Ballard single-shot target and hunting cartridge. Used in Marlin-Ballard single-shot rifles for black powder target competition.
Type: Rifle
Introduced: 1876, United States
Parent case: None
Standardization: Obsolete / Non-standard
Bullet diameter: 0.379" (9.63 mm)
Max pressure: 18,000 PSI
Rim type: Rimmed
Primer: Large Rifle
Typical twist rate: 1:16
Muzzle velocity: 1200–1350 fps
Muzzle energy: 815–1032 ft-lbs
Effective range: 200 yd
Common bullet weights: 255 gr
Primary use: target, hunting
Production status: Obsolete
Also known as: 38-45 Ballard · .38-45
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.