Lindcott Armory Compare / .32-20 Winchester vs .38-40 Winchester
Cartridge comparison
.32-20 Winchester vs .38-40 Winchester
.32-20 Winchester is faster (1,460 vs 1,320 fps); .38-40 Winchester carries more energy (695 vs 545 ft·lb); .38-40 Winchester recoils less.
.32-20 Winchester →Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
.38-40 Winchester →Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
| .32-20 Winchester | .38-40 Winchester | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Rifle | Pistol |
| Introduced | 1882 | 1874 |
| Bullet ⌀ | 0.312″ | 0.401″ |
| Case length | 1.315″ | 1.305″ |
| Velocity | 1,200–1,460 fps | 1,050–1,320 fps |
| Energy | 320–545 ft·lb | 440–695 ft·lb |
| Max pressure | 16,000 psi | 14,000 psi |
| Recoil | 8–12 ft·lb | 3.5–5.5 ft·lb |
| Eff. range | 150 yd | 100 yd |
FAQs
- Is .32-20 Winchester faster than .38-40 Winchester?
- .32-20 Winchester is faster — up to 1,460 fps versus 1,320 fps.
- Does .32-20 Winchester hit harder than .38-40 Winchester?
- .38-40 Winchester carries more muzzle energy (695 vs 545 ft·lb).