| .38 Colt | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Technical sketch comparing the .38 Short Colt and .38 Long Colt cartridges | ||||||||||||
| Type | Revolver | |||||||||||
| Place of origin | United States | |||||||||||
| Production history | ||||||||||||
| Designer | Colt | |||||||||||
| Manufacturer | Colt | |||||||||||
| Specifications | ||||||||||||
| Case type | rimmed, 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 length | 1.2 in (30.48 mm) | |||||||||||
| Maximum pressure (CIP) | 13,000 psi (90 MPa) | |||||||||||
| Ballistic performance | ||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||
| 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]
- ^ Taffin, John (2005). Single Action Sixguns. Iola, Wisconsin: Krause Publications. p. 37. ISBN 0-87349-953-0.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Tab IV - Pistol and revolver cartridges". C.I.P. Archived from the original on 2013-10-15. Retrieved 9 July 2013.