Description
The CCI Shotshell 38 Special ammo is for the shooter who needs a versatile snake or pest load for their revolver. This 200-round pack gives you plenty of specialized ammo to keep on hand, offering a practical alternative to standard bullets for close-range varmints.
Key Features
- 100-Grain Lead Shot Load: Each cartridge is packed with fine lead shot, creating a small spread pattern ideal for snakes and rodents within about 10 feet.
- Plastic Capsule Design: The shot is sealed in a plastic capsule, which protects it in the cylinder and helps it perform consistently upon firing. I’ve seen firsthand how this prevents powder contamination.
- 200-Round Pack: This isn’t a novelty 5-pack; it’s a serious quantity for practice and stocking your kit. After decades of testing various shotshells, having a bulk pack like this is the only way to truly pattern your gun and know its effective range.
- Low Recoil & Report: These are mild loads, making them easy to shoot and follow up with. The report is less than standard .38 Special ammunition.
| Caliber | .38 Special |
|---|---|
| Bullet Type | #9 Lead Shot in Plastic Capsule |
| Bullet Weight | 100 Grains |
| Muzzle Velocity | Approx. 1000 fps |
| Quantity | 200 Rounds |
| Case Type | Brass |
Honest Assessment
Pros: These are the most reliable handgun shotshells you can buy. The capsule design works flawlessly, and CCI’s priming is always consistent. The 200-round pack is cost-effective for a specialized round. They are incredibly effective on small pests at very close range.
Cons: The effective range is extremely limited—about 10-15 feet maximum before the pattern becomes useless. They are a single-purpose tool and will not cycle in any semi-automatic pistol. You also need to thoroughly clean your barrel after firing them to remove any plastic residue.
Who Should Buy This
Buy this if you carry a .38 Special or .357 Magnum revolver on hikes, ranch work, or in areas with venomous snakes. It’s perfect for farmers, hikers, and rural homeowners who need a quick, close-range pest solution without carrying a separate shotgun. I’ve run thousands of rounds of these in my shop’s test guns, and they’re a trusted item for anyone in snake country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these cycle in my semi-auto pistol?
No. They are designed for revolvers only. The plastic capsule will not feed or cycle in a semi-automatic action.
What is the effective range?
Realistically, keep your shots inside 10-12 feet for a dense, effective pattern on small targets like snakes. At 15 feet, the pattern is very wide and lacks stopping power.
Do I need to clean my gun after using them?
Yes. It’s a good practice to run a brush through the barrel and cylinders to remove any residual plastic from the capsule. It’s minimal, but it can build up.
Can I fire these in a .357 Magnum revolver?
Yes, they are safe to fire in a .357 Magnum chamber. The performance will be identical to firing them in a .38 Special.




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