.38 Short Colt

.38 Colt
Technical sketch comparing the .38 Short Colt and .38 Long Colt cartridges
TypeRevolver
Place of originUnited States
Production history
DesignerColt
ManufacturerColt
Specifications
Case typerimmed, straight
Bullet diameter.375 inches (9.5 mm) for original heeled bullets, .358 inches (9.1 mm) for some modern loads
Neck diameter.379 in (9.6 mm)
Base diameter.379 in (9.6 mm)
Rim diameter.445 in (11.3 mm)
Rim thickness.060 in (1.5 mm)
Case length.765 in (19.4 mm)
Overall length1.2 in (30.48 mm)
Maximum pressure (CIP)13,000 psi (90 MPa)
Ballistic performance
Bullet mass/type Velocity Energy
93 gr (6 g) LRN 791 ft/s (241 m/s) 165 ft⋅lbf (224 J)
129 gr (8 g) LRN 777 ft/s (237 m/s) 181 ft⋅lbf (245 J)
Source(s): Hodgdon Online reloading data

The .38 Short Colt, also known as .38 SC, is a heeled bullet cartridge intended for metallic cartridge conversions of the cap and ball Colt 1851 Navy Revolver from the American Civil War era.[1]

Later, this cartridge was fitted with a 0.358-inch (9.1 mm) diameter inside-lubricated bullet in the 125–135 grains (8.1–8.7 g) range.[2][3]

Case

Visually, it resembles a .38 S&W but the case dimensions are slightly different. The .38 Short Colt case is the parent to the .38 Long Colt and .38 Special.

Remington is one of the few producers of this cartridge today with a 125 gr LRN bullet. Magtech produces this grain weight and Ten-x manufactures a 95 gr load, as well as blanks.

References

  1. ^ Taffin, John (2005). Single Action Sixguns. Iola, Wisconsin: Krause Publications. p. 37. ISBN 0-87349-953-0.
  2. ^ Barnes, Frank C. (1997) [1965]. McPherson, M.L. (ed.). Cartridges of the World (8th ed.). DBI Books. pp. 64, 91. ISBN 0-87349-178-5.
  3. ^ "Tab IV - Pistol and revolver cartridges". C.I.P. Archived from the original on 2013-10-15. Retrieved 9 July 2013.