Categories: Ammunition

New vs. Used .38 Special: How to Find the Best Cheap Ammo for Your Revolver

If you own a revolver, there’s a high probability that it’s chambered in .38 Special. It’s the quintessential wheel-gun cartridge: reliable, manageable, and versatile enough for everything from weekend plinking to serious self-defense. But if you’ve been hitting the range regularly, you’ve probably noticed that the cost of feeding your favorite snubbie or service revolver can start to add up.

When you're looking for cheap 38 special, you’ll inevitably run into two main categories: factory-new ammunition and what many shooters call "used" or "remanufactured" ammo. Choosing between them isn’t just about the price tag; it’s about understanding what you’re putting into your cylinder and how it affects your shooting experience.

In this guide, we’re going to break down the differences between new and remanufactured .38 Special, where you can find the best deals, and how to maximize your savings here at Wholesale Hunter.

What Exactly is "Used" .38 Special Ammo?

First things first: ammunition isn't "used" in the same way a car is. You don’t fire a round, pick it up, and fire it again. When people search for used 38 special, they are almost always referring to remanufactured (reman) ammo.

The Anatomy of Remanufactured Ammo

Remanufactured ammo is essentially recycled ammunition. Professional loading companies take once-fired brass casings, clean them, inspect them for defects, resize them to original specifications, and then load them with brand-new primers, powder, and bullets.

This is different from "reloads," which are typically produced by hobbyists in their garages. Professional remanufactured ammo is loaded on commercial-grade equipment to SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute) standards. It’s a great way to find cheap 38 special because the brass case is the most expensive part of a cartridge: reusing it passes those savings directly to you.

The Case for Factory New .38 Special

Factory new ammo is exactly what it sounds like: every single component is 100% brand new. Brands like Federal, Remington, and Winchester spend millions on quality control to ensure that every round that leaves the factory is consistent and reliable.

Why You Should Choose New:

Self-Defense & Duty: If you carry a revolver for protection, you want the highest possible reliability. Factory new ammunition is the gold standard for carry.
Firearm Warranties: Some firearm manufacturers include fine print in their manuals stating that the use of remanufactured ammunition may void your warranty. While it’s rarely an issue with modern revolvers, it’s something to keep in mind if you just bought a high-end Smith & Wesson or Colt.
Maximum Case Life: If you are a reloader yourself, buying new ammo gives you a "clean slate" of brass that you can reload multiple times.

You can browse our full selection of factory-new ammunition to find the latest deals from top-tier brands.

The Case for Remanufactured .38 Special

If you’re heading to the range to put 200 rounds through your Ruger GP100, do you really need premium, nickel-plated defensive loads? Probably not. This is where used 38 special (remanufactured) shines.

Why You Should Choose Reman:

Cost Savings: Typically, remanufactured .38 Special is 10% to 20% cheaper than new production ammo.
Training Volume: Lower prices mean more rounds downrange. If you’re practicing your double-action trigger pull or working on speed loaders, you need volume.
Environmental Impact: Reusing brass is a great way to reduce waste in the shooting industry.

For more technical details on different calibers and their variations, check out Craig Boddington’s Caliber Dictionary right here on our site.

How to Find the Best Cheap .38 Special Ammo

Whether you go with new or reman, the goal is always to get the most "bang for your buck." Here’s how we help you do that at Wholesale Hunter.

1. Buy in Bulk (The 5% Rule)

One of the easiest ways to save on cheap 38 special is to stop buying single boxes. At Wholesale Hunter, we offer a 5% discount when you buy 10 or more boxes of the same ammunition. When you’re stocking up for a training course or just making sure the pantry is full, that 5% adds up quickly.

2. Watch for Manufacturer Rebates

Companies like Vista Outdoor (which owns Federal and Remington) frequently run seasonal rebates. We keep our promotions and rebates updated so you can stack those savings on top of our already competitive wholesale pricing.

3. Use Sezzle for Larger Orders

Sometimes you find a killer deal on a 1,000-round case but your budget isn't quite ready for the hit. We offer Sezzle, which lets you buy now and pay later with four interest-free payments over six weeks. It’s a great way to lock in low ammo prices without the immediate financial sting.

4. Join the Review Rewards Program

Did you just finish a box of .38 Special you bought from us? Leave a review! Our customers get 5% off their next order just for sharing their honest feedback on products.

Safety First: Inspecting Your Ammo

Whether you're shooting the most expensive new rounds or the most affordable used 38 special, you should always perform a quick visual inspection. Look for:

High Primers: Ensure the primer is seated flush or slightly below the base of the casing.
Case Integrity: Look for cracks or splits in the brass.
Consistent Crimp: In a revolver, a good crimp is essential to prevent "bullet jump," where the recoil causes bullets in the other chambers to move forward, potentially jamming the cylinder.

Which Should You Choose?

The "New vs. Used" debate really comes down to your intended use:

For Home Defense or Concealed Carry: Buy Factory New. The peace of mind is worth the extra few cents per round.
For Range Practice and Plinking: Buy Remanufactured/Bulk. You can shoot more often and sharpen your skills without breaking the bank.
For the Best of Both Worlds: Buy a few boxes of high-quality defensive hollow points for your carry rotation, and then buy 500+ rounds of cheap 38 special FMJ (Full Metal Jacket) for the range.

Why Buy from Wholesale Hunter?

We’ve been in the game since 1998, and we know what shooters need. We offer a massive selection of over 20,000 firearms and a deep inventory of ammunition. Plus, if you decide to upgrade your gear, we offer free shipping on all long guns.

Whether you’re looking for specific ammo brands or just browsing for the best deals, our team is here to help. We treat our customers like family, and we’re committed to providing the best service in the industry.

Ready to stock up? Head over to our ammunition section and find your next favorite load today.