Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
The PPU 38 Special 158 grain semi-wadcutter is centerfire handgun ammunition designed for target shooting and revolver practice. Semi-wadcutter bullets cut sharper holes in paper targets than round-nose profiles, making scoring easier on bullseye and silhouette courses. PPU (Prvi Partizan) has manufactured ammunition in Serbia since 1928, and today runs modern production lines that meet SAAMI specifications for commercial handgun cartridges. These 158-grain loads push 902 feet per second from typical 4-inch barrel revolvers, generating 582 foot-pounds of muzzle energy — mild recoil suitable for extended range sessions.
Load Profile
Boxer primers and brass cases make these rounds reloadable — save your brass after firing and resize for future range trips. Non-corrosive primers mean you can clean at your convenience without worrying about barrel pitting. The 158-grain bullet weight sits at the heavier end of the 38 Special spectrum, offering less muzzle flip than 110-grain or 125-grain defensive hollowpoints. Velocity stays subsonic, so indoor ranges with noise restrictions won’t flag this load.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 38 Special |
| Bullet weight | 158 grains |
| Bullet type | Semi-Wadcutter |
| Muzzle velocity | 902 feet per second |
| Muzzle energy | 582 foot-pounds |
| Rounds/box | 50 |
| Case | Brass |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Intended use | Range & Target |
| Manufacturer | PPU (Prvi Partizan) |
This load runs in any 38 Special wadcutter–chambered revolver and in 357 Magnum revolvers (38 Special cartridges chamber and fire safely in 357 Magnum cylinders). Fifty-round boxes keep costs manageable for volume shooting — if you’re burning through 200+ rounds per range trip, PPU’s pricing structure keeps your trigger time affordable.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 18 years old for rifle and shotgun ammunition, and at least 21 for handgun ammunition. Ammunition cannot be shipped to certain states, counties, and cities — review our ammunition shipping restrictions before ordering. Store ammunition in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and out of reach of unauthorized users.
- Treat every firearm as if it is loaded; never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy.
- Verify local and state laws regarding ammunition purchase and possession before ordering.
- Lead-core bullets (non–lead-free) require adequate ventilation during indoor shooting; California Prop 65 warnings apply.
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