You own a 38 Special revolver. You need ammo for the range, maybe something for the nightstand, and you like the Remington name. Good news: Remington 38 Special ammo covers all three jobs. The catch is that Remington spreads its loads across four product lines, and the names don’t always tell you what’s inside. This guide clears that up.
Remington’s Four 38 Special Lines at a Glance
- UMC: the value line for range practice.
- Performance WheelGun: lead loads made for revolvers, including wadcutters and semi-wadcutters.
- HTP: semi-jacketed hollow points for defense and general use.
- Golden Saber Defense: Remington’s premium defense bullet, with a brass jacket.
Range and Practice: UMC
UMC is the box most people grab for a range day. The Remington UMC 130-grain FMJ lists 800 fps and 185 ft-lb. The UMC 158-grain round nose lists 755 fps and 200 ft-lb, which matches the classic 38 Special service load weight.
UMC also offers a 125-grain +P semi-jacketed hollow point in a 100-round box. It lists 945 fps and 248 ft-lb. That gives you a cheaper way to practice with a +P load before you carry one.
Revolver Shooting: Performance WheelGun
Remington built the WheelGun line for revolver owners. These are lead bullets that run soft and clean up easily. There are three choices.
148-Grain Wadcutter
The Performance WheelGun 148-grain wadcutter lists 710 fps and 166 ft-lb. It is a target load. The flat face punches clean holes in paper. Our 38 Special wadcutter ammo guide explains this bullet in depth.
158-Grain Semi-Wadcutter
The SWC has a nose and a sharp shoulder. It lists 755 fps. It works for target work and general use.
158-Grain Round Nose
The round nose WheelGun load lists 755 fps and 200 ft-lb. It is a good match for cowboy action guns and older revolvers.
Personal Defense: HTP and Golden Saber
HTP Semi-Jacketed Hollow Points
HTP stands for High Terminal Performance. The bullets use a partial copper jacket with exposed lead at the hollow point. The HTP 110-grain standard pressure lists 950 fps and 220 ft-lb. That is a good choice for older or lighter revolvers that are not rated for +P.
For +P-rated guns, the HTP +P 110-grain lists 995 fps and 242 ft-lb. There is also a +P 158-grain lead hollow point at 890 fps and 278 ft-lb. That heavy, soft lead bullet has been a common choice in 38 Special for a long time.
Golden Saber Defense
Golden Saber uses a brass jacket instead of copper. The Golden Saber +P 125-grain BJHP lists 975 fps and 264 ft-lb. The Golden Saber Defense Compact version is tuned for short barrels and lists 895 fps and 222 ft-lb. That is the one to look at for a snub-nose revolver.
Laws on defensive carry and hollow points vary by state and city. Check your local rules before you carry.
Remington 38 Special Ammo Comparison Table
| Load | Grain | Bullet | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UMC FMJ | 130 | FMJ | 800 | 185 |
| UMC Round Nose | 158 | RN | 755 | 200 |
| UMC +P SJHP | 125 | SJHP | 945 | 248 |
| WheelGun Wadcutter | 148 | WC | 710 | 166 |
| WheelGun SWC | 158 | SWC | 755 | 200 |
| WheelGun Round Nose | 158 | RN | 755 | 200 |
| HTP | 110 | SJHP | 950 | 220 |
| HTP +P | 110 | SJHP | 995 | 242 |
| HTP +P Lead HP | 158 | Lead HP | 890 | 278 |
| Golden Saber +P | 125 | BJHP | 975 | 264 |
| Golden Saber Compact +P | 125 | BJHP | 895 | 222 |
All figures are Remington’s published muzzle data. Short barrels will show less speed.
What Does +P Mean on a 38 Special Box?
The +P mark means the load runs at higher pressure than a standard 38 Special. SAAMI sets those limits. A +P load gives more speed and more recoil. Only use it in a revolver the maker says can handle +P. If your gun is old or very light, stick with standard pressure loads like the HTP 110-grain.
A .357 Magnum revolver can fire any 38 Special load, +P included. Check your revolver maker’s manual to confirm. It is a good way to practice cheaply with a magnum gun.
How to Pick Your Remington 38 Special Ammo
- Check your revolver. Is it rated for +P? Look in the manual or on the barrel.
- Pick a carry load. Golden Saber Compact for snubs, HTP for standard-pressure guns.
- Pick a practice load. UMC FMJ is cheap. UMC +P SJHP comes closer to carry-load recoil.
- Test both. Make sure point of impact is close and the gun runs clean.
To learn how defensive loads are tested, read our guide to reading 38 Special gel test results.
Shop Remington 38 Special Ammo
Find every load in our Remington 38 Special ammo category, or compare other makers in the main 38 Special ammo section.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Remington HTP and Golden Saber?
HTP uses a semi-jacketed hollow point with exposed lead at the nose. Golden Saber is Remington’s premium defense bullet with a brass jacket. Both are made for defense. Golden Saber Defense Compact is tuned for short barrels, so it is a good look for snub-nose revolvers.
Is 38 special good for self-defense?
The 38 Special has a long record as a police and civilian defense round. With a quality hollow point and regular practice, many people carry it in a small revolver. Pick a load matched to your barrel length, and check your state and local laws.
Can I shoot Remington 38 Special +P in any revolver?
No. Only fire +P ammo in a revolver the maker says is rated for it. Older or very light guns may not be. If you are unsure, use standard pressure loads such as the Remington HTP 110-grain, or ask the gun maker.
Is 38 special bigger than 9mm?
The bullets are nearly the same width. A 38 Special bullet is about .357 inch across, and a 9mm is about .355 inch. The 38 Special uses a longer, rimmed case made for revolvers. The two cartridges are not interchangeable.
What Remington 38 Special ammo is best for practice?
UMC 130-grain FMJ is the low-cost choice for range work. If you carry a +P load, the UMC 125-grain +P semi-jacketed hollow point in a 100-round box gives similar recoil for practice. WheelGun wadcutters suit precise target work.
