.38 Super Ammo: The Ultimate Guide π
The world of ammunition is vast and varied, with countless options available for every type of firearm. Among these, the .38 Super ammo stands out for its unique blend of features and benefits. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just getting started, this guide will delve deep into what makes this ammunition a top choice for many.
What is a .38 Super ammo? π
The .38 Super, also known as the .38 Superauto or .38 Super Automatic, is a pistol cartridge that was introduced in the late 1920s. It was initially developed to offer more firepower than the .38 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) in the M1911 pistol.
β The .38 Super ammo is a semi-automatic pistol cartridge introduced in the late 1920s as a higher-velocity version of the older .38 ACP. It’s especially popular among competitive shooters due to its high velocity and manageable recoil.
β The cartridge is often labeled as “.38 Super +P,” indicating it’s loaded to higher internal pressures, resulting in increased muzzle velocities. Typical bullet weights for .38 Super range from 115 to 130 grains.
β When storing this ammo, it’s essential to keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, and preferably in its original packaging. Proper storage ensures the ammo’s longevity and reliability.
Whether used for competitive shooting, self-defense, or recreational purposes, the .38 Super offers a unique blend of performance characteristics.
π Top picks of best 38 Super Ammo include:
1.π₯ HP – Koenig Match – 38 Super – 110 Grain
2.π₯ FMJ – Fiocchi – 38 Super – 129 Grain
3.π₯ JHP – Federal American Eagle – 38 Super – 115 Grain – 50 Rounds
Benefits π₯
It is a semi-automatic pistol cartridge that has been around for quite some time. While it’s not as commonly used as some other calibers, it does have several benefits that make it a choice for specific applications.
| β‘οΈ Benefit: | π¬ Description: |
| βοΈ Higher Velocity: | One of the most significant advantages of the .38 Super is its high velocity. This translates to a flatter trajectory, making it easier to hit targets at longer distances. |
| βοΈ Penetration: | Due to its velocity, the .38 Super can penetrate barriers like car doors and soft body armor more effectively than some other pistol cartridges. |
| βοΈLess Recoil: | Despite its power, the .38 Super offers less recoil than other high-caliber rounds. This makes it more manageable for shooters, allowing for quicker follow-up shots. |
| βοΈ Versatility: | The .38 Super can be loaded to various power levels, making it suitable for both self-defense and competition shooting. |
| βοΈ Increased Magazine Capacity: | Given its dimensions, pistols chambered in .38 Super often have a higher magazine capacity compared to those chambered in larger calibers. |
Features π₯
| β‘οΈ Features: | π¬ Description: |
| βοΈ Case Dimension: | The .38 Super cartridge has a semi-rimmed case, which is slightly longer than the .38 ACP. This design ensures proper head spacing and reliable feeding in semi-automatic pistols. |
| βοΈ Bullet Weight: | Typically, .38 Super bullets weigh between 115 and 130 grains, although there are lighter and heavier options available. |
| βοΈ Velocity: | Factory loads for the .38 Super can achieve velocities ranging from 1,150 to 1,300 feet per second, depending on the bullet weight and powder charge. |
| βοΈ Pressure Levels: | The .38 Super operates at higher pressure levels than the .38 ACP, which contributes to its increased velocity and power. |
| βοΈ Variety: | Today, many manufacturers produce .38 Super ammunition in various configurations, including a full metal jacket (FMJ), jacketed hollow point (JHP), and frangible rounds, catering to different shooting needs. |
What is .38 Super ammo good for? πͺ
The versatility of the .38 Super is evident in its wide range of applications.
1οΈβ£ In the competitive shooting world, particularly in events like the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) and the United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA), the .38 Super has carved a niche for itself. β‘οΈ Its unique blend of high velocity, manageable recoil, and increased magazine capacity offers competitors a distinct advantage, making it a favorite choice for many.
2οΈβ£ Beyond the realm of competition, the .38 Super also holds its ground as an effective self-defense cartridge. Its inherent ability to penetrate barriers combined with its powerful delivery makes it a reliable choice for those seeking a cartridge for personal protection. β‘οΈ Historically, this barrier-penetrating capability also made it a preferred choice for law enforcement agencies, especially during times when bulletproof vests became a common defense among criminals.
