S&B .38 SPECIAL FMJ

Sellier & Bellot .38 Special FMJ is a classic cartridge with a 10.25-gram or 158-grain full metal jacket bullet for training, sport shooting, and target practice. The bullet, with a standard lead core and CuZn30 metal jacket, achieves a manufacturer-stated muzzle velocity of 271 m/s and muzzle energy of 376 J from a 190 mm test barrel.

Suitable for use with

• Revolvers marked for .38 Special caliber

• Other firearms designed for .38 Special caliber

• Regular shooting range training

• Target shooting

• Sport and competition shooting

• Checking firearm reliability

• Checking sights and point of impact

• Shooters who prefer a 158-grain FMJ bullet

• Owners with a valid firearms license

Why choose the S&B .38 Special FMJ cartridge?

• Classic .38 Special training load

• 10.25 g or 158 gr full metal jacket bullet

• Manufacturer-stated muzzle velocity: 271 m/s

• Manufacturer-stated muzzle energy: 376 J

• Standard lead core

• CuZn30 metal jacket

• Non-expanding bullet

• Standard pressure load – not +P

• Manufacturer-stated reliable performance

• Suitable for range and competition shooting

• 50 cartridges per package

Technical data

• Caliber: .38 Special

• Abbreviated designation: .38 Spl.

• Bullet type: FMJ or full metal jacket

• Bullet core: lead

• Bullet jacket material: CuZn30

• Bullet weight: 10.25 g / 158 gr

• Cartridge weight: approximately 15.1 g

• Overall cartridge length: 38.60 mm

• Ballistic coefficient: G1 0.184

• Sectional density: 0.177 lb/in²

• Estimated power factor: 140.5 kgr·fps

• +P ammunition: no

• Test barrel length: 190 mm

• Manufacturer-recommended use: range and competition shooting

• Bullet effect: non-expanding

• Manufacturer-stated features: reliable performance and reduced barrel leading

• Package contains: 50 cartridges

Ballistic data

• Muzzle: 271 m/s and 376 J

• At 25 m: 265 m/s and 359 J

• At 50 m: 259 m/s and 344 J

• At 100 m: 248 m/s and 316 J

Trajectory comparison data

Manufacturer-published point of impact change relative to the 25 meter reference point:

• 12.5 m: +0.3 cm

• 25 m: 0 cm

• 50 m: –7.2 cm

• 100 m: –49.5 cm

Actual velocity, energy, and point of impact depend on barrel length, firearm condition, ammunition batch, and temperature.

Package includes

• 50 × S&B .38 Special FMJ 10.25 g cartridges

• Factory box

Frequently Asked Questions

What does FMJ mean?

FMJ or Full Metal Jacket refers to a bullet fully encased in a metal jacket. This cartridge’s lead core is surrounded by a CuZn30 metal jacket. The bullet is non-expanding and primarily intended for training, target, and sport shooting.

Is this a +P cartridge?

No. According to the manufacturer, V311412 is not +P ammunition. However, the cartridge should only be used in technically sound firearms designed for .38 Special caliber.

Can a .38 Special cartridge be used in a .357 Magnum revolver?

Many .357 Magnum revolvers are designed to also use .38 Special cartridges, but this should not be assumed automatically. Always check compatibility in the specific firearm’s manual or manufacturer’s data. .357 Magnum cartridges must not be used in firearms marked only for .38 Special caliber.

Do .38 Special and .38 S&W mean the same caliber?

No. .38 Special and .38 S&W are cartridges of different dimensions and are not interchangeable. Always select ammunition based on the complete caliber marking on the firearm.

Is this cartridge suitable for an older revolver?

Only if the revolver is marked for .38 Special caliber and is in technically sound condition. For older firearms or those with unknown maintenance history, have the condition checked by a qualified gunsmith before shooting.

How does an FMJ bullet differ from a WC bullet?

FMJ is a general-purpose full metal jacket bullet for training and target shooting. WC or Wadcutter is a flat-nosed bullet that cuts a clearly defined hole in paper targets and is therefore popular in precision shooting.

Why might the actual muzzle velocity differ from the manufacturer’s stated 271 m/s?

The manufacturer’s ballistic data are measured with a 190 mm test barrel. Due to shorter or longer barrel length, different ammunition batches, temperature, and the specific condition of the firearm, actual velocity, energy, and point of impact may vary.

When is S&B .38 Special FMJ the right choice?

This cartridge is a practical choice for owners of .38 Special caliber firearms who want classic 158-grain full metal jacket standard pressure ammunition for training, sport shooting, or checking point of impact. The non-expanding FMJ bullet and 50-round packaging make it well-suited for regular shooting range use.

For precision shooting at paper targets, a flat-nosed WC bullet may leave a more readable impact hole. If an indoor range requires special ammunition with reduced contaminants, a Nontox-marked TFMJ load may be more suitable.

Expert recommendation

The .38 Special with a 158-grain bullet is a classic revolver load. Before buying in larger quantities, try one box and check cartridge fit in the cylinder, case ejection, and point of impact. Revolvers with different barrel lengths can yield significantly different muzzle velocities compared to the manufacturer’s 190 mm test barrel data.

Before loading, check the exact caliber marking on your firearm and the condition of the cartridges. Do not use damaged, deformed, or corroded ammunition. Use cartridges only in technically sound firearms and at approved shooting ranges, and always wear hearing and eye protection.

Classic .38 Special training cartridge with a 158-grain bullet

S&B .38 Special FMJ 10.25 g combines a full metal jacket bullet, standard pressure load, and manufacturer-verified ballistics. It is a practical choice for regular training, sport shooting, and target shooting from a suitably chambered revolver.