Pistol · CIP · Not SAAMI standardized · CIP standardizedObsolete
.38 AMU
The .38 AMU is a .38 Special wadcutter round with a semi-rimmed head and extractor groove, made for U.S.
- Caliber
- 0.359″ · 9.11 mm
- Introduced
- 1960
- Case
- Semi-Rimmed
- Parent
- .38 Special
- Primary use
- Target
- Status
- Discontinued
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Introduced
- 1960
- Type
- Pistol
- Origin
- United States
- Inventor
- U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (Fort Benning)
- Manufacturer
- Remington-UMC; Federal; Western
- Standard
- CIP · Not SAAMI standardized · CIP standardized
- SAAMI
- Not SAAMI standardized
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Status
- Discontinued
- Availability
- Collector
- Case capacity
- 23.4 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:14.0
- Primer
- Small Pistol
- Case type
- Semi-Rimmed
- Max pressure
- 18,130 psi, CIP transducer
- Eff. range
- 50 yd
- Max range
- 1750 yd
- Recoil
- 3.2–3.3 ft·lb
- Subsonic
- Capable
Ballistics
Velocity only, no drag model: no published ballistic coefficient is on file for .38 AMU, so this is the shape gravity alone gives the advertised velocity. Drag would steepen it. The tool below solves real loads through their published G1 or G7 model.
Open in Ballistic Compare- Parent case
- .38 Special
Representative trajectory — modeled from a single velocity input (no published BC for this cartridge yet).
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds
Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.
CIP TDCC| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 9.11 | 0.359 | ✓ |
| Neck ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Shoulder ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Shoulder angle | n/a | ||
| Base ⌀ | 9.63 | 0.379 | ✓ |
| Rim ⌀ | 10.31 | 0.406 | ✓ |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 1.27 | 0.050 | ✓ |
| Neck length | n/a | ||
| Case length | 29.34 | 1.155 | ✓ |
| Overall length | 30.23 | 1.190 | ✓ |
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 AMU is highlighted below.
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
Connected reference
History
Developed by the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit around 1960; loaded by Remington-UMC, Federal and Western.
FAQs
- What twist rate does .38 AMU use?
- .38 AMU typically uses a 1:14.0 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is .38 AMU?
- .38 AMU uses a 0.359″ (9.11 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is .38 AMU still in production?
- .38 AMU is discontinued; typical availability is collector.
- What is .38 AMU used for?
- .38 AMU is primarily used for target.
- What is .38 AMU based on?
- .38 AMU is derived from the .38 Special case.
Sources & provenance
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →
