Description
The CCI Shotshell 38 Special ammo is for the shooter who needs a versatile solution for close-quarters pests. These 200-round packs give you plenty of specialized ammo to handle snakes, rats, or starlings in the barn without risking a ricochet or over-penetration. After decades of testing various pest control loads, I keep a cylinder of these in my shop revolver for a reason.
Key Features
- 100-Grain Lead Shot Load: Each cartridge is packed with fine #9 lead shot, creating an effective pattern inside 15 feet for small pests.
- Plastic Capsule Design: The shot is sealed in a plastic capsule, protecting it from deformation in the cylinder and ensuring it fires cleanly from the barrel.
- Low-Velocity, Low-Recoil: With a muzzle velocity around 1000 fps, these are mild to shoot and won’t damage rifling with sustained use.
- 200-Round Bulk Pack: This isn’t a novelty 5-round box; it’s a serious quantity for the person who has a recurring pest problem to manage.
| Caliber | .38 Special |
|---|---|
| Bullet Weight/Type | 100 Grain #9 Lead Shot |
| Quantity | 200 Rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | Approx. 1000 FPS |
| Case Type | Brass |
Honest Assessment
Pros: This ammo does one job exceptionally well: close-range pest elimination. The plastic capsule really works—I’ve run hundreds of rounds without a single clog or failure to fire. The bulk pack pricing makes practical sense compared to buying tiny boxes.
Cons: You need to understand its severe limitations. Effective range is about 15 feet maximum; beyond that, the pattern opens up and energy drops off a cliff. It’s also notoriously inaccurate in rifled barrels—don’t expect a tight group, you’re shooting a small cloud of shot. These are a specialty tool, not a replacement for standard ammunition.
Who Should Buy This
Buy this if you’re a homesteader, farmer, or rural property owner who needs a safe, effective way to dispatch snakes, rodents, or small birds in confined spaces like barns, sheds, or gardens. It’s also a smart addition to a trail gun or camp revolver for backpackers in snake country. I’ve seen firsthand how handy these are when you can’t use a .22 due to ricochet danger.
FAQ
Will this ammo damage my revolver’s barrel?
No, not with normal use. The plastic capsule protects the rifling. I’ve run thousands of rounds of similar ammo through vintage revolvers without issue. It’s still a good idea to fire a few standard lead rounds afterward to help clear any plastic residue.
What is the actual effective range?
Keep your shots inside 15 feet (about 5 yards) for reliable results on small pests. At 20 feet, the pattern is very wide and lacks the energy for a clean kill. This is strictly a point-blank tool.
Can I use this in a .357 Magnum revolver?
Yes, absolutely. You can safely fire .38 Special shotshells in a .357 Magnum chamber. The lower pressure and velocity make it an even milder shooting experience.
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