Revolver · Not SAAMI standardized · CIP standardizedObsolete
5.5mm Velo-Dog
Revolver cartridge designed specifically for cyclists to shoot at aggressive dogs — hence 'Velo' (bicycle) and 'Dog.' Fired from small hammerless folding-trigger pocket revolvers carried in the coat pockets of 19th-century European cyclists..
- Caliber
- 0.228″ · 5.79 mm
- Introduced
- 1894
- Case
- Rimmed
- Primary use
- Self Defense
- Status
- Discontinued
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Introduced
- 1894
- Type
- Revolver
- Origin
- France
- Inventor
- Charles-François Galand
- Manufacturer
- Various European
- Standard
- Not SAAMI standardized · CIP standardized
- SAAMI
- Not SAAMI standardized
- Obsolete
- Obsolete
- Status
- Discontinued
- Availability
- Collector
- Case capacity
- 11.2 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:14
- Primer
- Centerfire
- Case type
- Rimmed
- Max pressure
- 9,863 psi, CIP transducer
- Eff. range
- 25 yd
- Max range
- 1750 yd
- Recoil
- 0.3–0.36 ft·lb
- Subsonic
- Capable
Ballistics
Published velocity/energy data isn't available for 5.5mm Velo-Dog — an obsolete/collector cartridge.
Performance
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds
Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.
Cartridges of the World · secondary source| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 5.79 | 0.228 | · |
| Neck ⌀ | 6.30 | 0.248 | · |
| Shoulder ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Shoulder angle | n/a | ||
| Base ⌀ | 6.42 | 0.253 | · |
| Rim ⌀ | 7.80 | 0.307 | · |
| Belt ⌀ | n/a | ||
| Rim thickness | 1.30 | 0.051 | ~ |
| Neck length | n/a | ||
| Case length | 29.60 | 1.165 | · |
| Overall length | 35.60 | 1.402 | · |
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. 5.5mm Velo-Dog is highlighted below.
Factory loads
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.
History
Designed by Charles Galand in 1894 during the cycling craze that swept Europe. Dog attacks were a genuine hazard for cyclists on rural roads, and the Velo-Dog revolver offered a compact solution. The cartridge's long case for its caliber was functional rather than aesthetic — small European pocket revolvers had limited cylinder length. Dozens of manufacturers made Velo-Dog revolvers across Europe through the early 20th century. Ammunition is no longer commercially made.
FAQs
- What twist rate does 5.5mm Velo-Dog use?
- 5.5mm Velo-Dog typically uses a 1:14 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is 5.5mm Velo-Dog?
- 5.5mm Velo-Dog uses a 0.228″ (5.79 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is 5.5mm Velo-Dog still in production?
- 5.5mm Velo-Dog is discontinued; typical availability is collector.
- What is 5.5mm Velo-Dog used for?
- 5.5mm Velo-Dog is primarily used for self defense.
Sources & provenance
- Reference Gun Digest Books — Cartridges of the World (Gun Digest Books, F. C. Barnes)
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 →
