.38 colt short specs.

pete5409 · June 2, 2008, 12:42 PM

I need the specs for this old cartridge. I´m planning on reloading 125 grain cast lead RN´s or 158 grain cast LSWC´s with Alliant powders. What´s the correct diameter for this bullet: .358 or .360? I´ve read that the diameter will vary from one manufacturer´s barrel to another but I don´t know how or where to take the correct measurement. I tried getting the caliper between the grooves from the muzzle end but I don´t know if this is correct. Can anyone direct me to a websited with this info. Thanks in advance for the info!!!

Scorch · June 2, 2008, 05:40 PM

You can load it with .360" cast lead bullets.

**Mike Irwin** · June 3, 2008, 11:36 AM

Hollow-base wadcutters are a good choice for reloading the OLD .38s like this.

On firing, the bullet's skirt expands to grab the rifling, often giving far better accuracy than you'd get with a solid based bullet.

This is especially true with guns from the 1870s and 1880s. As it originally started life, the .38 Short Colt used a heeled, outside lubricated bullet that was the diameter of the case mouth, or a lot closer to true .38 caliber than today's .357 standard for ".38 caliber" bullets.

June 2, 2008, 12:42 PM	#1
pete5409 Member Join Date: March 26, 2008 Location: Mexico Posts: 37	.38 colt short specs. I need the specs for this old cartridge. I´m planning on reloading 125 grain cast lead RN´s or 158 grain cast LSWC´s with Alliant powders. What´s the correct diameter for this bullet: .358 or .360? I´ve read that the diameter will vary from one manufacturer´s barrel to another but I don´t know how or where to take the correct measurement. I tried getting the caliper between the grooves from the muzzle end but I don´t know if this is correct. Can anyone direct me to a websited with this info. Thanks in advance for the info!!!

June 2, 2008, 05:40 PM	#2
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	You can load it with .360" cast lead bullets. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

June 3, 2008, 11:36 AM	#3
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,380	Hollow-base wadcutters are a good choice for reloading the OLD .38s like this. On firing, the bullet's skirt expands to grab the rifling, often giving far better accuracy than you'd get with a solid based bullet. This is especially true with guns from the 1870s and 1880s. As it originally started life, the .38 Short Colt used a heeled, outside lubricated bullet that was the diameter of the case mouth, or a lot closer to true .38 caliber than today's .357 standard for ".38 caliber" bullets. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.