Remington .38 Special Ammo

Frequently Asked Questions
Remington .38 Special Ammo

What is the best grain weight for a 38 Special?

For personal protection, 158-grain loads are a proven standard, with the 158-grain LSWCHP widely regarded as a top self-defense choice. The 125-grain weight is popular for high-velocity self-defense loads. Shorter barrels perform better with lighter bullets, around 110 grains. Match your choice to your intended use and barrel length.

What is the best ammunition for a 38 Special?

Best choice depends on your use. For self-defense, hollow-point loads like Hornady Critical Defense or Federal HST offer reliable expansion. For target shooting, standard lead or jacketed rounds work well. Prices typically range from $20 to $57 per box depending on brand and retailer.

What does +p mean for 38 Special?

+P designates ammunition loaded to higher pressure than standard .38 Special, producing greater velocity and energy. Firearms marked +P are rated to safely handle this overpressure ammunition. Standard .38 Special can be fired in a +P-rated gun, but not the reverse. +P falls between standard .38 Special and .357 Magnum in power.

Is there a difference between .38 and .38 Special?

.38 Special and .38 S&W are different, non-interchangeable cartridges. .38 Special is longer and operates at higher pressure (17,000 psi), delivering better ballistics. Firing .38 Special in a .38 S&W firearm risks catastrophic failure. .38 S&W rounds are slightly larger in diameter and will not fit in a .38 Special chamber.

Is 38 Special ammo still available?

Yes, .38 Special ammo remains widely available. Our marketplace tracks 3 variants across 16 retailers with live inventory. Pricing typically runs around $48 per box, with most listings between $20 and $57 depending on brand and load type. Stock levels vary by retailer and specific load.

What does UMC mean on Remington ammo?

UMC stands for Union Metallic Cartridge, a company Remington merged with in the early 1900s. Remington kept the UMC name on their value-priced ammunition line, which is intended for target shooting and practice rather than hunting or self-defense.

Is UMC ammo any good?

UMC is Remington's budget line, suitable for range practice and target shooting. It's generally reliable with decent accuracy, though some batches have occasional quality-control issues. Fine for training, but most shooters choose premium ammunition for self-defense.

What ammo can be used in a 38 Special revolver?

.38 Special revolvers use .38 Special cartridges. They also accept .38 Long Colt and .38 Short Colt, as well as .38 Special +P higher-pressure loads if your owner's manual approves. Never fire .357 Magnum in a .38 Special revolver, as the cylinder is not rated for that pressure.