CCI Shotshell 38 Special Ammo 100 Grain Lead Shot 200 rounds

Frt 15 is a Houston, TX-based retailer specializing in quality ammunition and firearm components. The CCI Shotshell 38 Special Ammo 100 Grain Lead Shot 200 rounds is a specialized load designed for close-range pest control. It offers a reliable, low-recoil alternative to standard bullets in a convenient 200-round pack. In stock and ready to ship today for $140.00.

Who Is This Ammo For? Think of It as Your Backyard Tool

Before we get into the specs, let’s talk about who this ammo is really for. I see a lot of folks at the range who buy this thinking it’s a general-purpose round, and they’re often surprised. This isn’t your standard target or defensive load. Think of it like having a specific wrench in your toolbox—you don’t use it for everything, but when you need it, nothing else will do.

This is the ammo you grab when:

• You’ve got a snake, rat, or other small pest problem around the barn, garden, or campsite and you need to deal with it without over-penetrating or causing excessive damage.
• You want to introduce a new shooter, especially a younger family member, to shooting a .38 Special revolver with minimal noise and recoil.
• You’re looking for a fun, unique load for plinking at very close range, like shooting clays or cans set up just a few yards away. It turns a revolver into a miniature shotgun.

If you’re looking for home defense or 25-yard target practice ammo, this isn’t it. But for its intended role, CCI has built a solid, dependable performer.

What Makes CCI Shotshell Stand Out? (Features Breakdown)

1. Specialized Shot Cup Design: This isn’t just loose shot crammed into a case. CCI uses a plastic shot cup that contains the #9 lead shot. This cup helps protect the shot from deforming as it travels down the barrel, leading to a tighter, more consistent pattern when it exits. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in performance compared to older, cruder designs.
2. Controlled, Low-Pressure Load: The 100-grain total shot weight is a light load. Combined with the specific powder charge, this generates very low pressure and recoil. It feels like shooting a .22 out of a .38 Special frame. This makes it incredibly manageable, which is why I often use it as a training round for new shooters getting comfortable with a wheel gun.
3. Brass Cases and Boxer Primers: CCI uses quality brass cases and non-corrosive Boxer primers. This means the cases are reloadable for those who are into that. More importantly for most buyers, it indicates a focus on consistent ignition and overall quality control you don’t always find in niche ammo.
4. Convenient 200-Round Pack: Pest control ammo is often sold in small, expensive boxes. This 200-round pack gives you a solid supply for multiple range sessions or dealing with a persistent problem. It’s a more practical and cost-effective way to buy a specialized round.
5. Predictable Performance Within Its Lane: The key with any tool is knowing its limits. CCI Shotshells are remarkably consistent within their effective range (roughly 10-15 feet). The pattern opens up predictably, and the shot doesn’t have the energy to travel dangerously far or penetrate walls significantly, which is a major safety plus for rural use.

CCI Shotshell vs. The Competition: What You’re Really Paying For

Let’s be honest, you can find “snake shot” or shotshells from other sources. Here’s a straight comparison so you know where your money goes.

As you can see, CCI sits in the sweet spot. You’re not gambling on sketchy imports, and you’re not paying a premium for performance gains that, frankly, most users won’t notice for shooting a snake at 7 feet. It’s the reliable, mass-produced option that does the job right.

Technical Specifications

The Straight Talk: Pros & Cons

Pros:

• ✅ Effective for its Purpose: Simply put, it works on small pests at close range.
• ✅ Low Recoil & Report: One of the softest-shooting .38 Special loads available, great for training.
• ✅ Minimal Over-Penetration Risk: The shot loses energy quickly, making it safer for use in areas where a standard bullet would travel too far.
• ✅ Quality Construction: The shot cup and brass cases show attention to detail you don’t get with budget options.
• ✅ Good Value in Bulk: The 200-round pack offers a better per-round price than buying small boxes for the same task.

Cons:

• ❌ Very Limited Effective Range: Don’t expect much past 15 feet. The pattern spreads quickly and energy drops off a cliff. For anything beyond point-blank, you need standard ammunition. (See our .38 Special FMJ for target rounds.)
• ❌ Not for Semi-Autos: This will not cycle the action of any semi-automatic pistol. Revolvers only. (If you need pest control for a semi-auto, you’re looking at different solutions.)
• ❌ Can Leave Residue: The plastic shot cup can leave fine plastic debris in the barrel. It’s easy to clean, but it’s an extra step after your range day.

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy This

Buy it if:

• You live on a ranch, farm, or rural property and need a safe, effective solution for snakes, rats, or birds in confined spaces.
• You’re a revolver owner looking for a unique, low-recoil load for fun, close-range plinking.
• You’re a shooting instructor or parent introducing someone to a .38 Special revolver and want to start with the gentlest possible report and kick.

Skip it if:

• You are looking for a home defense round. This lacks the necessary penetration and stopping power. (Look at our .38 Special Hollow Point selection instead.)
• You need ammunition for target practice beyond 7-10 yards. The shot pattern will be far too wide. (Standard .38 Special Wadcutter or FMJ is what you need.)
• You own only semi-automatic pistols in .38 Super or 9mm. This ammo is physically incompatible and will not function.

Frequently Asked Questions

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