.38 Long Colt Load

Frank D · October 5, 2010, 01:44 PM

---My First Post---I am searching for a load for .38 Long Colt( Colt New Army and Navy Revolver). The barrel is .357 (Official Police) bore. I would like to use the more readily available 158 gr. LSWC bullets, and either Bullseye or Unique powder. Most of the data I find uses 125gr. or 150gr. lead bullets.
Also, any thoughts on Plated Bullets for .38 Long Colt.

Ideal Tool · October 7, 2010, 04:21 PM

Hello, Frank D. The load data you have for 150gr. lead, will be just fine with 158 gr. lead slugs. Hodgdon has cowboy action loads listed for .38 colt, these are mild & safe. You are fortunate to have modern bore specs. for this old war horse. I load for this one in a Kirst Konverter cyl. 1970's Colt re-make of the 1851 navy. I have to use hollow-base, or heeled bullets for that .375" groove dia. It's nice to see someone else shooting the old ones! Best of luck.

October 5, 2010, 01:44 PM	#1
Frank D Member Join Date: October 3, 2010 Posts: 28	.38 Long Colt Load ---My First Post---I am searching for a load for .38 Long Colt( Colt New Army and Navy Revolver). The barrel is .357 (Official Police) bore. I would like to use the more readily available 158 gr. LSWC bullets, and either Bullseye or Unique powder. Most of the data I find uses 125gr. or 150gr. lead bullets. Also, any thoughts on Plated Bullets for .38 Long Colt.

October 7, 2010, 04:21 PM	#2
Ideal Tool Junior member Join Date: October 6, 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,080	.38 Colt Hello, Frank D. The load data you have for 150gr. lead, will be just fine with 158 gr. lead slugs. Hodgdon has cowboy action loads listed for .38 colt, these are mild & safe. You are fortunate to have modern bore specs. for this old war horse. I load for this one in a Kirst Konverter cyl. 1970's Colt re-make of the 1851 navy. I have to use hollow-base, or heeled bullets for that .375" groove dia. It's nice to see someone else shooting the old ones! Best of luck.