Rifle · Not SAAMI standardized · Not standardizedObsolete
.38-45 Ballard
Ballard single-shot target and hunting cartridge.
- Caliber
- 0.3626″ · 9.21 mm
- Introduced
- 1882
- Case
- Rimmed
- Primary use
- target, hunting
- Status
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Introduced
- 1882
- Type
- Rifle
- Origin
- United States
- Inventor
- Ballard / Stevens
- Manufacturer
- Ballard / Marlin
- Standard
- Not SAAMI standardized · Not standardized
- SAAMI
- Not SAAMI standardized
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Status
- Obsolete
- Availability
- Antique
- Case capacity
- 45 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:16
- Primer
- Large Rifle
- Case type
- Rimmed
- Max pressure
- 18,000 CUP, SAAMI crusher
- Eff. range
- 200 yd
- Max range
- 3850 yd
- Recoil
- 7–11 ft·lb
- Subsonic
- Capable
Ballistics
Published velocity/energy data isn't available for .38-45 Ballard — an obsolete/collector cartridge.
Performance
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds
Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.
mixed/other · approximate| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 9.21 | 0.363 | ~ |
| Neck ⌀ | 9.84 | 0.387 | · |
| Shoulder ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Shoulder angle | n/a | ||
| Base ⌀ | 11.70 | 0.461 | · |
| Rim ⌀ | 13.26 | 0.522 | · |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 1.86 | 0.073 | · |
| Neck length | n/a | ||
| Case length | 45.56 | 1.794 | · |
| Overall length | 57.40 | 2.260 | · |
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. .38-45 Ballard is highlighted below.
Factory loads
Being verified
Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.
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.
History
A Ballard single-shot target cartridge from the 1880s, necked to .38 caliber. Ballard rifles were famous for accuracy at long ranges. This cartridge was used in eastern target matches and Creedmoor-style competitions before smokeless powder and .30 caliber cartridges changed the target shooting world.
FAQs
- What twist rate does .38-45 Ballard use?
- .38-45 Ballard typically uses a 1:16 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is .38-45 Ballard?
- .38-45 Ballard uses a 0.3626″ (9.21 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is .38-45 Ballard still in production?
- .38-45 Ballard is obsolete; typical availability is antique.
- What is .38-45 Ballard used for?
- .38-45 Ballard is primarily used for target, hunting.
Sources & provenance
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 4 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →
