter (HBWC)
    Use Type plinking at the range, Subsonic
    Casing Type Brass
    Quantity 50
    Ammo Caliber 38 Special
    Manufacturer SKU D38N3
    Primer Type Boxer
    Magnetic No
    UPC Barcode 612710124428
    Cost Per Round 95.7¢ per round

    Invented in 1898 by Smith and Wesson, the .38 Special has been incredibly popular since its debut. Used throughout both World Wars as well as by law enforcement agencies and civilians all around the globe for over a century, the .38 Special is just the proven round you need for all your range training self defense needs. With its efficacy, low recoil, and dependability, you have everything you need.

    Black Hills is just the company you want to buy from if you are looking for accurate and reliable ammo. For years, Black Hills has supplied every branch of the United States Military with the match grade ammunition they need. These hollow back wadcutter, 148 grain, brass cased, boxer primed rounds fire at 700 feet per second with supreme accuracy and make fantastic round holes in the target to make scoring a piece of cake. These rounds are just what you need for all your range training escapades, helping you be the best you can be.

  4. Winchester Super Match Super-X 38 Special 148 Grain Wadcutter – 50 Rounds

    $49.85

    In stock

    Product Type Ammo
    Manufacturer Winchester
    Condition New
    Bullet Weight 148 Grain
    Bullet Type Lead Wadcutter
    Use Type match or precision shooting, plinking at the range, Subsonic
    Casing Type Brass
    Quantity 50
    Ammo Caliber 38 Special
    Manufacturer SKU X38SMRP
    Primer Type Boxer
    Magnetic No
    UPC Barcode 20892201361
    Cost Per Round 99.7¢ per round
    This is a great round for match or precision shooting, plinking at the range, Subsonic. From Winchester, this 38 Special ammunition is New with a Lead Wadcutter 148 Grain bullet. You'll get 50 rounds of Brass cased ammo that's ready for your next trip out to shoot. Like every round for sale, we stand behind this ammo and have your back so rest assured you're not only getting a good deal, you're getting the peace of mind that comes along with a trusted supplier.
  5. Hornady Critical Defense 38 Special +P 110 Grain FTX – 250 Rounds

    $289.85

    In stock

    Product Type Ammo
    Manufacturer Hornady
    Condition New
    Bullet Weight 110 Grain
    Bullet Type Flex-Tip-Technology (FTX)
    Use Type home defense, Subsonic
    Casing Type Brass
    Quantity 250
    Ammo Caliber 38 Special
    Manufacturer SKU 90311
    Primer Type Boxer
    Magnetic No
    UPC Barcode 10090255903116
    Cost Per Round $1.16 per round

    A good revolver loaded with Hornady Critical Defense ammo is a trustworthy companion for self-defense. These .38 Special +P cartridges fire Flex Tip (FTX) jacketed hollow point bullets with a soft polymer insert that ensures debris will not clog the tip and prevent the petals from expanding. This ammo can be safely used in .357 Magnum revolvers.

    Each round in this case of 250 fires a 110 grain version of the FTX at a muzzle velocity of 1,090 feet per second. This configuration results in strong expansion along with above-average recoil for this caliber--nothing that can't be overcome with proper training for most shooters!

    Hornady Critical Defense ammunition uses durable reloadable brass cases and non-corrosive Boxer primers. It is made at Hornady's headquarters in Grand Island, Nebraska.

  6. Hornady 38 Special 158 Grain XTP JHP – 250 Rounds

    $289.85

    In stock

    Product Type Ammo
    Manufacturer Hornady
    Condition New
    Bullet Weight 158 Grain
    Bullet Type XTP
    Use Type home defense, Subsonic
    Casing Type Brass
    Quantity 250
    Ammo Caliber 38 Special
    Manufacturer SKU 90362
    Primer Type Boxer
    Magnetic No
    UPC Barcode 10090255903628
    Cost Per Round $1.16 per round

    This easy to use .38 Special ammunition from Hornady delivers good performance in compact concealed carry and full-size handguns alike.

    Each cartridge in this 250-round case propels a 158 grain XTP jacketed hollow point bullet to a muzzle velocity of 800 feet per second. The XTP is a renowned design with a proven record of self-defense success due to its good expansion potential and high penetration.

    Hornady ammo is made in Grand Island, Nebraska using non-corrosive primers and reloadable brass cases.

  7. Hornady Critical Defense Lite 38 Special 90 Grain FTX – 250 Rounds

    $294.85

    In stock

    Product Type Ammo
    Manufacturer Hornady
    Condition New
    Bullet Weight 90 Grain
    Bullet Type Jacketed Hollow-Point (JHP)
    Use Type home defense
    Casing Type Nickel-Plated Brass
    Quantity 250
    Ammo Caliber 38 Special
    Manufacturer SKU 90300
    Primer Type Boxer
    Magnetic No
    UPC Barcode 10090255903000
    Cost Per Round $1.18 per round

    Looking for a low recoil .38 Special load that still packs a serious punch? Try these cartridges from Hornady's Critical Defense Lite series.

    This ammunition features the Flex Tip (FTX) jacketed hollow point bullet, which has a soft polymer insert in the expansion cavity to keep debris out and ensure that the petals unfold smoothly. Each round in this case of 250 fires a light 90 grain version of the FTX at a high muzzle velocity of 1,200 feet per second.

    Critical Defense Lite ammo uses a variety of high-end components such as durable nickel-plated brass, low-flash propellants, and reliable non-corrosive primers.

  8. Hornady Critical Defense 38 Special 110 Grain FTX – 250 Rounds

    $299.85

    In stock

    Product Type Ammo
    Manufacturer Hornady
    Condition New
    Bullet Weight 110 Grain
    Bullet Type Flex-Tip-Technology (FTX)
    Use Type home defense, Subsonic
    Casing Type Brass
    Quantity 250
    Ammo Caliber 38 Special
    Manufacturer SKU 90310
    Primer Type Boxer
    Magnetic No
    UPC Barcode 10090255903109
    Cost Per Round $1.2 per round

    If you're looking for a dependable carry load for your .38 SPL or .357 Magnum revolver, try Hornady Critical Defense ammunition. These .38 Special cartridges come in a case of 250 that allows for familiarization at the range as well as concealed carry.

    Each round fires a light 110 grain Flex Tip (FTX) jacketed hollow point bullet at 1,010 feet per second. The Flex Tip is named for the soft polymer insert that sits at the tip of the bullet and keeps clothing, glass fragments, and other debris from interfering with the expansion cavity. Compared to other .38 loads, this ammo fires a light projectile at a high muzzle velocity and produces high diameter expansion.

    Hornady Critical Defense ammo is made in the USA using non-corrosive primers and brass cases.

  9. Hornady Critical Defense 38 Special +P 110 Grain FTX – 25 Rounds

    $30.85

    In stock

    Product Type Ammo
    Manufacturer Hornady
    Condition New
    Bullet Weight 110 Grain
    Bullet Type Flex-Tip-Technology (FTX)
    Use Type home defense, Subsonic
    Casing Type Brass
    Quantity 25
    Ammo Caliber 38 Special
    Manufacturer SKU 90311
    Primer Type Boxer
    Magnetic No
    UPC Barcode 90255903119
    Cost Per Round $1.23 per round

    Get the accuracy, power, and terminal ballistics you need for your self defense cartridges by ordering this 25-round box of .38 Special +P ammunition. You’ll have cartridges that carry a powerful and intelligently-engineered 110-grain bullet that uses Hondardy’s FTX Critical Defense design. These bullets are your top choice for protecting your home, yourself, and your loved ones.

    These FTX Critical Defense cartridges have premium low flash propellants for increased visibility in low light situations. The are clean burning and feed reliably from the magazine to the chamber.

    Hornady is one of the leading names in ammunition, creating a wide range of products for target shooting, hunting, and self defense. They are based out of Nebraska and have a reputation for quality, accuracy, and consistency.

  10. Hornady 38 Special 90 Grain FTX Critical Defense Lite FTX - 25 Rounds

    $30.85

    In stock

    Product Type Ammo
    Manufacturer Hornady
    Condition New
    Bullet Weight 90 Grain
    Bullet Type Jacketed Hollow-Point (JHP)
    Use Type home defense
    Casing Type Nickel-Plated Brass
    Quantity 25
    Ammo Caliber 38 Special
    Manufacturer SKU 90300
    Primer Type Boxer
    Magnetic No
    UPC Barcode 90255903003
    Cost Per Round $1.23 per round

    Are you looking for a highly-effective 38 special ammunition that you can use for your personal protection? If you own a handgun that takes .38 Special ammo, order this 25-round box of nickel-plated rounds from Hornady and you’ll have the accuracy, precision, and power you need for self defense situations. Critical Defense cartridges from Hornady are designed specifically for home defense, giving you reduced recoil, minimal flash, and excellent terminal performance.

    The 90-grain bullet has a hollow tip that delivers controlled expansion. With a muzzle velocity of 1,200 feet per second and a muzzle energy of 288 foot pounds, these cartridges offer plenty of stopping power. They are excellent for small, lightweight revolvers thanks to the reduced recoil.

    No matter what your reason for owning a firearm, you can turn to Hornady for all of your ammunition needs. From protecting yourself and your loved ones to placing effective long-range hunting shots, Hornady has a full selection of reliable cartridges.

  11. Federal Hydra-Shok 38 Special 110 Grain JHP - 20 Rounds

    $26.85

    In stock

    Product Type Ammo
    Manufacturer Federal
    Condition New
    Bullet Weight 110 Grain
    Bullet Type Jacketed Hollow-Point (JHP)
    Use Type home defense, Subsonic
    Casing Type Nickel-Plated Brass
    Quantity 20
    Ammo Caliber 38 Special
    Manufacturer SKU PD38HS3 H
    Primer Type Boxer
    Magnetic No
    UPC Barcode 29465092030
    Cost Per Round $1.34 per round

    Compact revolvers are highly concealable and extremely reliable, but not exactly known for being fun or easy to shoot. Federal Hydra-Shok .38 Special ammunition in this low recoil configuration makes your task easier on both fronts!

