.38 Special for Sale

The .38 Special remains the most popular centerfire revolver cartridge ever made. Its remarkable legacy spans 124 years since Smith & Wesson designed it in 1899 for the US military. The iconic cartridge emerged as a solution to the .38 Long Colt’s poor performance.

A .38 Special is a versatile .357-caliber cartridge that delivers mild recoil and excellent accuracy. American police forces made it their standard round until semi-automatic pistols gained widespread adoption in recent decades. Many shooters now choose the .38 Special as a reliable self-defense option, particularly because it works in .357 Magnum revolvers.

The classic American cartridge’s story stretches from its black powder roots to today’s modern defensive loads. Manufacturers have produced millions of .38 Special revolvers throughout its storied history. This enduring popularity shows why the cartridge continues to captivate shooters and enthusiasts alike.

The Birth of the .38 Special Cartridge in 1898

The year 1898 marked a new era in American ammunition history with the creation of what would become one of the most enduring handgun cartridges that ever spread. The .38 Special came from a critical military need and shaped the future of revolvers for more than a century.

Smith & Wesson’s Response to .38 Long Colt Failures

American soldiers made a troubling discovery about their service revolvers during the Philippine-American War (1899-1902). The standard-issue .38 Long Colt cartridge showed alarming ineffectiveness against charging Moro warriors. Multiple shots often failed to stop a single attacker. The military urgently needed a more powerful cartridge.

Smith & Wesson saw this chance and started developing a solution. Some sources wrongly credit the military for the .38 Special’s creation, but Smith & Wesson designed the cartridge in 1898. The Smith & Wesson Military and Police (M&P) model, also known as the Model 1899, became the first revolvers chambered for this new round. Shipping began in 1900.

The company improved their solid-frame revolver design first. Smith & Wesson had been developing their “Hand Ejector” revolver since 1894. They turned this design into what became known as the K-frame in 1899, specifically to fit their new, more powerful cartridge.

Original Black Powder Specifications

The original .38 Special cartridge brought most important ballistic improvements over its predecessor. The .38 Long Colt used 18 grains of black powder behind a 150-grain bullet. The new .38 Special contained at least 21 grains of black powder—3 grains more powder—pushing a slightly heavier 158-grain lead round-nose bullet.

This extra powder charge led to real performance gains. The .38 Special generated 100-150 feet per second more velocity than the Long Colt. The original black powder load reached approximately 775 feet per second from a 6-inch barrel. Some period tests recorded velocities up to 860 fps.

Sources cite slightly different powder charges for the original loading:

• 21 grains of black powder as the standard factory load
• 20.6 grains of FFFg black powder according to Sharpe’s Complete Guide To Handloading (1937)
• 19 grains of FFFg in some tests

The “.38” designation might suggest compatibility with earlier cartridges like the .38 Long Colt and .38 S&W, but these rounds have different dimensional specifications and won’t work interchangeably. The .38 Special case measures 1.155 inches long, compared to the .38 Long Colt’s 1.031 inches.

Transition to Smokeless Powder

The .38 Special started in the black powder era, but its switch to smokeless powder happened quickly. Manufacturers started offering smokeless powder loadings within about one year of its introduction. This quick progress helped establish the .38 Special as a bridge between ammunition technologies.

The standard smokeless powder load combined 3.6 grains of Bullseye powder with the same 158-grain lead bullet. These early smokeless loads hit velocities of about 860 feet per second at pressures around 15,000 psi—noticeably higher than black powder versions.

This smooth transition between propellant technologies in part explains the .38 Special’s remarkable longevity. Many black powder cartridges became obsolete when smokeless powder arrived, but the .38 Special adapted perfectly to the new technology.

Colt saw the growing popularity of Smith & Wesson’s design and welcomed the new cartridge. They created their own version with a modified bullet shape, marketing it as the “.38 Colt Special”. All the same, the .38 Special had effectively replaced the .38 Long Colt as the preferred chambering for medium-sized revolvers by the end of the first decade of the 20th century.

Technical Anatomy of the .38 Special Caliber

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The .38 Special looks simple at first glance, but there’s an amazing technical story behind it. These technical specifications aren’t just numbers – they show why this cartridge remains relevant after more than 100 years of firearms development.

Actual .357-inch Bullet Diameter Explained

The .38 Special fires a .357-inch diameter bullet, which surprises many new shooters. The name “.38” points to the loaded cartridge case’s approximate diameter (.379 inches), not the bullet’s actual size.

Early heeled-bullet designs shaped this naming tradition. The bullet base matched the case diameter in these old cartridges like the .38 Short Colt. The rest of the bullet stuck out at full diameter. Manufacturers started putting the entire bullet inside the case as ammunition design got better. Smith & Wesson kept the “.38” name instead of creating a new “.35” or “.36 caliber” label, though it no longer matched the groove diameter.

This naming pattern stuck around with newer cartridges. The .38 Super and .380 ACP both use .357-inch bullets. The .44 Special and .44 Magnum also follow this pattern – they fire bullets that measure .429 inches across.

Case Dimensions and Pressure Ratings

The .38 Special case stretches 1.155 inches long with a rimmed design. The case matches the .38 Long Colt’s dimensions except for length – the .38 Special is 0.529 inches longer. This extra space let it hold more black powder to pack more punch.

Standard pressure loads make the .38 Special unique among modern handgun cartridges. The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) sets the maximum average pressure at 17,000 psi. The humble .22 Long Rifle runs hotter at 24,000 psi.

These lower pressures define the .38 Special’s character. Old revolvers and lightweight frames handle it well. Shooters of all skill levels appreciate its mild recoil. Reloaders love how the brass lasts longer thanks to these gentler pressures.

Standard vs. +P Loadings

Better metal in firearms led to higher-pressure versions of the .38 Special. The +P label means pressures up to 20,000 psi—about 14% more than standard loads. These hotter loads boost speed by a lot. A standard 158-grain lead round nose bullet hits 755 fps, while its +P version reaches 850 fps.

Self-defense shooters see real benefits from this extra pressure. A 125-grain jacketed hollow point standard load delivers 225 ft-lbs of energy. The +P version jumps to 251 ft-lbs, which improves stopping power.

The +P+ loads pack even more power above 20,000 psi. The famous “Treasury Load” runs at 22,500 psi. Winchester’s RA38110HP+ specs show maximum average pressure hitting 23,500 psi. These special loads can push a 110-grain bullet close to 1,200 fps from a 4-inch barrel.

Note that not every .38 Special firearm handles +P or +P+ ammunition safely. Modern revolvers often say “+P” on their barrels to show they can take these loads. Older or lightweight revolvers should stick to standard-pressure ammunition.

The .357 Magnum grew from the .38 Special but runs at 35,000 psi. This pressure difference explains why these compatible cartridges perform so differently.

Evolution of .38 Special Bullet Designs

The .38 Special’s bullet design has come a long way over the decades. These changes show how law enforcement, self-defense, and target shooting needs have shaped its development. Each bullet design adds another chapter to the .38 Special’s impressive story.

Traditional Lead Round Nose (LRN)

The .38 Special started with lead round nose bullets. These bullets weighed 158 grains and moved at about 770 fps. LRN bullets give shooters a budget-friendly option that works great for range practice and plinking. Companies like Federal and Magtech still make these classic loads for training.

Round-nosed bullets fly well and feed reliably. Their all-lead build wears barrels less than jacketed bullets do. But there’s a catch – standard LRN bullets tend to go straight through targets in defensive situations without doing much damage.

Wadcutter and Semi-Wadcutter Profiles

Target ammunition came next after the LRN. The wadcutter showed up as a cylinder-shaped bullet with a flat front, made just for competitive paper target shooting. These 148-grain bullets punch clean, full-sized holes in targets and make scoring easier. You can find modern versions like Fiocchi’s 148-grain Lead Wadcutter (LWC) today.

The semi-wadcutter (SWC) came next. It mixed clean hole-punching with better flying ability. SWCs have a cylinder body that slopes up to a cone or rounded tip. This design shot more accurately than regular wadcutters but kept their scoring benefits.

