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Lindcott Armory

Cartridge comparison

.32-20 Winchester vs .38-40 Winchester

.32-20 Winchester and .38-40 Winchester are both in the reference; see the full spec comparison below.

Side by side

.32-20 Winchester.38-40 Winchester
TypeRiflePistol
Introduced18821874
Bullet diameter0.3126″0.4004″
Case length1.315″1.3051″
Max pressure16,000 psi14,000 psi
Recoil8–12 ft·lb3.5–5.5 ft·lb
Effective range150 yd50 yd

Highlighted cells hold the clear edge where both sides have a number. Every figure is a range maximum from the reference; typical loads run lower.

Case profiles, to scale

Drawn to the same scale, so the proportions are true. Physical size varies with your screen.

ToolOverlay .32-20 Winchester and .38-40 Winchester trajectories with real loads in Ballistic Compare