Pistol · SAAMI

.32 Long Colt

.32 Long.32 LC

The longer, more capable companion to the .32 Short Colt.

Caliber
0.312″ · 7.925 mm
Introduced
1875
Case
Rimmed
Parent
.32 Short Colt
Primary use
Self-Defense, Military
Status
Obsolete
Velocity755–820 fps
Energy104–134 ft·lb
Typical grains82 gr
Identity
Introduced
1875
Type
Pistol
Origin
United States
Inventor
Colt's Manufacturing Company
Manufacturer
Various (historical)
Standard
SAAMI
Status
Obsolete
Availability
Collector Only
Build
Case capacity
9.5 gr H₂O
Twist (typical)
1:18.75
Primer
Small Pistol
Case type
Rimmed
Pressure & range
Max pressure
13,000 psi
Eff. range
25 yd
Max range
60 yd
Recoil
3–5 ft·lb
Subsonic
Capable

Ballistics

Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd
25 yd · zero0″−90″90″ drop @ 200 yd0100200Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
Parent case
.32 Short Colt

Representative trajectory — modeled from a single velocity input (no published BC for this cartridge yet).

Performance

Best for TargetFiocchi Historical82 gr · LRN · 755 fpsBuy now →

Buy links open .32 Long Colt ammunition at Rivertown Munitions.

Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds

Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.

Wikipedia · approximate
Measuremmin
Bullet ⌀7.920.312·
Neck ⌀7.950.313·
Shoulder ⌀n/a
Shoulder anglen/a
Base ⌀8.080.318·
Rim ⌀9.500.374·
Belt ⌀n/a
Rim thickness1.220.048~
Neck lengthn/a
Case length23.370.920~
Overall length32.001.260~

Size vs familiar rounds

Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. .32 Long Colt is highlighted below.

Factory loads

In production — 2 active loads across 1 brand. Top 15 shown · see all 20 →.

BrandLoadGrainBulletFPSft·lbBC
FiocchiLead RN82Lead RN775109
FiocchiHistorical82LRN755104
WinchesterLead RN82Lead RN775109
PetersLead RN82Lead RN775109
RemingtonLead RN82Lead RN775109
UMCLead RN82Lead RN775109
Colt/PetersColt/Peters Std82Lead RN755104
Buffalo ArmsCustom82Lead Round Nose755104
KynochClassic82Lead Round Nose755104
RWSClassic82Lead Round Nose755104
NormaClassic82Lead Round Nose755104
GrafStandard82Lead Round Nose755104
RemingtonStandard90LRN755114
Western Cartridge Co.Western Standard82Lead RN755104
WolfFMJ82Lead Round Nose755104

Velocities are manufacturer-stated (test-barrel). Discontinued loads dimmed.

Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory

Estimate your cost per round and how it compares to factory. Inputs are yours — nothing is stored.

Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.

Firearms chambered in .32 Long Colt

2 models in the database chamber .32 Long Colt. Browse all →

Colt New PoliceColt New Police .32 Long Colt 4-inch

Lineage

Immediate parent
Family TreeOpen .32 Long Colt in the interactive cartridge family tree

Connected reference

History

Adopted for the Colt Model 1892 'New Army and Navy' revolver alongside .38 Long Colt. The Army primarily issued the .38 Long Colt variant, but the .32 Long Colt version saw some Navy and Marine use. Both cartridges proved critically underpowered during the Philippine-American War (1899–1902), where Moro warriors charging under the influence of adrenaline reportedly required multiple hits to stop. The .45 Colt Single Action Army had to be reissued from storage while a replacement was developed — eventually leading to the .45 ACP and the 1911 pistol. No current commercial production.

FAQs

What twist rate does .32 Long Colt use?
.32 Long Colt typically uses a 1:18.75 twist rate.
What bullet diameter is .32 Long Colt?
.32 Long Colt uses a 0.312″ (7.925 mm) diameter bullet.
Is .32 Long Colt still in production?
.32 Long Colt is obsolete; typical availability is collector only.
What is .32 Long Colt used for?
.32 Long Colt is primarily used for self-defense, military.
What is .32 Long Colt based on?
.32 Long Colt is derived from the .32 Short Colt case.

Sources & provenance

Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 2 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →