Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
The Winchester USA 38 Special 130-grain FMJ gives you 300 rounds of boxer-primed, reloadable brass in a single ammo can — a load engineered for revolvers and lever guns where target work, plinking, and function drills drive the round count higher than your budget wants to follow. At 800 fps and 185 ft-lbs, this is a mild-recoil training load that cycles reliably in J-frames, K-frames, and Marlin carbines without the flash or report of higher-velocity defense rounds. Winchester assembles this ammunition in the United States using domestically sourced brass and non-corrosive primers, so you leave the range with once-fired cases ready for your press and no rust in the cylinder or chamber after a week in the safe.
Performance at a Glance
The 130-grain full metal jacket is a medium-weight bullet for 38 Special — heavier than 110-grain plinking loads, lighter than 158-grain service rounds. It stabilizes cleanly in standard 1:18.75 and 1:16 revolver rifling, with enough sectional density to punch clean holes in paper at 25 yards and ring steel at 50. The 800 fps muzzle velocity puts this load below the transonic threshold, so you hear the pop of the primer and powder without the crack of a supersonic projectile — ideal for indoor ranges with noise restrictions or outdoor sessions where you’re running multiple shooters on adjacent lanes. The full metal jacket does not expand on impact, making this a non-deforming training analog for carry loads that share the same point of aim.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 38 Special |
| Bullet weight | 130 grains |
| Bullet type | Full Metal Jacket |
| Muzzle velocity | 800 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 185 ft-lbs |
| Rounds per can | 300 |
| Case | Brass |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Intended use | Range & Target |
| Manufacturer | Winchester |
The metal ammo can doubles as storage after you’ve emptied the contents — a steel box with a hinged lid and rubber gasket that keeps humidity out of your reloading bench or vehicle trunk. Once you’ve shot through the 300 rounds, the brass goes into your tumbler, the can goes onto your shelf, and you’ve paid for both the ammunition and the container in a single transaction. For more Winchester 38 Special loads — including +P defensive options and lead round-nose practice rounds — see the full Winchester 38 Special Ammo lineup.
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 — finger off the trigger until sights are on target and the decision to fire is made.
- Be certain of your target, your backstop, and what lies beyond — bullets do not stop at the paper.
- This product contains lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm — ensure adequate ventilation when shooting indoors and wash hands after handling ammunition or spent cases.
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