Where to find: .38 SPL 148/158gr WC/SWC ammo?

[Bassat]

I just bought a CA Off Duty 2" .38spl. I knew I was going to have some problems finding good defensive ammo for this. An hour on the internet leaves me a bit tired and somewhat irritated. I found some at PSA, some at USA Guns, but the selection is limited, and so is the supply. Anyone have any suggestions? Just for background, I am not interested in anything +P, or anything that doesn't penetrate.

 

[DadSmith]

I just bought a CA Off Duty 2" .38spl. I knew I was going to have some problems finding good defensive ammo for this. An hour on the internet leaves me a bit tired and somewhat irritated. I found some at PSA, some at USA Guns, but the selection is limited, and so is the supply. Anyone have any suggestions? Just for background, I am not interested in anything +P, or anything that doesn't penetrate.

148gr wadcutter doesn't really need to be +P which is nice.
I'll try to locate something for you.

 

[Bill2905]

Did a quick search on Shooting Bot for 148gr WC and 158gr SWC

Ammo : 38Spec : 148 Wc

In Stock Search and Alerts for Ammo : 38Spec

www.shootingbot.com

Ammo : 38Spec : 158 Swc

In Stock Search and Alerts for Ammo : 38Spec

www.shootingbot.com

 

[DadSmith]

Sellier & Bellot SB38B Handgun 38 Special 148 gr Wadcutter (WC) 50 Bx/ 24 Cs

<p>Sellier & Bellot ammunition has long been noted for its quality, precision and reliability. A homogeneous lead bullet suitable for competition shooting. It features excellent accuracy and produces circular bullet hole when hitting the target. These loads boast superior performance suitable...

shopbfam.com

FS over $200

 

[DadSmith]

Prvi Partizan 38 Special SWC Brass 158 Grain 50 Ro | Gunner's Outlet

Item Details: Prvi Partizan 38 Special SWC Brass 158 Grain 50 Rounds, Find Ammunition and Bullets For Your Weapon | Gunner's Outlet

www.gunnersoutlet.com

FS on 1000rds
$400

 

[92FSTech]

Kinda pricy, but...

https://www.georgia-arms.com/38-special-ultimate-defense-snub-nose-148gr-wadcutter-20pk/

 

[DadSmith]

I just bought a CA Off Duty 2" .38spl. I knew I was going to have some problems finding good defensive ammo for this. An hour on the internet leaves me a bit tired and somewhat irritated. I found some at PSA, some at USA Guns, but the selection is limited, and so is the supply. Anyone have any suggestions? Just for background, I am not interested in anything +P, or anything that doesn't penetrate.

@Aszerigan might be able to make some for you. You might contact him about what you want.

Also contact @AEAMMO.COM about getting some.

 

[Bassat]

Thanks, DS.

 

[Bassat]

Did a quick search on Shooting Bot for 148gr WC and 158gr SWC

Ammo : 38Spec : 148 Wc

In Stock Search and Alerts for Ammo : 38Spec

www.shootingbot.com

Ammo : 38Spec : 158 Swc

In Stock Search and Alerts for Ammo : 38Spec

www.shootingbot.com

Amazing. I spent over an hour searching individual stores. I didn't know this kind of stuff was even possible.

 

[Colt556]

I know that ammunition that they don’t make a lot of because it’s less popular cost more but gosh, I’m so old I remember buying wad cutters for $4-5 /50 to just punch paper with, reloads were $2/box. I need to pick some up for a S&W Mod 52 I have and the S&B stuff looks pretty good. Would work fine outta my snubbies too.

 

[Brad69]

Underwood or buffalo bore have great loads. Not + standard pressure.

 

[63PGP]

.38 Special Ammo handgun 148 grains wadcutter

In-stock best prices for 38 Special Ammo handgun 148 grains wadcutter | Best 38 Special Ammunition handgun 148 grains wadcutter - AmmoSeek.com

ammoseek.com

 

[Slow Hand]

Midway has a decent selection available

Buffalo Bore Ammo 38 Special 158 Grain Lead Semi-Wadcutter Hollow

Buffalo Bore loads their ammunition with the highest quality components available to maximize the performance of the ammunition. This ammunition is safe...

www.midwayusa.com

Buffalo Bore Ammo 38 Special 150 Grain Lead Wadcutter Box of 20

Buffalo Bore loads their ammunition with the highest quality components available to maximize the performance of the ammunition. This ammunition is safe...

www.midwayusa.com

Winchester Super-X Ammo 38 Special 158 Grain Lead Semi-Wadcutter Box

Super-X ammunition is hard-hitting and reliable. From deer to upland birds to target shooting and self-defense, there is a Super-X product for almost...

www.midwayusa.com

Fiocchi Range Dynamics Ammo 38 Special 148 Grain Hollow Base Lead

Fiocchi Shooting Dynamics ammunition offers great quality and consistency for the high-volume shooter and hunter. Loaded with similar grain weights as...

www.midwayusa.com

Buffalo Bore Ammo 38 Special 150 Grain Lead Wadcutter Box of 20

Buffalo Bore loads their ammunition with the highest quality components available to maximize the performance of the ammunition. This ammunition is safe...

www.midwayusa.com

.38 Special Ammo & 38 Special +P Ammo for Sale | MidwayUSA

Shop 38 Special at MidwayUSA! We carry a wide selection of 38 Special at the best prices!

www.midwayusa.com

 

[92FSTech]

I know that ammunition that they don’t make a lot of because it’s less popular cost more but gosh, I’m so old I remember buying wad cutters for $4-5 /50 to just punch paper with, reloads were $2/box. I need to pick some up for a S&W Mod 52 I have and the S&B stuff looks pretty good. Would work fine outta my snubbies too.

Revolver cartridges are quickly becoming a reloader's game. Even .38 special, which used to be everywhere, is now getting hard to find and expensive. At least they don't throw your brass all over the place and it lasts just about forever with standard pressure loads, especially if you avoid nickel cases. You can still get a box of Hornady tumble-lubed HBWC projectiles, and load them for the same or less than 9mm.

 

[Aszerigan]

I’ve made Federal 148gn Match Wadcutter clone ammo for several customers. It’s no problem to make more.

 

[Bill2905]

Amazing. I spent over an hour searching individual stores. I didn't know this kind of stuff was even possible.

I didn't either until a friend told me about it. I use it to search best pricing on rifle reloading components.

Ammo Seek is another online search engine.

Best Ammo for Finding Ammunition 2024 - Guns Mags Reloading

Search best in-stock ammo, guns, magazines, and reloading components for the cheapest prices online 2024

ammoseek.com

 

[Leo]

I like the little Charter arms undercover as a boot gun.

Like you found, almost all defensive ammo is +p, which the Charter arms is not rated to use. S&B had some 125 gr hollow points for .38spl but I have not seen them in 10 or 12 years. I have found 130 grain FMJ in standard pressure.

Better than a slingshot, unless you are David slaying Goliath.

 

[Leo]

I’ve made Federal 148gn Match Wadcutter clone ammo for several customers. It’s no problem to make more.

I remember some of the cast 148 WC bullets were hollow base. I remember guys putting them in with the hollow pointing out, claiming they would mushroom. I never tried it or tested it on a hunk of meat. Did you ever try that?

 

[Bassat]

Kinda pricy, but...

https://www.georgia-arms.com/38-special-ultimate-defense-snub-nose-148gr-wadcutter-20pk/

Thanks. I buy my 32ACP ammo from them. All the Fiocchi 73gr FMJ I can shoot for $28/box. They always have it in stock.

 

[Aszerigan]

I remember some of the cast 148 WC bullets were hollow base. I remember guys putting them in with the hollow pointing out, claiming they would mushroom. I never tried it or tested it on a hunk of meat. Did you ever try that?

I’ve heard of people doing that but I never have.