3οΈβ£ For enthusiasts who enjoy recreational shooting, the .38 Super promises an engaging experience. β‘οΈ Its flat trajectory paired with its manageable recoil ensures that shooters can have both a challenging and enjoyable time at the range.
4οΈβ£ Additionally, while it might not be the most conventional choice for hunting, with the right ammunition, the .38 Super can be effectively used to hunt small to medium-sized game.
π₯ In essence, the .38 Super is not just another cartridge; it’s a versatile tool that caters to a variety of shooting needs, from competition and self-defense to recreation and hunting.
π₯ Best 38 Super Ammo Reviews
1# FMJ – Fiocchi – 38 Super – 129 Grain
Fiocchi Ammo stands as one of the most time-honored ammunition companies globally, renowned for its consistent quality. The company’s accolades include the NATO AQAP-110 Certification, the ISO Certification of the Environment Management System, and the UNI EN ISO Certification of the Quality Management System.
Their .38 Super 129 Grain FMJ ammunition maintains this standard of quality. This brass-cased ammo is suitable for activities like target shooting or casual plinking. The bullet’s weight aligns with the standard for its caliber, and its Full Metal Jacket design ensures reliable feeding and cycling in firearms. Each package contains 1,000 rounds, allowing for extended shooting sessions.
For those in search of dependable .38 Super ammunition, Fiocchi remains a trusted choice, backed by over a century of expertise and dedication to quality.
2# JHP – Federal American Eagle – 38 Super – 115 Grain – 50 Rounds
The .38 Super cartridge is a commendable option for individuals seeking enhanced potency in their self-defense ammunition. Federal American Eagleβs version propels a 115-grain jacketed hollow point bullet at a velocity of 1,130 feet per second, providing substantial stopping power essential in critical situations.
The robust, all-steel composition of the .38 Super also lends itself well to competitive shooting scenarios, where the firearm’s weight assists in managing recoil effectively.
3# JHP – Federal Premium American Eagle – 38 Super – 115 Grain – 50 Rounds
This ammunition features a 115-grain jacketed Hollow Point with a lead core and copper plating, complemented by a non-corrosive boxer primer and a fresh brass casing.
For those who frequently shoot or prefer to reload, this ammo can be reused up to five times.
While American Eagle ammunition is priced more affordably, it retains ballistic characteristics similar to Federalβs Premium rounds. This ensures a dependable shooting experience.
4# JHP – Corbon – 38 Super +P – 125 Grain – 20 Rounds
The .38 Super cartridge, particularly JHP Corbon’s 125-grain jacketed hollow point, offers notable performance. With a muzzle velocity of 1,325 feet per second from a 5-inch test barrel, it’s evident that this round packs a punch.
The design of the jacketed hollow point bullet emphasizes effective impact and penetration, suitable for self-defense or hunting scenarios. Given its +P rating, it’s expected to function consistently in any well-kept firearm designed for .38 Super.
5# HP – Koenig Match – 38 Super – 110 Grain
The Koenig Match ammunition has been crafted with competition shooters in mind. Its 110-grain bullet offers improved balance and swiftness, potentially enhancing performance.
Available in both 9mm JHP and .38 Super JHP, it provides options to suit different firearms. The ammunition features brass cartridge cases and boasts a muzzle velocity of 1160 ft/s, aiming to ensure precision and potency.
If you’re preparing for an upcoming competition, you might consider the Koenig Match ammunition.
6# HP – Koenig Defense – 38 Super – 110 Grain
The HP from Koenig Defense is recognized as a high-quality self-defense round, endorsed by Bianchi Cup champion Doug Koenig. This .38 Super, a collaboration between Doug Koenig and KENCO Ammunition, is suitable for daily carry or safeguarding one’s home.
Its 110-grain JHP bullet ensures precision and strength, and its brass casing can be reloaded, which might appeal to those who shoot often. With its muzzle velocity standing at 1,292 fps and a muzzle energy of 408 ft.-lbs., the .38 Super is often chosen for self-defense purposes.
7# JHP – Sig Sauer V-Crown – 38 Super – 125 Grain – 20 Rounds
The Sig V-Crown ammunition is designed with self-defense in mind. Its unique stacked hollow point design enhances its performance, and the V-shaped jacket skives and scores contribute to consistent expansion and weight retention.
Made with a noncorrosive, all-brass bullet, it ensures a uniform jacket shape, resulting in optimal expansion velocity and weight retention. The Sig V-Crown stacked hollow point is particularly suitable for those in the law enforcement and military sectors, and its design supports efficient one-hand loading.
8# FMJ – Sig Sauer Elite Ball – 38 Super – 125 Grain – 50 Rounds
This ammo is a suitable choice for those engaging in target practice or competitive shooting. Its reliable primers and brass casing contribute to reduced barrel fouling and consistent performance.
This ammunition is designed to offer speed, precision, and reliability, enhancing your experience at the shooting range. Compatible with most handguns, the Sig Sauer 38 Super Bolt Action (.38 SBL) chambered in .38 Super (.38 +P) is versatile for various scenarios.
Sig Sauer offers a broad spectrum of ammunition, available with either full metal jacket or hollow-point bullets.
9# FMJ – Winchester USA – 38 Super – 130 Grain – 50 Rounds
Winchester’s “USA White Box” is a reliable choice for target and range shooting, known for its consistent precision. Its full metal jacket ensures smooth operation without expansion, and the reduced likelihood of barrel fouling can lead to less frequent cleanings. With a muzzle velocity of 1215 ft/s and energy of 426 ft-lbs, this 38 Super is effective for target practice.
10# FMJ – Remington UMC – 38 Super Auto – 130 Grain – 50 Rounds
Suitable for activities like target shooting or plinking, it’s available in a 50-round box. The ammunition incorporates powders to minimize muzzle flash, and both the case mouth and primer are designed to be waterproof, enhancing its reliability.
11# JHP – Underwood – 38 Super – 124 Grain – 20 Rounds
The Underwood Ammo .38 Super is crafted for peak performance and longevity. Underwood Ammo has a reputation for its dedication to quality, and this ammunition underscores that commitment. Constructed from robust materials, it’s designed to withstand prolonged use while maintaining its condition.
Those prioritizing quality and performance might find this product aligns with their preferences.
12# JHP – Underwood – 38 Super – 147 Grain – 20 Rounds
These ammo have deep skives that support consistent expansion without compromising accuracy or feeding. The jacket mouth’s skives are designed for quick expansion, ensuring effective energy transfer and stopping power while minimizing over-penetration risks. Underwood tests its ammunition in real-world scenarios using commonly used firearms to guarantee its performance.
Reloading π§
Reloading ammo can be a cost-effective and rewarding process for shooting enthusiasts. However, it requires careful attention to detail and adherence to safety guidelines. To reload the ammo, you’ll need a few essential materials. These include:
- Empty .38 Super brass casings;
- Primers;
- Bullet of your choice compatible with .38 Super;
- Correct grain of powder;
- Reloading press;
- Dies for .38 Super;
- Calipers for measuring the overall length;
- Bullet puller (just in case).
Below is a guide on there how to reload ammo:
| β‘οΈ Step: | π¬ Description: |
| β Case Inspection: | Begin by thoroughly inspecting your brass cases for any defects such as cracks or dents. Damaged cases should be discarded to ensure safety and reliability. |
| β Cleaning: | Use a tumbler to clean the brass, removing any residues from previous firings. |
| β Resizing and Depriming: | After cleaning, the cases need to be resized using a reloading press and a .38 Super die set. The depriming pin in the die will remove the old primer at the same time. |
| β Priming: | Insert a new primer into the base of the casing using the priming tool. |
| β Powder Charging: | Next, charge the case with the correct grain of powder. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines or a reliable reloading manual to avoid overcharging or undercharging the case. |
| β Bullet Seating: | Place the bullet on top of the charged case and use the bullet seating die to press it into place. The depth should be checked using calipers. |
| β Crimping: | The final step is to crimp the bullet into place. Crimping ensures the bullet doesn’t move during handling or when cycled through a firearm. |
βοΈ After reloading a batch, it’s a good idea to test them to ensure they function correctly. Based on performance, you can adjust your load data for future batches.
β οΈ Remember, safety should always be paramount when reloading. Wear protective safety glasses, keep your workspace clean and uncluttered, and never rush the process. With these steps, you can successfully reload your ammo and enjoy your shooting sessions even more!
β¬οΈ We believe this video can be helpful for you:
FAQ β
Conclusion π
The .38 Super ammo is a versatile cartridge with a rich history. Popular among competitive shooters, it stands out for its balance between power and manageable recoil. While it might not be as commonly found as some other cartridges, its unique characteristics make it a favorite for many.
If you’re considering using or storing it, just remember to keep it in a cool, dry place to maintain its quality.
Whether you’re at the range or considering it for other purposes, this ammo is a noteworthy option in the world of ammunition.
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Just wanted to share my experience with .38 Super ammo. I’ve been using it for USPSA matches, and the flat trajectory and snappy recoil really work well for quick follow-up shots. Anyone else here into competitive shooting with .38 Super?
.38 Super is widely recognized as a solid choice for competition shooting, particularly in events like USPSA (United States Practical Shooting Association) matches. Here’s why it’s favored by many competitive shooters:
π Power Factor Requirements: In many shooting competitions, including USPSA, there are power factor requirements that ammunition must meet to ensure a certain level of recoil and energy. The .38 Super, with its higher velocity and energy compared to standard 9mm, often allows shooters to meet these power factor thresholds more easily.
π Flat Trajectory: The .38 Super’s higher velocity results in a flatter trajectory, meaning the bullet maintains a more consistent point of impact at various distances. This characteristic is particularly advantageous in dynamic shooting scenarios where targets are placed at different ranges.
π Reduced Recoil: While .38 Super does have a bit more recoil compared to standard 9mm, its manageable recoil, combined with its power factor benefits, makes it a comfortable choice for rapid follow-up shots in competition settings.
π Accuracy and Precision: The flatter trajectory and enhanced energy of the .38 Super contribute to improved accuracy and precision, which are crucial for achieving tight shot groups and scoring well in competitions.
π Target Penetration: The higher velocity of the .38 Super can result in better target penetration, ensuring that shots reach and score on steel targets, which is common in many competitive shooting stages.
π Variety of Loads: Reloaders can further fine-tune their ammunition by experimenting with different bullet weights, profiles, and powder charges, allowing them to tailor the .38 Super to their specific shooting style and the demands of different stages.
I’m all in for .38 Super in competition! The consistent trajectory and extra energy make it a dream for those distant targets. I’ve been reloading my own rounds to fine-tune the performance, and the versatility of this caliber really shines on the range.
I’ve been using .38 Super +P loads for a while now
Thank you for this post and info about reloading. Have some advise from my experience. The structure of 38 Super is straight-walled, contrasting with the tapered form of the 9x19mm. 9x19mm dies are suitable for loading the 9x23mm Win or Starline 9x23mm Super Comp. The 380 ACP exhibits a .373″ neck and .374″ base, whereas the 38 Super has both a .384″ neck and base. Consequently, it’s recommended to use the appropriate 38 Super dies for 38 Super, rather than the 380 ACP dies.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts π
I live in Mexico. The 38 Super holds a unique position in our market, primarily due to its classification as a non-military caliber. This classification allows Mexican citizens to own it for self-defense purposes. Notably, the .380 ACP and .38 Super are widely favored in Mexico for this very reason.
Thinking of switching to .38 Super for my home defense pistol. The increased velocity and energy seem like they’d give me that extra edge if I ever need it. Anyone else using it as their go-to home defense round?
π‘ Yes, .38 Super can be suitable for self-defense. It offers higher velocity and energy compared to standard 9mm ammunition, which can result in better penetration and stopping power. However, the effectiveness of any self-defense round depends on various factors such as bullet type, firearm design, shot placement, and individual proficiency. It’s crucial to choose appropriate ammunition and receive proper training to ensure you can effectively use .38 Super for self-defense purposes.
Hey people, any vintage gun enthusiasts here? I’ve got a classic Colt Commander in .38 Super from the ’70s. Love the history behind it. Just wish the ammo was a bit more widely available and affordable for range days.