· top picks · 5 min read
Defensive Handgun: 5 Best 38 Special Hollow Point Rounds for Home Protection
Our comprehensive guide to 38 Special hollow point ammunition evaluates top-performing cartridges, comparing expansion, velocity, and reliability for both self-defense and competition use.
The 38 Special hollow point has established itself as a versatile and reliable choice for personal protection and concealed carry due to its balanced combination of terminal performance and recoil characteristics. This article examines several popular hollow point cartridges, comparing their performance, reliability, and value to help you make an informed choice.
As an Amazon Affiliate™, I may earn through qualified purchases!
Reviews
Walnut Hollow Special Technique 2-Package
These 2-pack blades make your hot tool incredibly versatile. The blades are securely riveted into the holder for safety, and they’re great for cutting all sorts of materials like plastic, foam, and even 3D printed parts. The temperature hits a perfect 950° for melting and shaping, making cutting as simple as using a hot knife to spread butter.
Findingking Bullet .38 Special
This dependable. 38 Special hollow-point round packs authoritative stopping power in a compact package. The precision-engineered projectile delivers exceptional downrange performance, while the sturdy brass casing ensures reliable feed in any semi-automatic pistol. Whether you’re outfitting a personal defense firearm or looking to stock your home defense safe, these proven rounds elevate your concealed carry arsenal.
Air Jordan 38
Whether you’re hitting the courts or just grabbing some casual kicks, these Air Jordan 38s hit all the right notes. The premium mesh upper hugs your foot in just the right places, while the full-length Zoom Air unit gives you that perfect balance of responsiveness and cushioning. The recycled materials and sustainable design show that Nike isn’t just hitting home runs on the court – they’re nailing it in the sustainability department too.
Lyman Devastator .44 Magnum Hollow Point
Crafted from solid leaded-steel with a precision-machined surface finish, this single-cavity mold produces high-quality. 44-caliber hollow-point bullets weighing 250 grains. The heat-treated steel design features hardened alignment pins for lasting performance, while the solid-steel sprue plate ensures clean, consistent casts. The mold delivers accurate results when paired with proper lead alloy and casting techniques, making it a reliable choice for handgun loads.
Carbon Express XSD In-Out Broadheads
These small-diameter inserts help. 166 shafts fit points perfectly, while adding front-weight for better accuracy across distances. At just 2.2 cm long, they’re compact buteffective, measuring under 1 inch in height. The six-pack format keeps your essentials organized for consistent broadhead performance.
Buyer’s Guide
The 38 Special Hollow Point is a widely-used handgun cartridge that offers a good balance of performance and reliability. This guide will help you understand the key features and considerations when selecting ammunition in this caliber.
Ballistic Performance
38 Special Hollow Points deliver effective terminal performance against soft targets. The hollow-point design expands upon impact, increasing tissue damage and improving hit certainty. The cartridge’s moderate velocity and energy make it suitable for personal defense and varmint hunting applications.
Strengthened Cases
Many modern 38 Special Hollow Points feature brass cases with added strength through case neck bluing and improved headstopping. These design elements help prevent case failure during firing, extending magazine life and ensuring reliable feeding in firearms.
Corrosion Resistance
Look for ammunition featuring boxlock and tin plating on the primer pocket to enhance corrosion resistance. Some manufacturers also coat the case with a thin layer of oil to protect against moisture damage, particularly important for firearms stored in humid environments.
Match Grade Options
For competition use, consider match-grade 38 Special Hollow Points with tighter tolerances and trued cases. These rounds provide superior consistency in velocity and trajectory, essential for competitive shooting accuracy.
FAQ
What is a 38 Special Hollow Point?
38 Special Hollow Point (HP) ammunition features a hollowed-out nose designed to expand upon impact, increasing penetration and wound channeling. This type of ammunition is known for its balance of terminal performance and reliability in common firearms.
The 38 Special HP cartridge measures. 357 inches in diameter and fires a bullet at velocities typically ranging from 900 to 1300 feet per second, making it suitable for both self-defense and target shooting applications.
What makes 38 Special HP ammunition effective for home defense?
38 Special HP rounds expand during penetration, creating a larger wound channel and improved stopping power. The faster expanding nature of these bullets often results in quicker knockdowns compared to conventional 38 Specialammo.
These cartridges maintain their effectiveness in common home defense firearms, providing a balance of performance and reliability without the excessive recoil of larger calibers.
How does 38 Special HP compare to 9mm in self-defense rounds?
While 9mm offers slightly higher velocity and energy, 38 Special HP provides adequate terminal performance in home defense situations. The larger diameter and typically superior expansion characteristics of 38 Special HP can outperform 9mm in many scenarios.
38 Special HP ammunition is also more commonly stocked in local gun shops, making it a practical choice for home defense with common firearms.
What firearms chambered in 38 Special HP are available?
38 Special HP is compatible with a wide range of firearms, including revolvers like the Smith & Wesson Model 10 and pistols such as the Ruger Redhawk. This cartridge works in both single-action and double-action revolver designs.
Many modern handguns chambered in 38 Special can also fire 38 Special HP safely, though always check your firearm’s manual for specific ammunition recommendations.
What is the maximum safe velocity for 38 Special HP?
38 Special HP ammunition is typically loaded to velocities between 900 and 1300 feet per second, with maximum pressure ratings of 15,000 to 16,500 COP (CentiPascal). Exceeding these velocities and pressures can compromise case life and firearm reliability.
Always use load data specific to your firearm and firearm manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure safe and optimal performance.
How should 38 Special HP ammunition be stored?
Pellet-based hollow points like 38 Special HP are susceptible to separation due to their construction. Store ammunition in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity to prevent degradation of these critical components.
Check ammunition for proper case sealing and any signs of separation before use, as even slight damage can affect performance and safety.
As an Amazon Affiliate™, I may earn through qualified purchases!