Revolver · SAAMI

.41 Long Colt

.41 LC10.4x28mmR (smokeless).41 Colt

US Army service revolver cartridge from 1892 to 1911, chambered in the Colt Army Model 1892 double-action revolver.

Caliber
0.3882″ · 9.86 mm
Introduced
1877
Case
Rimmed
Primary use
Military, Self Defense
Status
Discontinued
Velocity730–785 fps
Energy237–274 ft·lb
Typical grains200 gr
Identity
Introduced
1877
Type
Revolver
Origin
United States
Inventor
Colt
Manufacturer
Colt, Winchester
Standard
SAAMI
Status
Discontinued
Availability
Collector
Build
Case capacity
25 gr H₂O
Twist (typical)
1:20
Primer
Large Pistol
Case type
Rimmed
Pressure & range
Max pressure
13,000 psi
Eff. range
50 yd
Max range
75 yd
Recoil
2.5–4 ft·lb
Subsonic
Capable

Ballistics

Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd
25 yd · zero0″−99″99″ drop @ 200 yd0100200Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
Parent case

Representative trajectory — modeled from a single velocity input (no published BC for this cartridge yet).

Performance

Best for TargetFiocchi Standard200 gr · LRN · 730 fpsBuy now →

Buy links open .41 Long Colt ammunition at Rivertown Munitions.

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 · verified
Measuremmin
Bullet ⌀9.860.388
Neck ⌀10.390.409
Shoulder ⌀n/a
Shoulder anglen/a
Base ⌀10.430.411
Rim ⌀11.180.440
Belt ⌀n/a
Rim thickness1.450.057~
Neck lengthn/a
Case length28.701.130
Overall length36.191.425

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. .41 Long Colt is highlighted below.

Factory loads

In production — 4 active loads across 2 brands. Top 15 shown · see all 20 →.

BrandLoadGrainBulletFPSft·lbBC
FiocchiStandard200LRN730237
FiocchiLead RN200Lead RN730237
Ten-X AmmunitionLead RN Cowboy200Lead RN730237
FiocchiHistorical200LFP730237
UMCLead RN200Lead RN730237
Sellier & BellotLRN200Lead Round Nose730237
WinchesterLead RN200Lead RN730237
PPULRN200Lead Round Nose730237
GrafStandard200Lead Round Nose730237
KynochSoft Nose200Lead Round Nose730237
Graf & SonsGraf Heritage200Lead RN730237
RemingtonStandard200LRN730237
RemingtonLead RN200Lead RN730237
FiocchiClassic200Lead Round Nose730237
WolfFMJ200FMJ730237

Velocities are manufacturer-stated (test-barrel). Discontinued loads dimmed.

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 .41 Long Colt

12 models in the database chamber .41 Long Colt. Browse all →

Colt Official Police .38 Spl 4-inchColt's Manufacturing Army Special .38 Special 6-inchColt Army Special .38 Special 4-inchColt New NavyColt Colt Model 1889 .38 Colt 3-inchColt Colt 1889 Navy RevolverColt Colt 1889 New NavyColt SAA First Generation 44-40 WCF 4.75-inchColt Colt Model 1877 Thunderer .41 Colt 4.5-inchColt Model 1877 Thunderer .41 LCColt Model 1877 Thunderer .41 Colt 4.5-inchColt Model 1877 Lightning .38 Long Colt 4.5-inch

Connected reference

History

Adopted by the US Army in 1892 for the new double-action Colt Army revolver, replacing the .45 Colt SAA in service. The .41 Long Colt was considered inadequate almost immediately — it lacked the stopping power of the .45 Colt, and service experience in the Philippines confirmed this. The Army's experience with cartridge inadequacy led directly to the .45 ACP and M1911 development. Factory ammunition is still produced in small quantities for cowboy action shooters.

FAQs

What twist rate does .41 Long Colt use?
.41 Long Colt typically uses a 1:20 twist rate.
What bullet diameter is .41 Long Colt?
.41 Long Colt uses a 0.3882″ (9.86 mm) diameter bullet.
Is .41 Long Colt still in production?
.41 Long Colt is discontinued; typical availability is collector.
What is .41 Long Colt used for?
.41 Long Colt is primarily used for military, self defense.

Sources & provenance

Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 4 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →