PPU PPH38SU Handgun Ammunition: The Definitive Guide to 38 Super +P 130 gr Full Metal Jacket Rounds

For discerning shooters seeking a high-performance, reliable, and consistent ammunition choice for their .38 Super +P firearms, the PPU PPH38SU Handgun Ammunition stands out as a premier option. Whether you're a competitive shooter, a dedicated enthusiast of the .38 Super cartridge, or simply looking for superior practice ammunition, understanding the unique attributes of this 130 grain Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) offering is crucial. This comprehensive guide delves into what makes this particular ammunition an excellent choice for a variety of shooting disciplines, highlighting its engineering, ballistic performance, and practical applications.

Understanding the .38 Super +P Cartridge: A Legacy of Performance

The .38 Super Automatic, often simply called .38 Super, is a semi-automatic pistol cartridge that has carved out a significant niche, particularly in competitive shooting circles like IPSC and USPSA. Introduced in 1928, it was designed to deliver higher velocity and energy than the standard .38 ACP, allowing it to penetrate early automotive body armor and still be effective as a police round. The "+P" designation indicates that this ammunition is loaded to a higher pressure than standard .38 Super, delivering enhanced performance, speed, and kinetic energy, specifically designed for firearms capable of safely handling these elevated pressures.

So, why choose a .38 Super +P? This cartridge offers several compelling advantages:

• High Velocity and Flat Trajectory: The .38 Super +P is known for its impressive speed, which translates to a flatter shooting trajectory over longer distances, making it a favorite for precision shooting.
• Reduced Recoil for its Power: While powerful, many shooters find the recoil impulse of the .38 Super +P to be manageable, especially in full-sized steel-framed pistols.
• Capacity: Many firearms chambered in .38 Super +P offer generous magazine capacities, crucial in competitive scenarios.
• Versatility: While often associated with competition, its inherent accuracy and power make it suitable for various roles, from recreational shooting to informal target practice.

PPU's Engineering Excellence: Designed for Optimal Performance

PPU (Prvi Partizan) has a long-standing reputation for manufacturing high-quality ammunition that delivers consistent performance without breaking the bank. The PPH38SU is a testament to this commitment. When considering ammunition, factors like casing material, primer type, and bullet design are paramount. PPU's approach with this .38 Super +P round addresses these critical elements directly:

• Brass-Cased Construction: The use of high-quality brass for the casing is a standard for premium ammunition. Brass offers excellent durability, ensuring smooth feeding and extraction, which is vital for reliable firearm operation. For reloaders, PPU's brass casings are highly regarded for their consistency and ability to withstand multiple reloading cycles. This attention to casing quality minimizes failures to feed or eject, leading to a more enjoyable and productive shooting experience.
• Non-Corrosive Boxer Primed: This is a crucial feature for any modern ammunition. Non-corrosive primers mean that the combustion products will not cause rust or degradation to your firearm's internal components, simplifying maintenance and extending the lifespan of your valuable equipment. The boxer primer system is also standard for reloadable ammunition, offering a central flash hole that allows for easy decapping and repriming. This combination ensures long-term firearm health and provides options for those who enjoy handloading.
• Improved Bullet Designs: PPU continuously invests in research and development to refine its bullet designs. For the PPH38SU, these improvements translate into greater energy performance, optimized bullet expansion (though limited in an FMJ for non-target applications), and enhanced reliability. What does "improved bullet designs" specifically mean for an FMJ? It indicates precision manufacturing for consistent weight and shape, leading to better aerodynamic stability, predictable flight paths, and ultimately, superior accuracy on the range. This meticulous design minimizes yaw and improves grouping, giving shooters confidence in every shot.

The Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): The Ideal Choice for Training and Practice

The 130 grain Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) bullet is a cornerstone of this PPU offering. An FMJ bullet consists of a lead core encased in a harder metal jacket, typically copper. This construction serves several vital purposes, making it exceptionally well-suited for the .38 Super +P:

• Consistent Feeding and Reliability: The smooth, rounded profile of an FMJ bullet ensures reliable feeding in semi-automatic pistols, which is critical for minimizing malfunctions during high-volume shooting or competitive events. The consistent shape of the bullet nose aids in smooth chambering, shot after shot.
• Reduced Barrel Fouling: The copper jacket reduces lead fouling in the barrel, which can accumulate over time with unjacketed lead bullets. Less fouling means less frequent cleaning is required, allowing for more time shooting and less time on maintenance.
• Cost-Effectiveness for Volume Shooting: FMJ bullets are generally more economical to produce than hollow point or specialized defensive rounds. This makes the PPH38SU an excellent choice for extended range sessions, training courses, and competitive practice where shooters expend large quantities of ammunition.
• Penetration for Target Applications: While not designed for terminal expansion, the FMJ's controlled penetration is ideal for punching clean holes through paper targets, making scoring easier and more accurate. Its ability to penetrate various range backstops reliably also ensures safety and consistency at shooting facilities.

The 130-grain weight is a popular choice for the .38 Super +P, striking an optimal balance between velocity and bullet mass. This balance contributes to a flatter trajectory and sufficient momentum for consistent target engagement.

Unpacking the Ballistics: Velocity, Energy, and What It Means

The stated ballistic specifications for the PPU PPH38SU are impressive and crucial for understanding its performance:

• Muzzle Velocity: 1213 feet per second (fps): This high velocity is a hallmark of the .38 Super +P cartridge. A muzzle velocity exceeding 1200 fps means the bullet travels exceptionally fast from the barrel, contributing to a very flat trajectory. For shooters, this translates to less bullet drop over common handgun shooting distances, simplifying aiming and allowing for more precise shots without significant holdover adjustments. This high speed also contributes to rapid target acquisition and transition in dynamic shooting scenarios.
• Muzzle Energy: 425 foot-pounds (ft lbs): Muzzle energy represents the kinetic energy of the bullet as it leaves the barrel. 425 ft lbs is a significant amount of energy for a handgun cartridge, indicating substantial power. While the FMJ design of the PPH38SU means this energy is primarily used for penetration rather than expansion, it signifies the cartridge's capability and punch. For competitive shooters, this energy often helps achieve higher "power factors" in divisions where this is a scoring consideration. For recreational shooters, it assures reliable cycling of firearms and a satisfying report and recoil impulse, indicating a powerful and effective round.

These ballistic figures ensure that your firearm cycles reliably, delivers consistent recoil, and places rounds precisely where intended, critical factors for both training and competitive success.

Who Benefits from PPU PPH38SU Ammunition?

The PPU PPH38SU 38 Super +P 130 gr Full Metal Jacket ammunition is designed to meet the demands of a diverse group of shooters:

• Competitive Shooters (IPSC/USPSA): This ammunition is an excellent choice for practice and minor power factor divisions. Its consistency, reliable feeding, and a velocity that can often make major power factor (depending on specific firearm and rules) make it a go-to for high-volume training without the cost of match-grade hollow points.
• Enthusiasts of the .38 Super +P: If you own a firearm chambered in this unique and historically significant caliber, having a reliable and well-performing FMJ round for practice is essential.
• Recreational Shooters and Plinkers: For those who enjoy extended range sessions, the PPH38SU offers an economical yet high-quality option that ensures consistent performance shot after shot.
• Firearm Break-In and Function Testing: The consistent pressure and reliable feeding of these FMJ rounds make them ideal for breaking in a new .38 Super +P pistol or for thoroughly testing the functionality of a newly acquired or custom-built firearm.
• Anyone Prioritizing Reliability and Consistency: If your primary concern is an ammunition that consistently performs, cycles flawlessly, and provides repeatable results for marksmanship improvement, this PPU offering delivers.

Maximizing Your Shooting Experience with PPU PPH38SU

To get the most out of your PPU PPH38SU ammunition:

• Understand Your Firearm: Ensure your handgun is specifically rated for +P ammunition. Using +P rounds in firearms not designed for them can be dangerous and cause damage.
• Storage Matters: Store your ammunition in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations. Proper storage maintains the integrity of the powder and primers, ensuring consistent performance over time.
• Observe and Learn: Pay attention to how your firearm handles this ammunition. Note the recoil impulse, muzzle flash, and any changes in point of impact compared to other loads. This feedback is invaluable for refining your shooting technique.
• Consistency for Improvement: Using consistent ammunition like the PPU PPH38SU for practice helps eliminate variables, allowing you to focus on improving your grip, stance, sight picture, and trigger control.

Why Purchase PPU PPH38SU from DEGuns?

When investing in quality ammunition, choosing a reputable supplier is as important as selecting the right product. DEGuns is a trusted source for firearm enthusiasts, offering a seamless purchasing experience for products like the PPU PPH38SU. Purchasing this ammunition in a 50-round box, with 10 boxes per case, provides a bulk option that is often more cost-effective for high-volume shooters and ensures you have a consistent supply for your training needs. This bulk packaging is ideal for competitive shooters who go through thousands of rounds annually or for groups who pool resources for range days. DEGuns' commitment to customer service and inventory management means you can reliably acquire the ammunition you need to stay proficient and enjoy your time at the range.

The PPU PPH38SU Handgun Ammunition is more than just a box of bullets; it's a carefully engineered product designed to enhance your shooting performance and enjoyment. With its robust construction, reliable ballistics, and the backing of PPU's manufacturing expertise, it represents an outstanding value for any .38 Super +P shooter. Whether for serious competition, dedicated practice, or simply enjoying your time at the range, this 130 gr FMJ round delivers the consistency and quality you demand.

Product Specifications

Attribute	Detail
Brand	PPU
Model	Handgun
Caliber	38 Super
Bullet Type	Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
Bullet Weight	130 gr
Rating	+P
Muzzle Velocity	1213 fps
Muzzle Energy	425 ft lbs
Casing Material	Brass
Primer Type	Boxer Primed
Corrosive	Non-corrosive
Rounds Per Box	50
Boxes Per Case	10
Application	Home Defense, Target, Competition Practice
SKU	PPH38SU
UPC	8605003813118
MPN	PPH38SU