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Magtech .38 Special 158gr LRN
.38 Special • Magtech • Target & Range

Magtech .38 Special 158gr LRN Ballistics

Brass Case • LRN • MPN: 38A

Best Price
$0.42/rd
Compare Prices →
755
FPS
200
FT-LBS
.149
BC (G1)
158
GRAINS
LRN
BULLET
BRS
CASING

Trajectory @ 25yd Zero

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Muzzle Velocity
755.0 fps
Projectile Weight
158.0 gr
Ballistic Coef.
0.149 G1
Zero Range
25.0 yards
Range Velocity Energy Drop
Muzzle 755 fps 200 ft-lb
5 yds 751 fps 198 ft-lb -0.1"
10 yds 748 fps 196 ft-lb +0.2"
15 yds 745 fps 194 ft-lb +0.3"
20 yds 742 fps 193 ft-lb +0.2"
25 yds ⊕ 738 fps 191 ft-lb +0.0"
30 yds 735 fps 189 ft-lb -0.4"
35 yds 732 fps 188 ft-lb -0.9"
40 yds 729 fps 186 ft-lb -1.6"
45 yds 726 fps 185 ft-lb -2.5"
50 yds 723 fps 183 ft-lb -3.5"
55 yds 720 fps 182 ft-lb -4.7"
60 yds 717 fps 180 ft-lb -6.0"
65 yds 714 fps 178 ft-lb -7.6"
70 yds 711 fps 177 ft-lb -9.2"
75 yds 708 fps 175 ft-lb -11.1"
80 yds 705 fps 174 ft-lb -13.2"
85 yds 702 fps 173 ft-lb -15.4"
90 yds 699 fps 171 ft-lb -17.8"
95 yds 696 fps 170 ft-lb -20.3"
100 yds 693 fps 168 ft-lb -23.1"

Product Overview

Magtech's 158gr LRN is a straightforward practice load for .38 Special revolvers. The lead round nose bullet at 755 fps generates just 200 ft-lbs of energy, making it one of the softer-shooting options in this weight class. Recoil is light enough for extended sessions without hand fatigue, and the report stays quiet compared to +P loads. Brazilian-made by CBC (Companhia Brasileira de Cartuchos), Magtech has supplied budget ammunition to the American market for decades.

The 158gr bullet weight mirrors most defensive .38 Special loads, so practicing with this round builds muscle memory that transfers to carry ammo. Point of impact at typical defensive distances stays close to what you would see from a 158gr JHP. That consistency matters more than most shooters realize, especially with fixed-sight revolvers where you cannot adjust for different loads.

The lead round nose design is the oldest revolver bullet style still in production, and it works. The soft lead bearing surface seals the bore well, which contributes to decent accuracy. The tradeoff is lead fouling in the barrel and forcing cone after several hundred rounds. Shooters who clean their revolvers regularly will not notice a problem. Those who let maintenance slide may want an FMJ or TMJ alternative instead.

Strengths
  • Soft recoil at 755 fps and 200 ft-lbs makes it easy to shoot for hours without fatigue
  • 158gr weight matches common defensive loads for consistent point of aim with fixed sights
  • Magtech's vertically integrated manufacturing keeps per-round costs low
  • Brass cases are boxer-primed and reloadable
Limitations
  • Bare lead bullet causes fouling in the barrel and forcing cone after a few hundred rounds
  • Lead round nose exposes the shooter to more airborne lead than FMJ or TMJ alternatives
  • At 755 fps, it runs 135 fps slower than the Armscor 158gr FMJ and may not replicate +P carry ammo recoil

All Magtech .38 Special 158gr LRN Prices

DEALER QTY PRICE/RD
Lucky Gunner 1000 $0.42

Price History

Average price across all tracked dealers
$0.42/rd
↑ $0.01 (1.4%) in the last 30D
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