Cartridge
.38 Special
0.357" · .38 Spl · centerfire
41 factory loads from 6 manufacturers, on 32 projectiles.
Factory loads
41
Bullet weight
90–158gr
Muzzle velocity
690–1200 fps
Muzzle energy
156–329 ft·lb
Bullet Drop (inches)
One load from each of the 5 most-loaded bullet weights, plotted from the bore line to 200 yards in ICAO sea-level air — measured from the muzzle rather than from a sighted-in rifle, so these curves compare the loads against each other and are not holdover figures. Compare these at your own conditions →
Weights are the ones with the most factory loads; within each, the load visitors compare most often. See every load →
Bullet weights loaded
- 90gr1
- 100gr1
- 110gr6
- 120gr1
- 125gr10
- 129gr1
- 130gr6
- 148gr3
- 150gr1
- 158gr11
10 bullet weights across 41 factory loads.
Factory loads
See all 41 →
Federal Premium
American Eagle
.38 Special · 158gr · Lead Round Nose
Federal Premium
American Eagle
.38 Special · 130gr · Full Metal Jacket
Federal Premium
American Eagle Indoor Range Training Lead Free
.38 Special · 100gr · Lead Free IRT
Federal Premium
Gold Medal Handgun
.38 Special · 148gr · Lead Wadcutter
Federal Premium
Personal Defense Hydra-Shok
.38 Special · 129gr · Hydra-Shok
Federal Premium
Personal Defense Hydra-Shok Deep
.38 Special · 130gr · Hydra-Shok Deep
Federal Premium
Personal Defense Hydra-Shok Low Recoil
.38 Special · 110gr · Hydra-Shok
Federal Premium
Personal Defense Punch
.38 Special · 120gr · Jacketed Hollow Point
Federal Premium
Train + Protect
.38 Special · 158gr · Versatile
Hornady
American Gunner
.38 Special · 125gr · XTP
Hornady
Critical Defense
.38 Special · 110gr · FTX
Hornady
Critical Defense
.38 Special · 90gr · FTX