Frequently Asked Questions
Taurus .38 Special Ammo for Sale
What ammo can be used in a 38 Special revolver?
A .38 Special revolver fires .38 Special ammunition. It can also safely chamber and fire .38 Short Colt and .38 Long Colt rounds. It cannot fire .357 Magnum, though .357 Magnum revolvers can fire .38 Special due to their longer chambers.
Is 38 Special ammo still available?
Yes, .38 Special ammo remains in active production from major manufacturers including Hornady, Remington, Winchester, and Federal. Our marketplace currently lists 4 variants across 21 retailers, typically around $36.99 per box, with most listings ranging $24.89–$57.04 depending on load specifications.
Is there a difference between .38 and .38 Special?
.38 and .38 Special refer to the same cartridge. However, .38 Special differs from .38 S&W—they are not interchangeable. The .38 S&W is slightly larger in diameter than the .38 Special, and the two also differ in length and pressure. Never fire .38 Special in a .38 S&W firearm.
Can you use 357 ammo in a 38 Special revolver?
No. .357 Magnum rounds are longer and more powerful than .38 Special; they won't fit in a .38 Special cylinder. However, you can safely shoot .38 Special ammo in a .357 Magnum revolver, since those guns have longer chambers designed to accommodate both cartridges.
What grain bullet is best for a 38 Special?
For self-defense, 158-grain hollow points are a proven choice. For target shooting or training, 125-grain rounds offer lighter recoil and good accuracy. The best option ultimately depends on your firearm's barrel length and intended use, as shorter barrels often perform better with lighter bullets.
What is the best ammo for a .38 Special?
For self-defense, hollow-point loads like Hornady Critical Defense or Federal HST offer reliable expansion. For range training, full metal jacket rounds are more economical. Major brands include Hornady, Remington, and Winchester, with prices typically ranging from $25 to $57 per box.
Can you shoot 38 S&W out of a 38 Special?
No. .38 S&W cartridges have a larger bullet diameter (.361") than .38 Special (.357"), so they won't chamber properly in a .38 Special revolver. Conversely, .38 Special ammo may physically fit in some .38 S&W guns but risks case splitting and accuracy issues due to bore diameter differences.