These bullets found surprising uses beyond target practice. One coroner noted how well wadcutters worked in autopsies. Some police officers started carrying wadcutters for protection, especially in short-barreled revolvers where hollow points might not open up right.

Modern Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) Development

Jacketed hollow point bullets brought the biggest changes to .38 Special ammo. These bullets use copper jackets around lead cores with hollow tips that expand when they hit.

Federal changed the game in 1989 with their Hydra-Shok design. It had a special center post in the hollow tip to control how it opened up. The FBI also made their famous “FBI Load” in 1972 – a 158-grain semi-wadcutter hollow point that police everywhere started using.

Modern JHPs work great, especially in +P loads. Underwood’s 128-grain JHP +P creates over 300 ft-lbs of force even from tiny 2-inch barrels. That’s impressive for a cartridge from 1898.

Specialized Defensive Ammunition

Today’s defensive ammo shows just how far .38 Special bullets have come. Hornady’s Critical Defense 110-grain FTX uses a polymer tip that helps it expand on impact and keeps clothes from plugging the hollow point. This design makes sure the bullet opens up even in short-barreled revolvers.

Police departments trust Speer Gold Dot’s electrochemically bonded jacket. It penetrates and expands effectively. The carefully shaped nose cavity performs consistently – a vital feature for defensive rounds.

Federal makes Low Recoil Hydra-Shok loads for shooters who want less kick. These rounds still work well but make the gun jump less. This helps shooters get back on target faster – crucial in defensive situations.

The .38 Special started as a black powder cartridge and grew into a modern defensive round. Smart innovations in bullet design have kept this century-old cartridge relevant and effective.

The .38 Special’s Military and Police Service

The .38 Special cartridge has an impressive service record that spans almost 100 years. This modest-looking cartridge changed American law enforcement and supported numerous military operations.

Adoption by US Armed Forces

The U.S. military started using the .38 Special right after its creation. The Navy bought 1,000 Smith & Wesson Military & Police revolvers in .38 Special caliber in 1900. The Army made a similar purchase in 1901.

The .38 Special proved valuable in both World Wars. The U.S. government bought a huge number of revolvers because M1911A1 pistol production couldn’t keep up with what they just needed. Smith & Wesson made about 900,000 “Victory Model” revolvers in .38 Special for military use. Navy and Marine aircrew used these V-prefix revolvers as survival weapons if they had to make forced landings.

Colt produced over 49,000 “Commando” revolvers at the same time. These were simpler versions of their Official Police model made for wartime use. Intelligence agencies got about 12,800 of these short-barreled revolvers. Military Intelligence, the Counterintelligence Corps, and the new Office of Strategic Services (OSS) used them. Espionage agents and military intelligence operatives carried these weapons behind enemy lines.

The military created a special .38 Special cartridge by 1943. It had a 158-grain full-steel-jacketed bullet that met Hague Convention rules. This standard load reached 850 fps from 4-inch barrels. Downed aircrew could signal for help with special red-tipped .38 Special tracer rounds.

Dominance in Law Enforcement (1920s-1980s)

The .38 Special revolver ruled as America’s standard police sidearm from WWI until about 1980. Police departments wanted to replace their old single-action revolvers with modern firearms in the 1920s. Prohibition had created better-armed criminals, and officers’ older weapons couldn’t match up.

Police work and the .38 Special were a perfect match. Officers of any size could shoot accurately thanks to its modest recoil. The medium frame made it comfortable to carry all day. The cartridge packed enough power to handle most law enforcement situations. Smith & Wesson and Colt revolvers became symbols of American policing.

Colt’s 1933 sales catalog showed off their success. Major departments like New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and many state police organizations—even the FBI—had picked their Official Police model. Smith & Wesson’s Military & Police model was just as popular.

The FBI made the “.38 Special +P” their standard in 1972. They chose Winchester’s all-lead hollow-point semi-wadcutter design. Many federal, state, and city agencies quickly adopted this “FBI Load”.

Famous Service Revolvers

Several legendary .38 Special revolvers shaped military and police service for generations:

• Smith & Wesson Military & Police: This started as the “Hand Ejector” in 1899 and grew into the famous Model 10. They made millions of these revolvers. Police departments used them, and so did military units like Marine embassy guards in Vietnam.
• Colt Official Police: They made over 400,000 of these between 1927 and 1969. American police relied on it for decades. It served in WWII and later became the wartime Commando model.
• Smith & Wesson Victory Model: You could spot these by their “V” prefix serial numbers. About 900,000 were made for the war. Pilots, OSS agents, and resistance forces used them throughout WWII.
• Colt Commando: This was a simpler wartime version of the Official Police. Military police, defense plant security personnel, and intelligence agencies carried these.
• Smith & Wesson M15 (K-38 Combat Masterpiece): U.S. Air Force Security Forces used this model from 1962 until 1992. It had adjustable sights and better features.

The .38 Special’s impact on military and law enforcement goes beyond its shooting performance. The six-shot revolver became a symbol of American authority and law enforcement excellence during this era.

Ballistic Performance and Limitations

The .38 Special has quite a story to tell beyond its history and specs. Let’s learn about what it can and can’t do in real life. This cartridge stands as one of the oldest ones still used today, with both advantages and drawbacks compared to newer options.

Standard Velocity and Energy Measurements

The .38 Special’s black powder heritage gives it a low pressure rating – just 17,000 psi for standard loads. Modern standards would call these numbers modest. A typical 158-grain lead round nose bullet reaches about 755 fps from a 4-inch barrel and creates around 200 ft-lbs of energy at the muzzle.

Target shooters use 148-grain wadcutter loads that move even slower at 690 fps. These loads feel great for precise shooting but don’t pack much punch.

The +P loads run at 20,000 psi and pack more power. A 158-grain +P bullet hits 850 fps, and some specialized +P hollow points go past 950 fps. This boost in pressure gives you about 20% more muzzle energy than regular loads.

To cite the performance differences:

Terminal Performance in Defensive Scenarios

Real-life defense depends on how deep the bullet goes and how it expands. FBI standards say bullets should go 12-18 inches into ballistic gel. Many .38 Special loads do this, though they often stay near the lower end.

Regular pressure hollow points don’t expand well, especially from those popular 2-inch barrel concealable revolvers. The bullets just don’t move fast enough to open up properly – something you need to think about for self-defense.

Modern +P defensive rounds do better. Lab tests show quality ammo like Speer Gold Dots goes deep enough, but the bullets expand about 0.1 inches less than 9mm loads. The .38 Special rounds all went past that 12-inch minimum mark but didn’t open up as much as 9mm.

Wadcutter bullets offer a clever fix for short-barreled revolvers. These bullets cut clean holes without needing to expand, making them great defensive rounds despite their target-shooting background.

Comparison to Modern Semi-Auto Cartridges

The .38 Special sits between the .380 ACP and 9mm power-wise. Regular .38 Special loads pack less punch than 9mm, but +P loads from longer barrels come close to 9mm performance.

Shooters notice the biggest difference in how these rounds feel. The .38 Special feels nicer to shoot because it runs at lower pressure. Tests showed people could shoot a .38 Special revolver about twice as long as a similar 9mm before getting tired.

The 9mm has its advantages though. You’ll save about $12 per 50-round box compared to .38 Special. On top of that, it gives you more rounds in similar-sized guns, better bullet expansion in defensive loads, and goes deeper.

The .38 Special works well enough for self-defense despite its modest performance. People still choose it because it’s easy to handle and revolvers rarely fail.

The .357 Magnum Connection: Compatible Cousins

The relationship between .38 Special and .357 Magnum stands out as one of the most interesting case studies in ammunition development. These cartridges share more than compatible revolvers—they come from the same heritage and design philosophy.

How the .357 Magnum Evolved from the .38 Special

Gun writers Elmer Keith and Phillip Sharpe changed the handgun world forever in 1934 by experimenting with the .38 Special cartridge. They made this breakthrough by adding more smokeless powder to the existing .38 Special case. The high-pressure load showed impressive ballistic performance and created a high-powered version of the original cartridge.

