Your choice of .38 Special self-defense ammo could mean the difference between stopping a threat or going to the hospital. While the .38 Special is known for its accuracy and manageable recoil, not all ammo is created equal—some rounds offer better penetration, expansion, and reliability in life-or-death situations.
So, what’s the best .38 Special ammo for home defense?
We’ve done our homework to bring you the top-performing home-defense rounds, from the hard-hitting Hornady Critical Defense 110gr JHP to the ultra-reliable HOP Munitions 158gr JHP.