Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
For target shooters running revolvers or lever-action rifles, 38 Special wadcutter ammo delivers the flat-nosed accuracy and minimal recoil that paper punching demands. The Remington Performance WheelGun loads a 158-grain semi-wadcutter bullet to 755 feet per second from a 4-inch test barrel, producing 200 foot-pounds of energy — enough to cleanly punch scoring rings without the snap of full-house +P defensive loads. A semi-wadcutter is a revolver-specific design: the flat shoulder cuts clean holes in paper for unambiguous scoring, while the tapered nose feeds reliably through tubular magazines on lever guns. This load splits the difference between pure target wadcutters and round-nose plinking ammunition, giving you match-grade scoring without the feeding quirks of full wadcutters in revolvers with tight chambers.
Built for the Box
Remington sources brass cases and boxer primers domestically, then loads each round with Kleanbore priming compound — a formula designed to leave minimal fouling and resist corrosion in the primer pocket. You reload these cases dozens of times without primer-pocket erosion or case-head separation. The 158-grain bullet is swaged lead, not plated or jacketed, so barrel leading becomes a consideration after 200+ rounds in a single session — but the soft lead also means zero jacket fouling and simple cleanup with a bronze brush and solvent. At 755 fps, you stay well below the velocity threshold where leading becomes severe, and most shooters report clean bores after 50-round practice strings. The semi-wadcutter profile cuts the rifling engagement slightly shorter than a round-nose bullet, which reduces peak pressure and keeps the recoil impulse soft — ideal for new revolver shooters or extended range days.
The Numbers
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 38 Special |
| Bullet weight | 158 grains |
| Bullet type | Semi-Wadcutter (lead) |
| Muzzle velocity | 755 fps (4″ test barrel) |
| Muzzle energy | 200 ft-lbs |
| Rounds/box | 50 |
| Case | Brass |
| Primer | Boxer, Kleanbore compound |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Intended use | Range & Target |
| Manufacturer | Remington |
Remington loads this ammunition in the United States and packages it in 50-round boxes with DOT ORM-D classification for ground shipping. Browse the full 38 Special wadcutter ammo lineup for additional grain weights and bullet profiles.
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.
- Always follow the four universal rules of firearms safety when handling live ammunition.
- Verify current state and local laws governing ammunition purchase, possession, and transport in your jurisdiction.
- This ammunition contains lead, a substance known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm (Prop 65). Wash hands after handling and use adequate ventilation when shooting indoors.
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