.38 Long Colt Load Data

Caliber Overview

The .38 Long Colt cartridge has a rich and storied history, dating back to its introduction by Colt in 1875 for their line of revolvers. Adopted formally by the U.S. Army in 1892, the .38 Long Colt replaced older black powder cartridges like the .41 and .44 caliber rounds used previously by the military. The cartridge was originally designed to work with both black powder and, later, smokeless powder loads. Its military career gained notoriety during the Philippine-American War, where it was found to have performance limitations against determined adversaries, which ultimately led to its replacement by the more powerful .45-caliber rounds. Despite this, the .38 Long Colt saw widespread use among civilians and law enforcement through the early 20th century, especially as a reliable choice for personal protection and target shooting.

In the modern era, the .38 Long Colt retains a loyal niche following among ammunition reloaders, revolver enthusiasts, and collectors. While it is no longer a standard military or law enforcement cartridge, it remains popular for cowboy action shooting and vintage revolver competitions, thanks to its mild recoil and historical significance. Reloaders enjoy working with the .38 Long Colt due to its straightforward case design and compatibility with a range of classic revolver models; its manageable pressure and gentle shooting qualities make it especially appealing for those who own century-old firearms and want to keep them operational without excessive wear.

When it comes to application and target species, the .38 Long Colt is best suited for target shooting, plinking, and small game hunting. Its relatively mild ballistics make it less ideal for personal defense by modern standards but perfectly appropriate for dispatching pests like rabbits, squirrels, and similar-sized animals. Cowboy action shooters appreciate the cartridge’s gentle recoil and its authenticity for period-correct shooting events. Ammunition reloaders often load the .38 Long Colt with soft lead bullets to ensure consistent performance in older revolvers with shallow rifling or unique bore diameters. The cartridge’s manageable power and user-friendly characteristics also make it a solid choice for introducing new shooters to classic revolver handling.

Typical bullet weights for the .38 Long Colt range from 125 to 150 grains, with 130 to 140 grains being the most prevalent for both commercial and handloaded options. The bullet diameter usually measures around .357 to .358 inches, though original Colt Army revolvers were sometimes noted for their slightly undersized bore dimensions. The cartridge case is typically straight-walled and rimmed, facilitating reliable extraction in revolvers. Muzzle velocities commonly span between 700 and 800 feet per second, delivering moderate energy suitable for the intended uses of plinking, target shooting, and light hunting. For reloaders, the .38 Long Colt offers flexibility: it accommodates both black powder and modern smokeless powders, and works well with standard small pistol primers. Its gentle pressures and modest case dimensions not only provide excellent longevity for brass but also make the cartridge cost-effective and accessible for regular reloading activities.