Rifle · Obsolete
.38 Holden
Obscure American single-shot target cartridge.
- Caliber
- 0.379″ · 9.627 mm
- Introduced
- 1890
- Case
- Rimmed
- Primary use
- target
- Status
- Obsolete
- Introduced
- 1890
- Type
- Rifle
- Origin
- United States
- Inventor
- Various
- Manufacturer
- Various
- Standard
- Obsolete
- Status
- Obsolete
- Availability
- Antique
- Case capacity
- 40 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:16
- Primer
- Large Rifle
- Case type
- Rimmed
- Max pressure
- 18,000 psi
- Eff. range
- 200 yd
- Recoil
- 7–11 ft·lb
- Subsonic
- Capable
Ballistics
Velocity only, no drag model: no published ballistic coefficient is on file for .38 Holden, 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
- —
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.
SAAMI · approximate| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 9.63 | 0.379 | ~ |
| Neck ⌀ | — | — | |
| Shoulder ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Shoulder angle | n/a | ||
| Base ⌀ | — | — | |
| Rim ⌀ | — | — | |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | — | — | |
| Neck length | n/a | ||
| Case length | 47.75 | 1.880 | ~ |
| Overall length | — | — | |
Missing a dimension for .38 Holden? 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.
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.
Connected reference
History
A Victorian-era British revolver cartridge of uncertain origin, used in European pocket revolvers. The .38 Holden designation identifies it with a specific British gunmaker. Low-velocity lead bullet appropriate to the black powder era. Completely obsolete.
FAQs
- What twist rate does .38 Holden use?
- .38 Holden typically uses a 1:16 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is .38 Holden?
- .38 Holden uses a 0.379″ (9.627 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is .38 Holden still in production?
- .38 Holden is obsolete; typical availability is antique.
- What is .38 Holden used for?
- .38 Holden is primarily used for target.
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 →