Classic black-powder era cartridge still popular in cowboy action shooting and single-shot rifle competition. Low-pressure design suited to vintage and replica single-shot and lever-action rifles.
Type: Rifle
Introduced: 1884, United States
Parent case: None
Standardization: SAAMI
Bullet diameter: 0.379" (9.63 mm)
Case length: 2.085" (52.96 mm)
Overall length: 2.51" (63.75 mm)
Max pressure: 30,000 PSI
Rim type: Rimmed
Primer: Large Rifle
Typical twist rate: 1:18
Muzzle velocity: 1320–1530 fps
Muzzle energy: 987–1403 ft-lbs
Effective range: 200 yd
Common bullet weights: 255, 270 gr
Primary use: Hunting, Target
Production status: Active
Also known as: .38-55 Ballard · 9.5x52mmR
History: Developed by Ballard in 1884, adopted by Winchester and Marlin for their rifles. Popular in Schuetzen target shooting and hunting through the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The cartridge survived into the smokeless era with reduced loads, remaining popular with cast-bullet enthusiasts and cowboy action shooters. The parent case for the .375 Winchester.
Notable firearms: Winchester Model 1894 (early), Marlin Model 1893, Various Schuetzen single-shots, Winchester Model 94 (modern)
Similar cartridges: .30-30 Winchester, .35 Remington