Real CCI Shotshell 38 Special Ammo 100 Grain Lead Shot 200 rounds

Ever find yourself on a trail or at the homestead needing to deal with a rattler or a nuisance rodent at close range without over-penetrating your shed wall? That’s the exact scenario where a good shotshell load for your .38 Special shines, and the Real CCI Shotshell 38 Special Ammo 100 Grain Lead Shot 200 rounds pack is the budget-conscious, reliable solution I’ve recommended for years.

Imbertsmithersarms is a Grand Forks, ND-based retailer specializing in firearms and ammunition for hunters and outdoorsmen. The Real CCI Shotshell 38 Special Ammo 100 Grain Lead Shot 200 rounds is a factory-loaded shotshell cartridge designed for revolvers. It provides a practical, low-recoil option for pest control at very close ranges. This 200-round case is in stock and ready to ship today for $121.00.

Why This CCI Shotshell Ammo is a Staple for the Practical Shooter

In my time running this platform and talking with folks at the range, I’ve seen a lot of interest in specialized ammo. For the concealed carry lifestyle or ranch work, standard hollow points aren’t always the right tool. That’s where CCI’s shotshell comes in. It’s not a do-everything round, but for its intended purpose—dispatching small pests and snakes inside 10-15 feet—it’s incredibly effective. The 100-grain load of #9 lead shot is contained in a plastic capsule, which protects the shot and allows it to cycle cleanly from your cylinder. You get the pattern of a tiny shotgun from your revolver, minimizing the risk of a bullet ricocheting or traveling through a wall. For the price, especially on sale, having a box of these on hand is just smart planning for anyone living a rural or outdoor life.

Real CCI Shotshell 38 Special Ammo 100 Grain Lead Shot 200 Rounds: Detailed Specifications

How Does CCI Shotshell Stack Up Against the Competition?

When you’re looking for .38 shotshells, you generally have three tiers: budget imports, reliable domestic brands like CCI, and premium defensive loads. Let’s break it down.

Feature	Real CCI Shotshell 38 Special	Generic Import Shotshells (~$65-80/case)	Premium Defensive Shotshells (~$250+/case)
Material & Build	Brass case, plastic capsule, #9 lead shot. Consistent U.S. manufacturing.	Often steel or questionable brass cases. Capsule sealant can be inconsistent.	Higher-grade components, sometimes with plated shot or specialized wads.
Quality & Reliability	High. Known for reliable ignition and consistent patterns for the category.	Variable. Higher chance of duds or poor pattern performance.	Very High. Optimized for maximum pattern density at slightly longer ranges.
Compatibility	Designed for standard .38 Special chambers. Cycles well in most revolvers.	May have dimensional issues causing cylinder drag in tight-tolerance guns.	Same as CCI, but often tested in specific firearm models.
Shipping & Availability	In stock, ships same-day from Grand Forks, ND.	Often drop-shipped with long lead times, unknown origin.	Frequently on backorder, specialty item.
Lifespan/Durability	Long shelf life. Stable propellants and non-corrosive primers.	Storage life can be a concern due to unknown primer/ powder quality.	Long shelf life, premium components.
Price (for 200 rds)	$121.00 (on sale from $140.00)	$65 – $80	$250+

The takeaway? The cheap imports are a gamble with your firearm’s function and your time. The premium loads are fantastic but are overkill for most folks just wanting to keep the barn clear of pests. This CCI offering hits the sweet spot: American-made reliability at a price that makes sense for a specialized round.

The Straight Talk: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• ✅ Effective for its Purpose: Excellent for snakes, rats, and small pests at very close range (under 15 feet).
• ✅ Minimizes Over-penetration: The shot disperses energy quickly, making it safer for use in barns, sheds, or dense brush.
• ✅ Reliable Brand: CCI has a long-standing reputation for quality rimfire and specialty ammunition.
• ✅ Great Value in Bulk: The 200-round case price brings the cost per round down for a niche product.
• ✅ Easy to Use: Loads like standard ammo. No special tools or conversions needed for your .38 Special revolver.

Cons:

• ❌ Very Limited Range: This is not a hunting round for anything beyond pests. Pattern spreads quickly, losing all effectiveness beyond short distances.
• ❌ Not for Self-Defense Against People: Lacks the penetration needed for defensive use against human threats. For that, see our selection of defensive handgun ammunition.
• ❌ Can Cause Cylinder Drag: The plastic capsule is slightly longer than a standard bullet. In some revolvers with very tight cylinder gaps, you may feel a slight drag when cycling. It’s almost always a cosmetic, not functional, issue.

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy This Ammo

Buy it if:

• You own a .38 Special or .357 Magnum revolver for ranch, farm, or trail duty.
• You need a safe, effective solution for snakes or rodents in confined spaces.
• You’re a budget-conscious shooter who values reliable brand-name ammo for specialized tasks.
• You want to add a versatile, low-recoil option to your ammo cabinet without breaking the bank.

Skip it if:

• You are looking for a personal defense round. (Please look at our defensive ammo here).
• You need to take pests at ranges over 15 feet. A .22 LR or small shotgun is a better tool.
• You only shoot at indoor ranges; many prohibit shotshell ammunition on their premises.

Got Concerns? Let’s Address Them

Q: Will this ammo damage my revolver?
A: No. It is loaded to standard .38 Special pressure levels. The plastic capsule is designed to clear the barrel without leaving residue. It’s as safe for your firearm as any standard pressure round.

Q: Can I shoot this in my .357 Magnum lever-action rifle?
A> Yes, if your rifle is chambered for .357 Magnum/.38 Special. It will cycle and fire. Be mindful that the effective range is still extremely short, even from a rifle barrel.

Q: Is the pattern consistent enough to be useful?
A> For its intended use—yes. At 10 feet, you’ll get a pattern roughly the size of a paper plate, which is ideal for a snake or rat. Don’t expect a tight, shotgun-like pattern at longer distances.

Frequently Asked Questions

If the Real CCI Shotshell 38 Special Ammo 100 Grain Lead Shot 200 rounds sounds like the right tool for your needs, add it to your cart. It’s a practical, American-made solution for a specific job, and at this sale price, it’s a solid value. Having a few of these in your kit when opening day rolls around and you’re walking to your stand in the dark isn’t a bad idea either.

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