Pistol · Obsolete / Non-standard
.38-45 Clerke
Competition cartridge developed by pistolsmith Lew Clerke using modified .45 ACP cases necked to .38 caliber.
- Caliber
- 0.357″ · 9.068 mm
- Introduced
- 1963
- Case
- Semi-Rimmed
- Parent
- .45 ACP
- Primary use
- Self-Defense
- Status
- Discontinued
- Introduced
- 1963
- Type
- Pistol
- Origin
- United States
- Inventor
- Bo Clerke
- Manufacturer
- Harrell Clerke
- Standard
- Obsolete / Non-standard
- Status
- Discontinued
- Availability
- Collector
- Case capacity
- 20 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:16
- Primer
- Boxer Small Pistol
- Case type
- Semi-Rimmed
- Max pressure
- 25,000 psi, SAAMI transducer
- Eff. range
- 50 yd
- Max range
- 3400 yd
- Recoil
- 11–13.8 ft·lb
- Subsonic
- Capable
Ballistics
Published velocity/energy data isn't available for .38-45 Clerke — an obsolete/collector cartridge. Parent case: .45 ACP.
Performance
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds
Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.
SAAMI · approximate| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 9.07 | 0.357 | · |
| Neck ⌀ | 9.69 | 0.381 | ~ |
| Shoulder ⌀ | 11.63 | 0.458 | |
| Shoulder angle | 20° | — | |
| Base ⌀ | 11.94 | 0.470 | · |
| Rim ⌀ | 11.96 | 0.471 | · |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 1.27 | 0.050 | · |
| Neck length | 9.36 | 0.369 | |
| Case length | 22.35 | 0.880 | · |
| Overall length | 30.99 | 1.220 | · |
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 Clerke is highlighted below.
Missing a dimension for .38-45 Clerke? Some case measurements aren't in a published SAAMI/CIP drawing yet. Have a factory or reamer print? Send it → — verified hard-to-find data earns a free Lindcott sticker.
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.
Lineage
History
Created by pistolsmith Lew Clerke in the 1970s for International Practical Shooting Confederation competition. Necked the .45 ACP case to accept 9mm/.38 caliber bullets at extremely high velocities. Used in custom compensated Open Division pistols; never commercially produced and known only in competition circles.
FAQs
- What twist rate does .38-45 Clerke use?
- .38-45 Clerke typically uses a 1:16 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is .38-45 Clerke?
- .38-45 Clerke uses a 0.357″ (9.068 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is .38-45 Clerke still in production?
- .38-45 Clerke is discontinued; typical availability is collector.
- What is .38-45 Clerke used for?
- .38-45 Clerke is primarily used for self-defense.
- What is .38-45 Clerke based on?
- .38-45 Clerke is derived from the .45 ACP case.
Sources & provenance
- Standard SAAMI — ANSI/SAAMI Z299 — Cartridge & Chamber Drawings archived
- Reference Wikipedia: .38/.45 Clerke (citing Barnes, Cartridges of the World, 2006 + Guns & Ammo Oct 1963) · parent_cartridge
- Secondary Cartridge Collector — 38-45 Clerke · parent_cartridge
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 19 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →
