.38/.357 (.357) 158gr Flat Point

The Legacy of .38 Special and .357 Magnum

The .38 Special and .357 Magnum represent two of the most enduring bullet designs in firearms history, valued for their adaptability across target shooting, competition, and self defense applications. 

.38 Bullets: The .38 Special, also known as .38 S&W Special or .38 SPL, served as the standard issue for American law enforcement throughout much of the 20th century. Its moderate recoil and reliable accuracy make it an excellent choice for shooters developing their skills or those seeking a comfortable shooting experience. 

.357 Bullets: The .357 Magnum, introduced in 1935, was designed to deliver superior stopping power and penetration. With muzzle velocities typically reaching 1200 to 1500 fps, it provides substantial energy and flat trajectory performance. 

Both designs share the same bullet diameter, which simplifies component selection and offers reloaders exceptional flexibility when developing custom loads for different shooting scenarios.

.357 & .38 Bullets: Performance & Characteristics

Both of these bullet types share a .357-inch diameter and demonstrate excellent reliability across various firearms platforms. The cylinder throats and chamber dimensions in most revolvers accommodate both specifications, allowing shooters to use the same bullets when developing load data for either cartridge.

.38 Bullet Performance: .38 Special bullets excel in applications where control and precision take priority. With typical velocities ranging from 750 to 850 fps when loaded in standard pressure ammo, these bullets offer manageable recoil while delivering satisfactory accuracy for practice and competition. 

.357 Bullet Performance: The .357 Magnum operates at significantly higher pressure levels, propelling bullets at velocities between 1200 and 1500 fps. This increased velocity contributes to a flatter trajectory and enhanced terminal performance, making it suitable for demanding applications.

The Bullet-Making Process at Berry’s

Step 1: Starting with a Solid Core 

Every bullet begins with a precision swaged lead bullet core, formed under high pressure to ensure uniform density throughout its length.

Step 2: The Copper-Plating Process 

Our advanced electroplating system deposits a consistent copper layer across the entire bullet cast surface, eliminating lead exposure while maintaining precise bullet diameter specifications.

Step 3: Re-Striking for Perfection 

After plating, each bullet undergoes re-striking to refine its final dimensions, including groove diameter compatibility and overall profile consistency.

Step 4: Rigorous Quality Assurance 

Every batch receives a thorough inspection to verify that throat diameter compatibility, weight consistency, and dimensional accuracy meet our exacting standards before packaging.

Why Choose Berry’s Bullets?

Berry’s Plated Bullets use an advanced electroplating process to bond a uniform copper jacket around a soft lead core, reducing lead fouling, creating a cleaner shooting experience, and offering an ideal balance of performance and value for recreational shooters. They provide comparable accuracy and high velocity to traditional jacketed bullets but at a better price, making them a smart choice for high-volume shooting. Unlike cast bullets, which are formed by pouring molten lead into molds, Berry’s plated bullets eliminate lead exposure, greatly reduce barrel fouling, maintain consistent weight and dimensions for improved accuracy, and support higher velocities than typical cast options. Whether you’re fine-tuning load data for competition or simply need reliable rounds for regular target practice, Berry’s superior plated pistol bullets deliver performance that other bullet types can’t match.

Get Everything You Need for Shooting & Reloading at Berry’s

Explore Berry’s comprehensive selection of precision reloading products designed to elevate your shooting experience:

• Superior Plated Bullets: Our extensive lineup includes various profiles and weights, from lighter grain bullets for lower velocity target loads to heavier bullets for increased stability and impact. Whether you need a round nose for smooth feeding, a wadcutter for paper punching, or a hollow point design, we offer the perfect component for your reloading bench.
• Reloading Accessories: Discover everything from presses to primer trays to powder funnels that streamline your reloading workflow.
• Gun Storage Solutions: Protect your firearms with our secure storage options, ensuring your pistol, shotgun, and other firearms remain safe and properly maintained.
• Ammo Storage Solutions: Keep your loaded rounds organized and protected with our durable ammo boxes and storage systems, available in multiple configurations to match your needs, whether measuring in inch or mm bullet dimensions.

Berry’s Bullets provides all the essential tools and components for your reloading projects. Trust our products to deliver unmatched quality and performance, ensuring every shorter or longer reloading session produces consistent, reliable results.