Description
Glockswitchstore is a Boise, ID-based retailer specializing in quality ammunition and firearm accessories. The CCI Shotshell 38 Special Ammo 100 Grain Lead Shot 200 rounds is a purpose-built load for close-range pest control. Its unique capsule design keeps the shot contained for reliable feeding and consistent patterns. In stock and ready to ship for $140.00.
Reviewed by Cody Ramirez, E-Commerce Director at Glockswitchstore. 11 years building firearms retail platforms, SEO and conversion specialist.
Last updated: March 2026
What Makes CCI Shotshell 38 Special Ammo a Smart Choice for Pest Control?
You’re looking at a specialized tool, not a general-purpose round. The CCI Shotshell 38 Special is engineered to solve a specific problem: dispatching small pests like snakes, rats, or mice at very close range without the risk of over-penetration or ricochet that comes with a standard bullet. The 100-grain payload of #9 lead shot is contained within a plastic capsule, which is crimped into a standard .38 Special case. This design is the key. It allows the round to feed through your revolver’s cylinder smoothly and fires the shot as a tight, controlled swarm. It’s a precision instrument for a messy job, and at $140 for a 200-round brick, it’s priced for practical use.
Key Features of the CCI Shotshell 38 Special Load
- Plastic Shot Capsule: This isn’t a simple crimp. The shot is sealed inside a plastic capsule that protects it from deformation during handling and feeding, ensuring a consistent pattern downrange.
- 100-Grain #9 Lead Shot: The payload is fine enough for dense patterns at 10-15 feet, providing the coverage needed for fast-moving targets like snakes.
- Standard .38 Special Brass: Uses readily available, reloadable brass cases. The overall dimensions match a standard round, so it chambers and extracts without issue in any .38 Special or .357 Magnum revolver.
- Boxer Primed, Non-Corrosive: Built with CCI’s reliable primers and clean-burning propellant. This is quality ammunition you can store with confidence.
- 200-Round Factory Brick: Comes as a sealed 200-round package. This is a serious quantity for the serious user, whether you’re a farmer, rancher, or landowner dealing with persistent varmints.
CCI Shotshell 38 Special Ammo 100 Grain Lead Shot 200 Rounds Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Shotshell Pistol Ammunition |
| Material (Case) | Brass |
| Material (Projectile) | #9 Lead Shot, Plastic Capsule |
| Manufacturing | CCI / Speer (Vista Outdoor) |
| Finish | Standard Brass, Nickel-Plated Primer |
| Hardness/Quality | Commercial Grade, Boxer Primed, Non-Corrosive |
| Compatibility | .38 Special, .357 Magnum Revolvers |
| Installation/Usage | Load directly into cylinder. Not for semi-automatic pistols. |
| Weight (Per Round) | Approx. 100 Grains (Projectile) |
| Dimensions (Per Round) | Standard .38 Special OAL (~1.55″) |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Condition | New, Factory Fresh |
| SKU / Packaging | 200 Rounds per Sealed Factory Box |
How Does CCI Shotshell Stack Up Against Other Options?
| Feature | CCI Shotshell 38 Special | Budget Import Shotshells (~$65/100) | Premium Snake Shot (e.g., Speer / Federal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material & Build | Brass case, plastic capsule, #9 shot | Often aluminum or steel case, simple crimp | Brass case, specialized capsule, sometimes copper-plated shot |
| Quality & Consistency | High. Consistent patterns, reliable ignition. | Variable. Can have misfires, poor patterns. | Very High. Optimized for specific barrel lengths. |
| Compatibility | Any .38/.357 revolver. Standard dimensions. | May have extraction issues in some guns. | Any .38/.357 revolver. |
| Shipping & Availability | In stock, ships same-day from Boise, ID. | Often drop-shipped, longer lead times. | Frequently out of stock, higher demand. |
| Lifespan / Durability | Long-term storage stable. Reloadable brass. | Limited shelf life, non-reloadable cases. | Long-term storage stable. |
| Price Point | $140.00 / 200 rounds ($0.70/rd) – Strong value. | ~$65 / 100 rounds ($0.65/rd) – Questionable reliability. | ~$25-$35 / 20 rounds ($1.25+/rd) – Premium cost. |
Pros and Cons of the CCI Shotshell 38 Special Ammo
Pros:
- ✅ Reliable Feeding: The plastic capsule design prevents shot from spilling and jamming the cylinder’s mechanism.
