Pistol · Not SAAMI standardized · Not standardizedObsolete
4.38x30mm Libra
4.38x30mm Libra is a rimless bottlenecked pistol cartridge of Czech Republic origin.
- Caliber
- 0.1685″ · 4.28 mm
- Introduced
- 2002
- Case
- Rimless
- Parent
- .22 Hornet
- Primary use
- Self-Defense, Target
- Status
- Discontinued
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Introduced
- 2002
- Type
- Pistol
- Origin
- Czech Republic
- Inventor
- Vlastimil Libra
- Manufacturer
- Czech Weapons (ČZW)
- Standard
- Not SAAMI standardized · Not standardized
- SAAMI
- Not SAAMI standardized
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Status
- Discontinued
- Availability
- Rare
- Case capacity
- 10.6 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:14
- Primer
- Small Pistol
- Case type
- Rimless
- Max pressure
- 62,366 psi, CIP transducer
- Eff. range
- 50 yd
- Max range
- 250 yd
- Recoil
- 2.7 ft·lb
Ballistics
Velocity only, no drag model: no published ballistic coefficient is on file for 4.38x30mm Libra, 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
- .22 Hornet
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.
Wikipedia · approximate| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 4.28 | 0.169 | · |
| Neck ⌀ | 4.90 | 0.193 | · |
| Shoulder ⌀ | 6.88 | 0.271 | · |
| Shoulder angle | 15.5° | — | |
| Base ⌀ | 7.56 | 0.298 | · |
| Rim ⌀ | 7.65 | 0.301 | · |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 1.24 | 0.049 | · |
| Neck length | 3.57 | 0.141 | |
| Case length | 30.10 | 1.185 | · |
| Overall length | 41.00 | 1.614 | · |
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. 4.38x30mm Libra is highlighted below.
Missing a dimension for 4.38x30mm Libra? 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.
Lineage
Connected reference
History
Introduced around 2002 by Vlastimil Libra, derived from the .22 Hornet.
FAQs
- What twist rate does 4.38x30mm Libra use?
- 4.38x30mm Libra typically uses a 1:14 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is 4.38x30mm Libra?
- 4.38x30mm Libra uses a 0.1685″ (4.28 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is 4.38x30mm Libra still in production?
- 4.38x30mm Libra is discontinued; typical availability is rare.
- What is 4.38x30mm Libra used for?
- 4.38x30mm Libra is primarily used for self-defense, target.
- What is 4.38x30mm Libra based on?
- 4.38x30mm Libra is derived from the .22 Hornet 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 →
