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Last updated November 11, 2026

.38 Special +P defense ammo prices

Compare +P JHP defense loads designed for snub-nose revolvers.

Search .38 Spl +P
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IronScout provides observed price and availability data for .38 Special ammunition across tracked online retailers. Data reflects historical price observations and does not include purchase recommendations.

These figures cover all tracked .38 Special listings, not only .38 Special +P defense loads.

Observed 30-Day Price (Per Round): median: $0.658, sample size: 7323.

Prices last updated November 11, 2026 · 348 listings tracked across 28 retailers · 31 days with data in the 30-day window

How we calculate this

SQL PERCENTILE_CONT over daily-best per-product-per-day observed in-stock prices

  • Daily-best is MIN(price_per_round) per (caliber, product, UTC day).
  • Only in-stock observations included.
  • Coverage varies by retailer and source.
View 348 tracked .38 Spl products →

.38 Special +P defense loads by product line

Product LineGrainType
Speer Gold Dot SB .38 +P135grJHP
Federal HST .38 +P130grJHP
Hornady Critical Defense .38110grFTX

What to know about .38 Special +P

+P loads are loaded to a higher pressure than standard .38 Special for more velocity. Speer Gold Dot 135gr +P Short Barrel is designed specifically for snub-nose revolvers. Whether a .38 Special revolver is rated for +P is stated in its manual or on the frame; check that before firing +P. A .357 Magnum revolver is rated for .38 Special +P.

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Frequently asked questions

What is .38 Special +P?
.38 Special +P is loaded to higher pressure than standard .38 Special, adding approximately 100–150 fps of velocity. Ensure your revolver is rated for +P before using it, especially older or lightweight models.
Is .38 Special +P safe in all revolvers?
Older revolvers (pre-1970s), aluminum-framed snub-noses, and some lightweight models may not be rated for +P. The firearm manufacturer's manual and the barrel or cylinder marking state what a revolver is rated for. Continuous +P use accelerates wear in all revolvers.
How does .38 Special +P compare to .357 Magnum?
.38 Special +P produces less energy than .357 Magnum, with less recoil. It adds velocity over standard .38 Special.