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Pistol · SAAMI

.38 ACP

Also known as .38 Auto · .38 Automatic Colt Pistol · 9x23mmSR

Original John Browning semi-auto pistol cartridge for the Colt 1900 and Model 1902.

Caliber
0.356″ · 9.042 mm
Introduced
1900
Case
Semi-Rimmed
Primary use
Military, Self Defense
Status
Discontinued

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VelocityBeing verified
EnergyBeing verified
Typical grains130 gr
Identity
Introduced
1900
Type
Pistol
Origin
United States
Inventor
John Browning
Manufacturer
Colt, Winchester
Standard
SAAMI
Status
Discontinued
Availability
Collector
Build
Case capacity
16 gr H₂O
Twist (typical)
1:16
Primer
Small Pistol
Case type
Semi-Rimmed
Pressure & range
Max pressure
26,500 psi, SAAMI transducer
Eff. range
50 yd
Max range
2500 yd
Recoil
4–5.2 ft·lb
Subsonic
Capable

Ballistics

Published velocity/energy data isn't available for .38 ACP — an obsolete/collector cartridge.

Performance

Best for Withheld until verified
Best for Withheld until verified
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds

Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.

SAAMI · verified
Measuremmin✓
Bullet ⌀ 9.040.356 ✓
Neck ⌀ 9.750.384 ✓
Shoulder ⌀ n/a
Shoulder angle n/a
Base ⌀ 9.750.384 ✓
Rim ⌀ 10.310.406 ✓
Belt ⌀ n/a
Rim thickness 1.270.050 ✓
Neck length n/a
Case length 22.860.900 ✓
Overall length 32.511.280 ✓

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 ACP is highlighted below.

Factory loads

Verification

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.

Firearms chambered in .38 ACP

Astra Astra 400 9mm Largo 6-inchAstra-Unceta Astra 400Astra-Unceta Astra 400 Model 1921 9mm LargoVarious Spanish Astra 400 9mm Largo 5.9-inchWebley & Scott Model 1905 Semi-Auto 9mmColt M1902 Sporting .38 ACPColt Model 1902 38 ACPColt Model 1902 Military .38 ACPColt M1902 MilitaryColt M1902 Military .38 ACPColt Colt Model 1902 Military .38 ACP 6-inchWebley & Scott Webley-Fosbery Automatic Revolver .455 6-inch

Lineage

Immediate parent
Root — no documented parent
Direct descendants (2 · 3 total)
.38 Super.380 ACP
Family TreeOpen .38 ACP in the interactive cartridge family tree

History

Developed by John Browning for Colt's first semi-automatic pistols (Model 1900, 1902, 1903). The cartridge was the basis of early US military semi-auto trials before the .45 ACP was adopted. In 1929, Colt introduced the .38 Super as a higher-pressure version of the .38 ACP for the M1911 platform. The .38 ACP is now a collector cartridge associated with early Colt semi-automatics.

FAQs

What twist rate does .38 ACP use?
.38 ACP typically uses a 1:16 twist rate.
What bullet diameter is .38 ACP?
.38 ACP uses a 0.356″ (9.042 mm) diameter bullet.
Is .38 ACP still in production?
.38 ACP is discontinued; typical availability is collector.
What is .38 ACP used for?
.38 ACP is primarily used for military, self defense.

Sources & provenance

Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 3 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →

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