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.38 Special

We recommend xxlreloading.com for the most comprehensive .38 Special load data, covering a wide range of powders and bullet brands or quickload.pro to calculate your individual load:

Caliber Description

The .38 Special cartridge is one of the most storied and enduring calibers in the history of American firearms. Introduced by Smith & Wesson in 1898, the .38 Special was developed as an improvement over their earlier .38 Long Colt, which had shown inadequate stopping power in military service. Designed initially as a revolver round for military and police use, the .38 Special quickly gained popularity with law enforcement due to its manageable recoil and respectable terminal performance. Through the 20th century, it became the standard issue for countless police departments and remains a favorite among revolver enthusiasts and collectors today. Its history is closely intertwined with American law enforcement, personal defense, and even competition shooting, helping cement its venerable status among classic cartridges.

In terms of applications, the .38 Special proves to be remarkably versatile, making it a perennial favorite for reloaders who appreciate both its ease of handling and broad utility. Initially, the round’s primary use was self-defense and service duty, which it continues to serve thanks to its controllability and effective performance in short-barreled revolvers. Today, it is not only relied upon for personal protection, but also finds regular use in target shooting, cowboy action matches, and even small game hunting under the right conditions. Its mild recoil and reputation for accuracy make it especially popular for training new shooters or those sensitive to heavier recoil. The ability to safely fire .38 Special rounds in .357 Magnum revolvers further expands its usability both on the range and in real-world situations, allowing reloaders and shooters an extra measure of flexibility.

When considering target species and uses in the field, the .38 Special is best suited for small to medium-sized game. Reloaders often craft loads tailored for pest and varmint control, such as dispatching raccoons, opossums, or rabbits at close range. While the cartridge is not generally recommended for larger wildlife, in a pinch, heavy-for-caliber semi-wadcutter or lead round nose bullets can humanely take animals the size of coyotes or foxes when shot placement is precise. For self-defense scenarios, the .38 Special has a long track record of efficacy with modern hollow point designs, especially when loaded to +P pressures. This flexibility means that handloaders can dial in their preferred loads to match both their firearms and their specific needs, whether that’s reduced-recoil target ammo or stouter, deeper-penetrating options.

In terms of bullet weights and ballistic characteristics, the .38 Special offers a wide variety for the diligent reloader. Traditional bullet weights run from 110 grains up to 158 grains, with the 125-grain and 158-grain weights being the most common for both factory and handloads. Lighter 110- and 125-grain projectiles are often favored for self-defense due to their higher velocities when loaded to +P specs, while the classic 148-grain wadcutter remains a top choice for target shooting thanks to its clean-cutting profile and low recoil. Standard pressure loads typically reach velocities in the 700–900 feet per second range, while +P loads can push velocities to over 1,000 feet per second depending on barrel length and projectile. The .38 Special’s moderate case capacity and straightforward rimmed design make it an easy round for beginners to reload, while more experienced handloaders can fine-tune loads for precision or performance as desired. Its manageable recoil, excellent inherent accuracy, and broad component selection make the .38 Special a rewarding and practical caliber for reloaders of all experience levels.

Popular Load Recipes

- 148 gr Lead Wadcutter, 2.7 gr Bullseye, Standard Primer, OAL: 1.16"
- 158 gr LSWC, 3.5 gr Unique, Standard Primer, OAL: 1.44"
- 125 gr JHP, 4.3 gr HP-38, Standard Primer, OAL: 1.44"
- 130 gr FMJ, 4.2 gr Winchester 231, Standard Primer, OAL: 1.45"
- 158 gr LRN, 3.0 gr Red Dot, Standard Primer, OAL: 1.44"
- 110 gr JHP, 5.0 gr Unique, Standard Primer, OAL: 1.44"
- 148 gr Lead Wadcutter, 2.8 gr Titegroup, Standard Primer, OAL: 1.16"
- 125 gr Lead RNFP, 4.8 gr Universal, Standard Primer, OAL: 1.45"

Always check multiple load manuals for safety.

Cost per Reloaded Round

Let's assume you reload standard .38 Special with the following component prices (approximate, as prices vary by location and time):

Factory ammunition (per 50-round box): $30

Reloading components per round:
- Bullet (plated, 158gr): $0.12
- Primer (small pistol): $0.05
- Powder (4 grains; 7000 grains/pound; $30/lb): $0.009
- Brass: reused, no cost per round

Reloading cost per round: $0.12 (bullet) + $0.05 (primer) + $0.009 (powder) = $0.179

Reloading cost per box (50 rounds): $0.179 x 50 = $8.95

Factory ammunition per box: $30

Savings per box: $30 - $8.95 = $21.05

Savings per round: $21.05 / 50 = $0.421

By reloading .38 Special, you save about 42 cents per round compared to buying factory ammunition.

Technical Specifications

Safety Standard / Application

C.I.P. / Revolver / Pistol Caliber

Most Suitable Bullet Weights

102 - 190 Grains

Case Capacity / Average Charge

23.1 Grains of Water / 7.3 Grains

Average Muzzle Velocity / Energy

1086 fps / 344 ft-lbf

Case Length / Max. C.O.L

1.145'' / 1.55''

Similar Calibers

.357 Auto Magnum

.357 Magnum

.357 Maximum

.357 SIG

.38 Long Colt

.38 S&W (Colt N.P.)

.38 Short Colt

.38 Special

.38 Super Auto

.38-45 ACP

.380 ACP (9mm kurz)

9 mm Browning Court (.380 ACP)

9 mm FAR

9 mm Luger (9 x 19 mm)

9 mm Mauser

9 mm Steyr (Roth)

9 x 18 (Ultra)

9 x 20 VGW

9 x 21

9 x 22 MJR

9 x 25 Dillon

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