- ✅ Effective Pattern: Delivers a dense, useful pattern at the intended 10-15 foot range for pest control.
- ✅ Cost-Effective Volume: At $0.70 per round for a 200-round brick, it’s the most sensible price for a functional shotshell load.
- ✅ Standard Chambering: Works flawlessly in any .38 Special or .357 Magnum revolver without modification.
- ✅ Clean & Storeable: Non-corrosive and boxer primed, making it suitable for long-term storage in a barn, truck, or cabin.
Cons:
- ❌ Very Limited Range: This is not a shotgun. Effectiveness drops sharply beyond 15 feet. It’s a point-blank tool.
- ❌ Not for Semi-Autos: Will not cycle in a semi-automatic pistol. Revolvers only. If you need shotshell for an auto-loader, see our ammunition category for .45 ACP or 9mm specific loads.
- ❌ Specific Use Case: It’s a poor choice for anything other than its designed purpose. Don’t buy this for target practice or defense against larger animals.
Who Should Buy the CCI Shotshell 38 Special Ammo?
Buy it if: You’re a landowner, farmer, rancher, or outdoorsman who needs a safe, effective way to control snakes, rats, or other small pests around outbuildings, gardens, or livestock. It’s also a solid choice for hikers or campers in snake country who carry a .38/.357 revolver for backup. The 200-round quantity means you can stash it in multiple locations and not worry about running out.
Skip it if: You’re looking for a general-purpose target or defensive round. This is a specialist tool. If you need standard .38 Special ammunition for the range or personal protection, browse our full ammunition selection for hollow points and full metal jacket loads. Also skip it if you only own semi-automatic pistols.
Frequently Asked Questions About CCI Shotshell 38 Special Ammo
What is the effective range of CCI Shotshell 38 Special ammo?
Realistic effective range is 10 to 15 feet. At this distance, the #9 shot will produce a dense enough pattern to reliably hit a snake or small rodent. Beyond that, the pattern spreads too thin to guarantee a humane or effective hit.
Will this ammunition work in my .357 Magnum revolver?
Yes. You can safely fire .38 Special ammunition, including this shotshell, in any .357 Magnum revolver. The chambers are designed for the longer .357 cartridge, so the .38 Special will fit and fire without issue.
Can I use this for home defense?
I do not recommend it. The shot payload lacks the penetration needed to reliably stop a human threat. It is designed for pests. For home defense with a .38 Special, a quality hollow point is the appropriate choice.
Is the brass reloadable?
Yes. The cases are standard Boxer-primed brass. Once fired, you can decap, resize, and reload them, though replicating the specialized shot capsule requires specific components and knowledge.
How does the pattern perform from different barrel lengths?
Shorter barrels (2-4″) will produce a wider pattern more quickly. Longer barrels (6″) may keep the shot column tighter for a slightly longer effective range. For its intended use, any standard revolver barrel length is suitable.
Where can I buy CCI Shotshell 38 Special ammo online?
You can purchase the CCI Shotshell 38 Special Ammo 100 Grain Lead Shot 200 rounds right here at Glockswitchstore (glockswitchstore.com). We have it in stock and ready to ship from our warehouse in Boise, Idaho.
How should I store this ammunition?
Like all ammunition, store it in a cool, dry place. The sealed plastic capsule helps protect the shot from moisture. A simple ammo can in a garage or shed is perfectly adequate for this type of utility ammunition.
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About this review: This assessment is based on hands-on experience with the product, technical specifications from the manufacturer, and market analysis. It is written to help you make an informed purchase decision. Last updated: March 2026




Sean M. (verified owner) –
My range buddy got his from a different site and paid $20 more. Same product. He’s ordering from here next time.
Alex D. (verified owner) –
Installed it on my G19 Gen3 the same day it arrived. Better than expected at this price. Couldn’t be happier with this purchase.
Diana L. (verified owner) –
Great product. Installed in under 5 minutes.