Smith & Wesson officially introduced this experimental cartridge as the .357 Magnum in 1935. The .357 Magnum is basically a stretched .38 Special case with extra powder capacity. This modification lets the pressure jump from the .38 Special’s maximum 17,000 psi (18,500 psi for +P) to the .357 Magnum’s powerful 35,000 psi.

Why You Can Shoot .38 Special in .357 Magnum Revolvers

The .38 Special ammunition works perfectly in .357 Magnum revolvers by design. Both cartridges use bullets with the same .357-inch diameter. The .357 Magnum’s case measures 1/8-inch longer (0.135″) than the .38 Special.

This length difference plays a vital safety role. The .357 Magnum’s internal pressures would destroy .38 Special revolvers. The longer case prevents shooters from loading .357 Magnum ammunition into .38 Special firearms.

The .44 Special and .44 Magnum share a similar development story.

Performance Differences Between the Two

These cartridges show clear performance differences. The .357 Magnum runs at double the pressure of the .38 Special and delivers more energy downrange. A 158-grain bullet from a .357 Magnum reaches about 1,400 fps, while a similar .38 Special bullet only hits 755 fps.

The .357 Magnum gives shooters great flexibility. Many people buy a .357 Magnum revolver because it handles both cartridges. They can practice with softer-recoiling, cheaper .38 Special loads and carry the stronger .357 Magnum for defense.

Shooters should note one drawback: .38 Special rounds can leave carbon buildup in the unused part of the cylinder chambers. This might cause erosion deeper in the cylinder over time. Regular cleaning after shooting the shorter cartridges helps prevent this issue.

Modern .38 Special Ammunition Innovations

The .38 Special ammunition has come a long way in recent decades. This century-old cartridge has evolved into a modern defensive option. Manufacturers have solved traditional limitations and improved performance for today’s compact revolvers.

Low-Recoil Defensive Loads

Federal Premium’s Hydra-Shok Low Recoil loads, which first appeared in 1989, cut down muzzle rise but keep their terminal performance. These rounds help shooters stay on target and are more accurate without losing stopping power. Shooters with arthritis or limited hand strength can fire about 100 shots before they start feeling uncomfortable.

The 110-grain Hydra-Shok Low Recoil load works great in lightweight revolvers like the S&W 442. Shooters can handle snub-nose .38s with ease. Federal’s center-post hollow-point design will give a reliable expansion even at lower velocities.

Specialized Short-Barrel Formulations

Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel ammunition performs well in barrels as short as 1.9 inches. This ammo solves the biggest problem of keeping enough velocity from short barrels to expand the bullet properly. Gold Dot employs an electrochemically bonded jacket that penetrates barriers and tissue effectively.

SIG Sauer’s newer V-Crown features a double-hollow-point that expands well whatever barriers it hits. Super Vel’s 90-grain hollow-point is a big deal as it means that velocities reach 1,200 fps even from snub-nose revolvers.

Advancements in Bullet Construction

Modern copper bullets improve the .38 Special’s performance by a lot. Hornady’s FTX bullet uses a polymer plug in the hollow point cavity that expands even through heavy clothing. This technology stops fabric from clogging the hollow point—which used to be a major issue.

Lehigh Defense takes a different path with fluted solid copper bullets. These create large wound channels without expanding traditionally. Underwood’s Xtreme Defender creates a permanent wound cavity twice the size of expanding bullets while keeping recoil low.

The classic designs still work well. The 158-grain lead semi-wadcutter hollow-point remains a standard load from major manufacturers. It’s now loaded to +P pressures that deliver performance even Elmer Keith would like.

Handloading the .38 Special: A Reloader’s Dream

Handloaders consider the .38 Special an ideal cartridge to reload because of its versatility, low pressure, and forgiving nature. Its simple case design and a century of load data make this cartridge available to both novice and experienced reloaders.

Popular Powder Choices and Charge Weights

Fast-burning powders work best in .38 Special loads. Bullseye has been the standard since 1899, starting with a 3.6-grain charge. Many handloaders still use 3.5 grains of Bullseye for standard loads. Unique is another popular choice, and 5.0 grains will give you about 75 fps more velocity than similar Bullseye loads.

