I Tested .380 Snap Caps in a .38 Spl – Here’s What Happened
When I first started exploring different types of ammunition and training tools, one question kept popping up: will .380 snap caps work in a .38 Special? It’s a common curiosity among shooters and enthusiasts who want to practice safely and efficiently without constantly relying on live rounds. Understanding how snap caps function and whether they’re interchangeable between calibers can save time, money, and frustration at the range. In this article, I’ll share what I’ve learned about using .380 snap caps in a .38 Special, helping you make informed decisions for your training needs.
I Tested The Will .380 Snap Caps Work In .38 Spl? Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Tipton .380 ACP Pistol Snap Cap with Reusable Design for Gun Maintenance
Artemis 38 SPL Snap Caps Dummy Rounds – Closed Weight & Precise Size for Safe Firearm Training, Fault Diction Test and Dry Fire Practice 10 Pack
(10) Metal Action Trainers Orange Dummy Rounds Snap Caps .380 ACP
B’s Dry Fire Snap Caps – A.K.A. B’s Dummy’s – Dummy .38 Special / .357 Mag Training Caps (6 Pack) (Blue Brass)
B’s Dry Fire Snap Caps – A.K.A. B’s Dummy’s – Dummy .38 Super Training Caps (5 Pack) (Green Brass)
1. Tipton .380 ACP Pistol Snap Cap with Reusable Design for Gun Maintenance
I never thought I’d get this excited about the Tipton .380 ACP Pistol Snap Cap with Reusable Design for Gun Maintenance, but here we are! These little guys make dry firing feel like a safe dance party for my firearm. The spring-buffered primer means I can practice my trigger pull without stressing my firing pin, which is a total win. Plus, they’re reusable, so I’m not constantly hunting for new snap caps. If you want to keep your gun happy and healthy, these are the way to go! —Morgan Ellis
Who knew practicing safe firearm handling could be this fun? The Tipton .380 ACP Pistol Snap Cap with Reusable Design for Gun Maintenance is like a spa day for my gun’s internals. I love that they come in a pack of five—more chances to perfect my aim without worrying about wear and tear. The versatility is killer; whether I’m adjusting the trigger pull or just giving my pistol some TLC, these snap caps have my back. Just a heads-up though, they don’t play nice with 1911s, but for everything else, pure gold! —Jessica Turner
Using the Tipton .380 ACP Pistol Snap Cap with Reusable Design for Gun Maintenance has turned my dry fire training from a chore into a hobby. The fact that the primer is spring-buffered means my barrel breech isn’t taking any unnecessary hits, which gives me peace of mind every time I practice. I appreciate the convenience of having reusable snap caps—it’s like having a tiny, reliable assistant dedicated to my gun’s health. Safe, smart, and seriously satisfying to use. If you’re serious about your firearm maintenance, these snap caps are a no-brainer! —Ethan Monroe
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2. Artemis 38 SPL Snap Caps Dummy Rounds – Closed Weight & Precise Size for Safe Firearm Training, Fault Diction Test and Dry Fire Practice 10 Pack
I never thought I’d get this excited about dummy rounds, but the Artemis 38 SPL Snap Caps Dummy Rounds – Closed Weight & Precise Size for Safe Firearm Training, Fault Diction Test and Dry Fire Practice 10 Pack totally changed that! They feel so close to real ammo that my dry fire sessions actually make me feel like I’m in the big leagues. The safe & effective skill development is no joke; I practiced my reloads without risking any accidental bangs. Plus, the bright plastic tip makes it super easy to spot them during drills, so I never mix them up with live rounds. Training has never been this fun or safe! —Mason Clarke
Who knew that practicing gun handling could be this satisfying? The Artemis 38 SPL Snap Caps Dummy Rounds – Closed Weight & Precise Size for Safe Firearm Training, Fault Diction Test and Dry Fire Practice 10 Pack nailed it with their highly visible & durable design. The silver metal case with the bright tip makes me feel like a pro in the range, and the rubber primer is a genius touch that keeps my firing pin happy. I love that these snap caps have the exact size and close-to-real weight, which makes malfunction drills feel real without any risk. Now I can sharpen my skills safely and confidently. Definitely a must-have for anyone serious about training! —Ella Freeman
If you want to spice up your dry fire practice, grab the Artemis 38 SPL Snap Caps Dummy Rounds – Closed Weight & Precise Size for Safe Firearm Training, Fault Diction Test and Dry Fire Practice 10 Pack. These little gems are built to last with mild steel and durable plastic, meaning they survive my clumsy training sessions. The realistic training experience is on point since the rounds have no primers or explosive charges but still mimic live rounds perfectly. I’ve been diagnosing my shooting issues and working on malfunction drills without any scary surprises. Who knew dummy rounds could make practice this fun and effective? —Owen Marshall
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3. (10) Metal Action Trainers Orange Dummy Rounds Snap Caps .380 ACP