    Each round in this box of 20 fires a 110 grain Hydra-Shok jacketed hollow point bullet at 980 feet per second. This results in strong expansion potential and good but not excessive penetration--all with a fairly light kick.

    Federal Hydra-Shok defensive cartridges are loaded in Anoka, Minnesota using non-corrosive Boxer primers and brass cases. As this ammo is meant to be carried more often than it is shot, the cases have corrosion-resistant nickel platings that enhance overall durability.

  12. Federal 38 Special +P 129 Grain Premium Personal Defense JHP - 20 Rounds

    $27.85

    In stock

    Product Type Ammo
    Manufacturer Federal
    Condition New
    Bullet Weight 129 Grain
    Bullet Type Hollow-Point (HP)
    Use Type home defense, Subsonic
    Casing Type Nickel-Plated Brass
    Quantity 20
    Ammo Caliber 38 Special
    Manufacturer SKU P38HS1
    Primer Type Boxer
    Magnetic No
    UPC Barcode 29465088323
    Cost Per Round $1.39 per round

    If you have a handgun that is capable of firing the .38 Special +P cartridge, you can get outstanding rounds for your personal defense with this 20-round box from Federal. These cartridges are loaded with a 129-grain Hydra-Shock jacketed hollow point bullets that delivers the power, precision, and consistency you need in self-defense situations.

    The jacketed hollow point in these cartridges will come out of the barrel with an initial velocity of 950 feet per second and an energy of 258 foot pounds. The unique center-post design in the bullets will give it controlled expansion with reliable penetration. These are the cartridges you need for outstanding performance in your self-defense handgun.

    Federal Premium Ammunition is a leader in the ammo industry. Based out of Minnesota, this company has been serving the needs of American gun owners since 1922. With a full selection of handgun and rifle cartridges, as well as shotgun rounds, they are a popular choice for hunters and target shooters.

  13. Winchester Defender 38 Special +P 130 Grain JHP – 200 Rounds

    $289.85

    In stock

    Product Type Ammo
    Manufacturer Winchester
    Condition New
    Bullet Weight 130 Grain
    Bullet Type Jacketed Hollow-Point (JHP)
    Use Type home defense, Subsonic
    Casing Type Nickel-Plated Brass
    Quantity 200
    Ammo Caliber 38 Special
    Manufacturer SKU S38PDB
    Primer Type Boxer
    Magnetic No
    UPC Barcode 50020892217923
    Cost Per Round $1.45 per round
    It’s never a bad time to upgrade your 38 Special ammo. Whether you’re looking for more power, more reliable terminal ballistics – or both – then Winchester Defender has you covered front and back.

    This is overpressure ammunition. Whereas standard pressure 38 Spl has a max chamber pressure of 17,000 psi, a 38 Spl +P has chamber pressure of around 20,000 psi. That’s why this 130 grain load’s muzzle energy is 260 ft lbs instead of 230. That’s also why you must not fire this ammo in a revolver that isn’t specifically designed for it.

    It gets even better. This cartridge’s jacketed hollow point projectile has a bonded jacket. That means its lead core and notched copper jacket are welded together, which prevents the two components from separating from one another during and following impact. A bonded bullet retains more momentum, which serves to prevent overly shallow penetration of the threat.

    Yoru revolver’s chamber should easily spit out these rounds’ low-friction nickel-plated brass cases. Nickel keeps the brass from corroding as well!
  14. Winchester Supreme Elite +P 38 Special 130 Grain JHP – 20 Rounds

    $29.85

    In stock

    Product Type Ammo
    Manufacturer Winchester
    Condition New
    Bullet Weight 130 Grain
    Bullet Type Jacketed Hollow-Point (JHP)
    Use Type home defense, Subsonic
    Casing Type Nickel-Plated Brass
    Quantity 20
    Ammo Caliber 38 Special
    Manufacturer SKU S38PDB
    Primer Type Boxer
    Magnetic No
    UPC Barcode 20892217911
    Cost Per Round $1.49 per round

    This .38 Special ammunition from Winchester's PDX1 series updates a classic cartridge to modern self defense standards. With a bonded core bullet that won't separate and lose its effectiveness on striking an assailant, this ammo delivers assured performance in defensive emergencies. As with other .38 Special ammo, these rounds can be used safely and effectively in .357 Magnum revolvers.

    These cartridges use a +P powder charge to drive a 130 grain jacketed hollow point bullet to a muzzle velocity of 950 feet per second. This combination of a medium weight bullet fired at a relatively high velocity for the caliber produces excellent expansion potential and stopping power; however, felt recoil will be greater than that of standard pressure loads. Needless to say, this ammo should only be used in revolvers capable of handling such high pressure loads.

    Winchester ammo is loaded in Oxford, Mississippi using non corrosive Boxer primers and reloadable brass.

51 - 64 of 64 products