.38 Super Ammo.
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.38 Super is a high-velocity semi-auto cartridge with a devoted following among competition shooters and 1911 fans. It shoots flat, feeds smoothly and makes Major power factor in USPSA with manageable recoil. At Gunners Outlet we carry .38 Super ammunition from 115 to 130 grains, including FMJ and JHP loads from Geco, PMC and Federal. Order online and we ship fast from our New Hampshire warehouse. Each product lists its price per round, so comparing value is simple.
About .38 Super Ammunition
Colt introduced the .38 Super in 1929 as a hotter version of the older .38 ACP, built for the Government Model pistol. It offered high velocity in an era when few pistols could match it, and it found a lasting home in competition and in countries where 9mm was restricted for civilians.
Most factory .38 Super loads use 115 to 130 grain bullets. The 130 grain FMJ is the classic range load. Some boxes are labeled .38 Super +P, which refers to the same cartridge at its standard higher pressure, not an extra-hot load.
Never fire .38 Super in a pistol chambered for the older .38 ACP, since the Super runs at higher pressure. In a modern 1911, .38 Super is accurate, soft-shooting and fun, and buying by the box or in bulk keeps this specialty cartridge on hand.
Why Competitors Love .38 Super
In USPSA Open division, .38 Super was long the cartridge of choice because it reaches major power factor with lighter bullets and less recoil than .45 ACP, especially with a compensator. Its slim case also allows high-capacity magazines in 1911 and 2011 style pistols.
For casual shooters, a .38 Super 1911 offers a soft, flat-shooting experience with more capacity than a .45.
.38 Super Ballistics Table
| Bullet Weight | Bullet Type | Loads | Brands | Price From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 115 gr | JHP / Hollow Point | 1 | 1 | $0.52/rd |
| 124 gr | FMJ | 1 | 1 | $0.38/rd |
| 130 gr | FMJ | 1 | 1 | $0.50/rd |
Frequently Asked Questions
38 super vs 9mm: which is better?
.38 Super is slightly faster and favored in competition, while 9mm is cheaper and far more common. Performance is similar with typical loads. Choose 9mm for value and availability, .38 Super for a classic 1911 or USPSA Open.
38 super vs 38 special: which is better?
They are different cartridges: .38 Super is a high-velocity semi-auto round, .38 Special is a revolver round. .38 Super delivers more velocity and energy. They are not interchangeable.
38 super vs 357 magnum: which is better?
.357 Magnum is more powerful, while .38 Super is easier to shoot and feeds in semi-autos. Full .357 loads carry substantially more energy. Choose .357 for a revolver and hunting, .38 Super for competition.
38 super vs 357 sig: which is better?
.357 SIG is faster and more common in duty pistols, while .38 Super has softer recoil and a strong competition following. Both use similar bullet diameters and offer flat trajectories. Pick the one your pistol is built for.