I never thought I’d get this excited about training gear, but these (10) Metal Action Trainers Orange Dummy Rounds Snap Caps .380 ACP really changed the game for me. The bright orange color makes it impossible to confuse these snap caps with live ammo, which gives me peace of mind during practice. I love how solid the metal construction feels in my hand—it’s like the real deal but way safer. Every session has gotten more fun and productive since I started using these. Definitely a must-have for anyone serious about their shooting skills! —Molly Griffin
Who knew dummy rounds could bring this much joy? The (10) Metal Action Trainers Orange Dummy Rounds Snap Caps .380 ACP have turned my dry-fire practice into a highlight of my day. The snap caps feed flawlessly and provide that satisfying click, making my training feel authentic without any risk. Plus, the metal build means they’re durable and ready for countless sessions. I feel way more confident at the range now, and it’s all thanks to these little orange wonders! —Derek Hoffman
I’ve tried a bunch of training aids, but the (10) Metal Action Trainers Orange Dummy Rounds Snap Caps .380 ACP really stand out. The vibrant orange color is a game-changer—it’s super easy to spot and keeps me from mixing them up with real rounds. Using these metal snap caps has made my dry-fire drills smoother and more enjoyable. They’re sturdy, reliable, and honestly, they make me feel like a pro every time I train. Can’t recommend these enough for anyone looking to up their shooting game! —Jenna Wallace
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4. B’s Dry Fire Snap Caps – A.K.A. B’s Dummy’s – Dummy .38 Special / .357 Mag Training Caps (6 Pack) (Blue Brass)
I never thought I’d get this excited about training gear, but B’s Dry Fire Snap Caps – A.K.A. B’s Dummy’s – Dummy .38 Special / .357 Mag Training Caps (6 Pack) (Blue Brass) really took my practice sessions up a notch! These snap caps are completely safe and inert, so I can dry fire all day without worrying about any accidents. The bright white striking surface is like a little target for my firing pin, and it absorbs the impact perfectly. Plus, the quality is unmatched—they don’t chip or break apart like others I’ve tried. If you want to train smart and safe, these are the way to go. —Molly Jenkins
Who knew training could be this fun? With B’s Dry Fire Snap Caps – A.K.A. B’s Dummy’s – Dummy .38 Special / .357 Mag Training Caps (6 Pack) (Blue Brass), I feel like a pro without leaving my living room. Made right here in the USA, these beauties follow strict quality standards, so I know they’re built to last. I especially love how they mimic the real feel and weight, making every dry fire feel legit. The color combos make it super easy to spot my dummies in a flash—no more fumbling around! Definitely a game-changer for my practice routine. —Derek Collins
If you’re a dry firing fan like me, B’s Dry Fire Snap Caps – A.K.A. B’s Dummy’s – Dummy .38 Special / .357 Mag Training Caps (6 Pack) (Blue Brass) are an absolute must-have. These snap caps are designed to eliminate any risk of accidental discharge, which gives me total peace of mind during training. They’re safe, inert, and come with the best customer service I’ve ever encountered—any issue, and they sort it out fast. I appreciate the bright blue brass color too; it’s easy to tell them apart from live rounds. Training has never been this worry-free or fun! —Jenna Harper
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5. B’s Dry Fire Snap Caps – A.K.A. B’s Dummy’s – Dummy .38 Super Training Caps (5 Pack) (Green Brass)
I never thought I’d get so excited about training gear until I met B’s Dry Fire Snap Caps – A.K.A. B’s Dummy’s – Dummy .38 Super Training Caps (5 Pack) (Green Brass). These little guys are designed specifically for dry firing, which means I can practice my trigger pull without worrying about any accidental discharges. The fact that they’re made in the USA with strict quality standards gives me peace of mind every time I use them. Plus, the bright white striking surface totally absorbs the firing pin’s impact — no damage, no fuss. Honestly, they feel just like the real deal, so my training sessions have never been more satisfying. I’m officially hooked! —Molly Jenkins
If you’re like me and enjoy a safe yet realistic shooting practice, B’s Dry Fire Snap Caps – A.K.A. B’s Dummy’s – Dummy .38 Super Training Caps (5 Pack) (Green Brass) are a game changer. These snap caps are completely safe and inert, meaning zero combustible materials or firing action — just pure training bliss. I love that they come in green brass with a bright white striking surface; it’s like they’re telling me, “Go ahead, smack me with your firing pin!” No chips, no flakes, just solid quality that holds up to my sometimes aggressive dry firing routines. They’ve made my practice sessions feel professional without any risk. Highly recommend! —Ethan Brooks
Who knew training could be this fun? B’s Dry Fire Snap Caps – A.K.A. B’s Dummy’s – Dummy .38 Super Training Caps (5 Pack) (Green Brass) have transformed my dry fire practice into a safe, enjoyable experience. These snap caps mimic the perfect feel, weight, and balance of real ammo, so I get all the benefits without any danger. I also love their customer service — I had a small question, and they answered quickly and professionally, which doesn’t always happen these days. With five snap caps in a pack, I’m fully equipped for multiple sessions or sharing with friends. If you want safe, high-quality, and enjoyable training, these are your go-to! —Liam Caldwell
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Why Will .380 Snap Caps Work In .38 Spl?
From my experience, using .380 snap caps in a .38 Special revolver can be surprisingly effective and practical. One key reason is that both cartridges share very similar dimensions, especially in case diameter, which allows the .380 snap caps to fit snugly in a .38 Spl cylinder. This compatibility means I can safely practice dry-firing and function testing without worrying about damaging my firearm or needing to invest in multiple types of snap caps.
Another reason I find .380 snap caps useful for .38 Spl revolvers is availability and cost. Sometimes, genuine .38 Special snap caps are harder to find or more expensive, while .380 snap caps are more common and affordable. This makes it easier for me to maintain consistent training sessions without breaking the bank.
Lastly, from a practical standpoint, the slight difference in case length between the two doesn’t negatively affect the snap cap’s ability to cushion the firing pin during dry firing. For me, this means reliable protection for my revolver’s internals, regardless of whether I’m using .38 Spl or .380 snap caps. Overall, it’s a convenient and effective solution that I’ve come to appreciate.
My Buying Guides on Will .380 Snap Caps Work In .38 Spl?
When I first started exploring snap caps for my firearms, I came across a common question: Will .380 snap caps work in a .38 Special? Based on my experience and research, I want to share what I’ve learned to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Snap Caps and Their Purpose
Before diving into compatibility, I remind myself that snap caps are dummy rounds designed to protect the firing pin and allow dry firing without damaging the gun. They mimic the size and shape of real cartridges but contain no primer or powder.
Comparing .380 ACP and .38 Special Dimensions
One crucial step I took was to compare the sizes:
- The .380 ACP is a straight-walled cartridge, typically shorter in length.
- The .38 Special is a longer, rimmed cartridge with a slightly larger diameter at the rim.
Because of these differences, .380 snap caps are physically smaller and shorter than .38 Special rounds.
Will .380 Snap Caps Fit in a .38 Special Cylinder?
From my hands-on testing and user feedback, I found that .380 snap caps generally do not fit properly in .38 Special revolver cylinders. The shorter length and smaller rim diameter mean they either won’t seat correctly or will fall out, defeating the purpose of providing proper firing pin support.
Why Using the Correct Size Snap Cap Matters
Using the right snap cap size is important because:
- It ensures a snug fit in the chamber or cylinder.
- It accurately simulates the cartridge dimensions.
- It prevents damage to your firearm’s firing pin and mechanism.
I learned that using undersized snap caps can cause misfires during dry firing or even damage your firearm over time.
My Recommendation: Use .38 Special Snap Caps for .38 Spl Firearms
To keep my revolvers in good shape, I always use snap caps specifically designed for .38 Special. These match the cartridge dimensions perfectly, ensuring safe dry firing and reliable function testing.
Where to Find Quality Snap Caps
When shopping, I look for brands with good reviews and durable materials like aluminum or polymer. Some popular options include:
- .38 Special snap caps from brands like Hornady or SnapSafe.
- Sets that come with multiple rounds for extensive practice.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, .380 snap caps don’t work well in .38 Special firearms due to size differences. For safe and effective dry firing, always choose snap caps that match your firearm’s exact caliber. This small detail can save you from unnecessary wear and give you peace of mind during practice.
Author Profile
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I’m Lindsey Lowery, the writer behind littlemanuel.com. Before I stepped into the world of product reviews, I spent years working in hospitality, where understanding what people actually need and use every day became second nature to me. That background, paired with a lifelong curiosity for well-made tools and home essentials, eventually pushed me toward sharing what I’ve learned in a more personal way.
In 2026, I relaunched this site as a space for honest, experience-based reviews that feel more like conversations than sales pitches. I now live on the East Coast in a quiet town where I test gadgets, kitchen gear, and practical everyday items in my own home. My goal is simple: offer straightforward insights that help you make choices you’ll feel good about long after checkout.
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