38 Special Ammo

38 Special Ammo for Sale

The .38 Special is one of the most established revolver cartridges in American firearms history. Introduced in the late 19th century, it has remained popular because of its manageable recoil, broad firearm compatibility, and versatility for target shooting, training, and personal-defense applications.

While most associated with revolvers, .38 Special is also used in certain lever-action rifles chambered for the cartridge. Steinel Ammo offers a 195gr Lever Action Subsonic RN load specifically suited to this type of platform, giving shooters another option for range use and other appropriate applications.

38 Special 195gr Lever Action Subsonic RN Ammo- (Nickel Case)

High-Quality 38 Special Ammunition

The .38 Special is a rimmed cartridge that has been used extensively in revolvers for more than a century. Its moderate recoil and wide range of bullet designs have helped it remain a practical choice for new shooters, experienced shooters, law enforcement applications, and recreational shooting.

The cartridge is also closely related to the .357 Magnum. Both use the same nominal bullet diameter, but .357 Magnum is a longer, higher-pressure cartridge. Firearms chambered for .357 Magnum can generally fire .38 Special ammunition, while a .38 Special firearm should not be loaded with .357 Magnum ammunition.

Steinel’s current offering:

38 Special 195gr Lever Action Subsonic RN Ammo – available in brass and nickel case options, with a 195gr coated round-nose bullet and a subsonic load intended for lever-action rifles.

38 Special Ammo Performance

The strength of .38 Special is its balance of shoot ability, versatility, and broad firearm compatibility. It is not designed to compete with high-pressure magnum cartridges; instead, it remains useful because of its practical performance and manageable characteristics.

Steinel’s 195gr subsonic load takes a different approach by combining a heavier projectile with reduced velocity for compatible lever-action rifles.

What Are the Best Brands for 38 Special Ammunition?

The best ammunition brand depends on the firearm, application, and specific load rather than brand name alone.
Steinel Ammunition Co. offers a 195gr Lever Action Subsonic RN load for shooters using compatible lever-action rifles.

How Do I Choose the Right 38 Special Cartridge for Target Shooting or Self-Defense?

For target shooting, consider manageable recoil, accuracy, and consistent performance; for self-defense, consider the firearm’s specifications and an appropriate defensive bullet design. Always verify whether your firearm is rated for +P ammunition before using higher-pressure .38 Special loads.

38 Special Ballistics, Bullet Weights & Load Options

.38 Special performance varies significantly with bullet weight, construction, pressure level, barrel length, and firearm type. Standard loads are generally associated with moderate recoil, while +P loads operate at higher pressure and should only be used in firearms rated for them.

Steinel’s 195gr Lever Action Subsonic RN uses a coated 195gr round-nose bullet and is listed at approximately 1,045 fps from an 18-inch barrel, producing approximately 470 ft-lbs of muzzle energy. Its subsonic design is intended to remain below the speed of sound under the specified conditions.

The actual velocity and trajectory of any ammunition can vary with barrel length and firearm configuration, so published data for the specific load should be used when evaluating performance.

Choosing the Right 38 Special Ammo

The appropriate .38 Special ammunition depends on the firearm and intended application.

For compatible revolver use, shooters should select ammunition that matches the firearm’s chambering and pressure rating. Standard-pressure ammunition can be appropriate for general practice, while +P ammunition should only be used when the firearm manufacturer specifically approves it.

For compatible lever-action rifles, a load designed for the rifle platform can provide a different combination of bullet weight and velocity. Steinel’s 195gr Lever Action Subsonic RN is built specifically around this type of application.

Applications for 38 Special Ammo

Target Shooting and Range Practice
The .38 Special’s manageable recoil makes it a practical cartridge for regular range sessions and target shooting. Shooters can use it to develop consistent trigger control, sight alignment, and overall familiarity with their firearm.

Personal Defense
.38 Special has a long history as a defensive revolver cartridge. Appropriate defensive ammunition can be selected based on the firearm, manufacturer specifications, and intended use.

For 38 Special self-defense ammo, shooters should confirm whether their firearm is rated for +P ammunition before using higher-pressure loads.

Lever-Action Rifle Shooting
The .38 Special can also be used in compatible lever-action rifles. Steinel’s 195gr Lever Action Subsonic RN is designed around this application and provides a heavier bullet with subsonic performance.

Recreational Shooting
The cartridge’s long history and broad firearm compatibility make it suitable for recreational shooting with compatible revolvers and lever-action rifles.

Training
Because of its relatively manageable recoil, standard-pressure .38 Special can be useful for shooters who want regular practice without moving immediately to higher-recoil cartridges.

Compatible Firearms for 38 Special Ammo

– Smith & Wesson Model 642
– Smith & Wesson Model 637
– Smith & Wesson Model 10
– Smith & Wesson Model 36
– Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 38
– Ruger LCR
– Ruger GP100
– Henry Big Boy H006GM
– Henry Big Boy Deadeye H17
– Marlin Model 1894

The “92 espagnol”, a Spanish-made copy of Smith & Wesson’s M&P as used by the French Milice during World War II and chambered in 8mm French Ordnance.
Source – Wikipedia

Why Purchase 38 Special Ammo from Steinel?

Steinel Ammo produces ammunition for a broad range of established and specialty cartridges. Our .38 Special offer focuses on a less common application of the cartridge: a 195gr subsonic round-nose load for lever-action rifles.

The ammunition uses new brass, non-corrosive primers, and carefully selected components. The heavier 195gr bullet and subsonic configuration provide a distinct option for shooters using compatible lever-action platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is 38 Special ammo best used for?
.38 Special is commonly used for target shooting, training, recreational shooting, and personal-defense applications. It is also chambered in certain lever-action rifles.

Q2. Is 38 Special good for self-defense?
Yes, .38 Special has a long history in defensive revolvers. The appropriate ammunition depends on the firearm, ammunition design, and whether the firearm is rated for +P loads.

Q3. What is the difference between 38 Special and 38 Special +P?
.38 Special +P is loaded to higher pressure than standard .38 Special ammunition. Only firearms specifically rated for +P should be used with +P ammunition.

Q4. Can 38 Special be used in a lever-action rifle?
Yes, but only in a rifle specifically chambered for .38 Special or a compatible .357 Magnum/.38 Special chambering. Henry and Marlin both document compatible lever-action models.

Q5. Can I use 38 Special +P in any 38 Special revolver?
No. +P ammunition should only be used in firearms specifically rated by the manufacturer for +P pressure levels.