Berry's 38 Cal 158gr FP

Berry’s 38 Cal 158gr FP

Berry’s 38 Cal 158gr FP is a plated bullet component tailored for handloaders assembling precise and reliable loads in .38 Special and .357 Magnum calibers. With a flat point (FP) profile and full copper plating, this 158-grain bullet delivers smooth feeding, consistent accuracy, and cleaner shooting for revolver and lever-action platforms. This product is sold as a bullet component only and is not factory-loaded ammunition.

The bullet features a swaged lead core encased in copper through Berry’s proprietary electroplating process. A final re-strike operation ensures uniform dimensions and weight, yielding consistent downrange performance. Measuring .357″ in diameter with a bullet overall length of .642″, this flat point design is intended for cartridges seated to approximately 1.430″ in .38 Special and 1.580″ in .357 Magnum. The full plating eliminates lead exposure and minimizes barrel fouling, making it well-suited for indoor-range use.

The flat point nose geometry enhances terminal energy transfer while maintaining compatibility with tubular magazines, revolver cylinders, and lever-action rifle mechanisms. This makes the 158gr FP bullet particularly effective for both target practice and hunting applications requiring controlled expansion and deep penetration. Its flat meplat supports clean punching on paper targets and improved knockdown energy on reactive steel.

Berry’s rates this bullet for use at velocities up to 1,500 feet per second. Staying within this range protects the plated jacket and preserves performance consistency. Load data for similarly weighted plated or jacketed FP bullets should be consulted during load development. A moderate taper or roll crimp may be applied, but care should be taken not to over-crimp, as this may damage the plating and degrade accuracy.

Berry’s 38 Cal 158gr FP offers handloaders a clean, reliable, and versatile solution for crafting custom .38 Special and .357 Magnum loads. Its combination of flat-point terminal characteristics, high velocity tolerance, and copper-plated cleanliness make it ideal for target shooting, cowboy-action disciplines, and field use in both handguns and carbines.