Like almost all pistol cartridges called ".38" the .38 Special actually takes .357" diameter bullets. Notify Me. DPX: Federal 125 gr. Agreed. The .357 Mag. JHP: Cor Bon 125 gr. Hydra-shok JHP: Speer 135 gr. Below: The effectiveness of the .38 Special is increased greatly by upping the muzzle velocity by 150 fps or more and replacing the round-nosed bullet with a semi-wadcutter. Contact Us. can be cranked up a bit in velocity with jacketed bullets for a flatter trajectory in longer-distance shooting and hunting small game. At this pressure, the .38 Spec. These produce an MV of around 1000 fps with 189 ft. lbs. [.38 Special] is a very versatile and useful round. That creates an energy of 200-278 foot pounds depending on the exact load. A light but effective .38 Special Trail Gun is this S&W Model 60 Heavy Barrel — dubbed the Trail Masterpiece. https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/revolver-velocity-vs-barrel-length The .38 Special is a round designed by Smith & Wesson in 1898. of energy at the muzzle. Notify Me. Sold Out. The 380 ACP’s standard load uses an 85-95 grain bullet. The current SAAMI mean maximum pressure limit for the standard .38 Spec. The .38 Smith & Wesson Special, also commonly known as .38 S&W Special, .38 Special, .38 Spl, .38 Spc, (pronounced "thirty-eight special"), or 9x29mmR is a rimmed, centerfire cartridge designed by Smith & Wesson.It is most commonly used in revolvers, although some semi-automatic pistols and carbines also use this round. Notify Me. 38 Special - CCI Shotshell 38/357 84 Grain #4 Shot. 38 Special - Hornady Critical Defense Lite 90 Grain FTX JHP. Sold Out. JHP: Cor Bon 110 gr. Many people tend to poo-poo .38 Special (standard pressure) for self-defense as being somehow “underpowered”. Click here for a Muzzle Energy graph for the tests in this caliber. 38 Special - Underwood 100 Grain +P Xtreme Defender. will drive a 158 grain lead bullet at a velocity of about 900 fps. And remember to also check the list of ammunition tested as part of the Cylinder Gap tests. barrel length: Cor Bon 110 gr. The .38 Special round is generally accepted as an effective cartridge for personal defense. is 17,000 psi. A standard load for the 38 Special is a 158 grain bullet putting out a muzzle velocity of around 700-890 fps. .38 Special Results in fps. The .38 Spl. Word to the wise: all handgun cartridges (with the likely exception of .44 Magnum and maybe even .357 Magnum) are “underpowered” for self-defense. Notify Me. Sold Out. 38 Special - Aguila 130 Grain Full Metal Jacket. 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