.38 ACP/Auto Ammo.
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.38 ACP is the original .38 Auto cartridge that came before the .38 Super. It is still needed by owners of early Colt pistols and other vintage guns chambered for it. At Gunners Outlet we carry .38 ACP ammunition, including 130 grain FMJ loads from Prvi Partizan. Order online and we ship fast from our New Hampshire warehouse.
About .38 ACP Ammunition
John Browning designed the .38 ACP, and Colt introduced it in 1900 with the Model 1900 pistol. In 1929 Colt released the hotter .38 Super using the same case dimensions, and the Super largely replaced the original.
Standard .38 ACP loads use a 130 grain FMJ bullet at moderate velocity. That lower pressure is important for the older pistols the cartridge was designed for.
.38 ACP can be fired in pistols chambered for .38 Super, but you should never fire .38 Super in a pistol made only for .38 ACP. If you own a vintage Colt, a supply of correctly loaded .38 ACP keeps it shooting safely.
.38 ACP/Auto Ballistics Table
| Bullet Weight | Bullet Type | Loads | Brands | Price From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 130 gr | FMJ | 1 | 1 | $0.41/rd |
Frequently Asked Questions
38 acp vs 38 special: which is better?
They are different cartridges: .38 ACP is a semi-auto round for vintage pistols, .38 Special is a revolver round. Energy is similar. They are not interchangeable.
38 acp vs 380: which is better?
.38 ACP is more powerful, while .380 ACP is far more common and fits small modern pistols. They are not interchangeable.
Is 38 acp the same as 38 super?
No. .38 Super uses the same case dimensions but runs at higher pressure. .38 ACP can fire in a .38 Super pistol, but .38 Super must never be fired in a .38 ACP gun.
What guns use 38 acp?
.38 ACP is used mainly in early Colt pistols such as the Model 1900, 1902 and 1903. Most modern pistols in this size use .38 Super instead.