Here are other excellent powder options:

• Winchester 231/HP-38: Consistent and clean-burning with excellent metering
• Alliant Sport Pistol: A newer powder with wide load windows
• Winchester Super Target (WST): Many competitive shooters prefer it for better accuracy
• Power Pistol: Works great for higher velocity loads

Bullet Selection for Different Applications

The .38 Special works exceptionally well with cast bullets. Many handloaders favor the Lyman 358477 (158-grain SWC). Target shooters get great accuracy up to 50 yards with 148-grain wadcutters, whether cast or swaged.

Your bullet choice should match your needs:

• Target practice: 148-grain wadcutters with 2.7-2.9 grains of Bullseye
• Plinking: 130-grain lead round nose over 3.0 grains Bullseye
• Accurate shooting: 158-grain semi-wadcutter with 2.7 grains Bullseye

Load Development for Accuracy and Performance

Experienced handloaders know that consistent powder measurement affects accuracy. You’ll get better results by weighing each charge instead of using volume measures. This eliminates squib loads and creates uniform charges. The practice ensures proper powder charges in each case.

Your crimping technique will affect performance by a lot. Most reloaders apply minimal crimp for wadcutters – just enough to remove the bell from the expander die. A proper roll crimp helps the powder burn consistently.

The .38 Special responds well to careful load development. You can produce excellent handloads with basic equipment like an RCBS Rock Chucker press and Lee carbide dies without expensive specialized tooling.

Conclusion

The .38 Special’s 124-year service record shows evidence of excellent cartridge design. Smith & Wesson created this round in 1899 to meet military requirements. The round adapted naturally from black powder to smokeless propellants and kept its reputation for reliability and accuracy.

Standard pressure loads create manageable recoil that works for shooters at all skill levels. The +P variants improve defensive capabilities. Ammunition manufacturers today develop specialized loads that work better in short-barreled revolvers and defensive situations. This keeps the cartridge relevant as it enters its second century.

The .38 Special’s forgiving nature and extensive load data make it popular with handloaders. Its low operating pressures and simple case design provide an excellent starting point for reloading beginners. Experienced handloaders can fine-tune loads for their specific needs.

New cartridges keep coming to market, but the .38 Special remains a practical choice for target shooting, self-defense, and recreational use. This lasting appeal comes from its proven performance record, ability to work in .357 Magnum revolvers, and continued progress through modern bullet designs and specialized loads.

FAQs

Q1. What is the difference between .38 Special and 9mm in terms of power? The .38 Special is generally less powerful than the 9mm. The 9mm operates at higher chamber pressures, resulting in higher velocities and increased striking energy. However, the .38 Special offers manageable recoil and is still an effective self-defense option, especially in +P loadings.

Q2. Can you shoot .38 Special ammunition in a .357 Magnum revolver? Yes, you can safely fire .38 Special ammunition in a .357 Magnum revolver. The .357 Magnum was developed from the .38 Special, with a slightly longer case to prevent the higher-pressure .357 rounds from being loaded into .38 Special revolvers. This compatibility allows for versatility and more economical practice with .38 Special rounds.

Q3. What are the advantages of .38 Special for handloaders? The .38 Special is considered an ideal cartridge for handloading due to its versatility, low operating pressures, and forgiving nature. It has a straightforward case design and extensive load data available, making it accessible for both novice and experienced reloaders. The cartridge responds well to careful load development, allowing for customization for different applications.

Q4. How has .38 Special ammunition evolved for modern defensive use? Modern .38 Special ammunition has seen significant innovations to enhance its defensive capabilities. These include low-recoil defensive loads for better control, specialized short-barrel formulations for compact revolvers, and advancements in bullet construction such as polymer-tipped hollow points for reliable expansion. These improvements have helped maintain the .38 Special’s relevance in self-defense applications.

Q5. What is the significance of +P designation in .38 Special ammunition? The +P designation indicates .38 Special ammunition loaded to higher pressures than standard rounds. +P loads operate at up to 20,000 psi compared to the standard 17,000 psi, resulting in increased velocity and energy. While offering improved performance, +P ammunition should only be used in firearms specifically rated for these higher pressures to ensure safe operation.