Lindcott Armory Pistol · Not SAAMI standardized
.38-45 Clerke
Competition cartridge developed by pistolsmith Lew Clerke using modified .45 ACP cases necked to .38 caliber.
- Introduced
- 1975
- Type
- Pistol
- Origin
- United States
- Inventor
- Homer Clerke
- Manufacturer
- Harrell Clerke
- Standard
- Not SAAMI standardized
- Status
- Discontinued
- Availability
- Collector
- Bullet ⌀
- 0.357″
- Case capacity
- 20 gr H₂O
- Twist
- 1:16
- Primer
- Boxer Small Pistol
- Case type
- Semi-Rimmed
- Max pressure
- 25,000 psi
- Eff. range
- 100 yd
- Recoil
- 7–11 ft·lb
- Subsonic
- Capable
Ballistics
- Velocity
- 1,200–1,350 fps
- Energy
- 553–699 ft·lb
- By real loads
- 1,180–1,600 fps · 19 loads
- Typical MSRP
- $0.85/rd · price history →
- Parent case
- —
Representative trajectory — modeled from a single velocity input, not a measured load. Real published loads span the "by real loads" range above.
Factory loads
In production — 19 active loads across 17 brands. Top 15 shown · see all 20 →.
| Brand | Load | Grain | Bullet | FPS | ft·lb | BC | $/rd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graf & Sons | Graf Heritage | 180 | Lead FP | 1,600 | 1,023 | — | — |
| Buffalo Arms | Buffalo Classic | 180 | JHP | 1,600 | 1,023 | — | — |
| Buffalo Bore | JHP | 115 | JHP | 1,400 | 500 | — | $0.85 |
| Grizzly | WC | 115 | JHP | 1,400 | 500 | — | — |
| DoubleTap | JHP | 115 | JHP | 1,400 | 500 | — | $0.85 |
| Cor-Bon | JHP Custom | 115 | JHP | 1,400 | 500 | — | $1.20 |
| Hornady | Custom | 115 | XTP | 1,400 | 500 | — | $0.85 |
| SSK Industries | Pistol | 115 | HP | 1,380 | 486 | — | — |
| Thompson/Center | Handgun Hunter | 115 | JSP | 1,380 | 486 | — | — |
| HSM | Standard | 115 | JSP | 1,370 | 479 | — | $0.55 |
| Thompson/Center | Handgun Hunter | 146 | JSP | 1,250 | 506 | — | — |
| HSM Ammunition | Self Defense | 200 | Jacketed Hollow Point | 1,200 | 639 | — | — |
| Buffalo Arms | Custom JHP | 200 | Jacketed Hollow Point | 1,200 | 639 | — | — |
| Graf | Standard | 200 | Jacketed Hollow Point | 1,200 | 639 | — | — |
| Doubletap | DT Defense | 200 | Jacketed Hollow Point | 1,200 | 639 | — | — |
Velocities are manufacturer-stated (test-barrel). Discontinued loads dimmed.
Reloading cost
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.
Connected reference
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″ (9.02 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.
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 19 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. Spotted an error? Report it →