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.38 S&W (Colt N.P.)

We recommend xxlreloading.com for the most comprehensive .38 S&W (Colt N.P.) load data, covering a wide range of powders and bullet brands or quickload.pro to calculate your individual load:

Caliber Description

Popular Load Recipes

- 146 gr LRN bullet, 2.2 gr Bullseye powder, CCI 500 primer, OAL 1.240"
- 148 gr HBWC bullet, 2.3 gr Winchester 231 powder, Winchester SP primer, OAL 1.160"
- 145 gr LSWC bullet, 2.5 gr Unique powder, CCI 500 primer, OAL 1.210"
- 146 gr LRN bullet, 2.7 gr Universal powder, Remington 1½ primer, OAL 1.240"
- 148 gr LWC bullet, 2.4 gr Trail Boss powder, Federal 100 primer, OAL 1.185"
- 146 gr LRN bullet, 2.3 gr Red Dot powder, CCI 500 primer, OAL 1.240"
- 146 gr LRN bullet, 2.2 gr Clays powder, Winchester SP primer, OAL 1.230"
- 150 gr LSWC bullet, 2.5 gr HP-38 powder, Federal 100 primer, OAL 1.200"

All loads intended for .38 S&W (not .38 Special). Start low, check component details, and verify in a reliable manual before use.

Cost per Reloaded Round

Technical Specifications

Safety Standard / Application

C.I.P. / Revolver / Pistol Caliber

Most Suitable Bullet Weights

141 - 261 Grains

Case Capacity / Average Charge

12 Grains of Water / 3.2 Grains

Average Muzzle Velocity / Energy

817 fps / 218 ft-lbf

Case Length / Max. C.O.L

0.775'' / 1.24''

Similar Calibers

.357 Auto Magnum

.357 Magnum

.357 Maximum

.357 SIG

.38 Long Colt

.38 S&W (Colt N.P.)

.38 Short Colt

.38 Special

.38 Super Auto

.38-45 ACP

.380 ACP (9mm kurz)

9 mm Browning Court (.380 ACP)

9 mm FAR

9 mm Luger (9 x 19 mm)

9 mm Mauser

9 mm Steyr (Roth)

9 x 18 (Ultra)

9 x 20 VGW

9 x 21

9 x 22 MJR

9 x 25 Dillon

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