38 Special Ammo Comparison
Standard-Velocity 38 Special Loads Compared
A Gun Tests reader asked us to do a test of standard-pressure 38 Special rounds.
He noted that +P ammunition we've previously tested may not be suitable for older guns.
Also, modern lightweight revolvers are often not rated for +P ammo.
Hi, this is Todd Woodard, editor of Gun Tests magazine.
In the September 2024 issue, we tested eight such 38 Special rounds.
The first was the
Hornady Critical Defense Lite 90-grain FTX
If you’re recoil sensitive, it might be just the ticket.
The Hornady Critical Defense 110-grain FTX
This one uses a lighter bullet to increase velocity without raising pressure.
The Hornady American Gunner 125-grain XTP
Rated by the manufacturer at 900 fps muzzle velocity, this is a reliable and accurate load.
Federal Premium Personal Defense Low Recoil 110-grain Hydra-Shok
This is an accurate load, and it exhibits limited muzzle flash.
Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure Lead Free 110-grain Barnes Tac XP
This load is pricey, but it features an all-copper bullet.
Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure 125-grain Jacketed Hollow Point
This load uses the Speer Gold Dot bullet, an excellent choice.
Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure 158-grain Soft Cast Lead Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point Gas Check
This load uses a soft cast bullet, in contrast to Buffalo Bore’s hard-cast Outdoorsman line of heavy 38 Special loads. The bullet is gas checked to avoid leading in the barrel.
Doubletap 38 Special 148-grain Full Wadcutter
Recoil is mild and accuracy excellent. However the bullet sailed through 24 inches of water.
Which of these loads did we grade the highest? Check out the September 2024 issue and see for yourself.