The Sellier & Bellot .38 Special Semi-Jacketed Soft Point ammunition is a standard-pressure, non-+P factory cartridge engineered for revolvers and lever-action carbines chambered in .38 Special or .357 Magnum. Loaded with a 158-grain (10.25 g) projectile, this ammunition pairs an exposed lead nose with a drawn CuZn 30 brass jacket to promote controlled expansion and weight retention upon impact. Each factory-new cartridge features a non-corrosive Boxer primer and a reloadable brass case, achieving a muzzle velocity of 889 fps and 277 ft·lb of energy from a 7.5-inch test barrel. Packaged in 50-round boxes, it provides standard factory ballistics suitable for close-to-medium-range range practice, target competition, and small-to-medium pest management.

Key Features

• Controlled Expansion Projectile: Combines a 158-grain exposed lead soft point with a partial brass jacket for uniform expansion and core retention over full metal jacket alternatives.
• Standard-Pressure Operation: Safe for use in older, lighter-frame .38 Special firearms as well as modern .357 Magnum chambers without exceeding standard factory pressure levels.
• Boxer-Primed Brass Casings: Drawn brass cartridge cases are fully reloadable, featuring non-corrosive Boxer primers to maintain reliable ignition and cycling.
• Predictable Close-Range Ballistics: Maintains 853 fps and 255 ft·lb of energy at 50 yards with a 2.4-inch drop, offering predictable trajectory control across handgun shooting distances.

Product Specifications

• Calibre: .38 Special (Standard Pressure, non-+P)
• Bullet Weight: 158 grains (10.25 grams)
• Bullet Type: Semi-Jacketed Soft Point (SJSP / SP)
• Bullet Diameter: 0.357 in (9.07 mm)
• Jacket Material: CuZn 30 Brass
• Muzzle Velocity: 889 fps (271 m/s) via 7.5 in (190 mm) barrel
• Muzzle Energy: 277 ft·lb (376 Joules)
• Ballistic Coefficient: 0.184 (G1)
• Sectional Density: 0.177 lb/in²
• Overall Cartridge Length: 1.520 in (38.6 mm)
• Casing & Primer: Reloadable brass; Boxer primed (non-corrosive)
• Package Quantity: 50 rounds per box
• Package Weight: Approximately 1.75 lb (0.79–0.82 kg)

Who is the S&B Sellier & Bellot 38 Special 158 Grain Sp Ammo 50 Rd for?

• Revolver target shooters — Provides consistent standard-pressure velocity of 889 fps and a minimal 2.4-inch drop at 50 yards, delivering reliable point-of-impact alignment for handguns and lever-action rifles across distances under 50 yards.
• Pest and small-game hunters — Employs a 158 grain semi-jacketed soft point bullet delivering 277 ft·lb of muzzle energy, producing mechanical expansion and controlled terminal performance in .38 Special and .357 Magnum firearms that non-expanding FMJ rounds cannot replicate.

Less suitable for: Medium-game hunting or shooting beyond 75 to 100 metres where standard .38 Special velocities drop to 820 fps and cause an 18.8-inch trajectory drop; use higher-velocity cartridges such as .357 Magnum or dedicated centrefire rifle calibres to ensure adequate velocity and terminal expansion.