Compare / .32-40 Winchester vs .38-55 Winchester

Cartridge comparison

.32-40 Winchester vs .38-55 Winchester

.32-40 Winchester is faster (1,560 vs 1,530 fps); .38-55 Winchester carries more energy (1,403 vs 974 ft·lb); .38-55 Winchester recoils less.

.32-40 Winchester →
Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–500 yd
100 yd · zero0″−143″143″ drop @ 500 yd0250500Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
.38-55 Winchester →
Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–500 yd
100 yd · zero0″−148″148″ drop @ 500 yd0250500Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
.32-40 Winchester.38-55 Winchester
TypeRifleRifle
Introduced18841884
Bullet ⌀0.32″0.379″
Case length2.13″2.085″
Velocity1,440–1,560 fps1,320–1,530 fps
Energy758–974 ft·lb987–1,403 ft·lb
Max pressure30,000 psi30,000 psi
Recoil5–8 ft·lb3.5–5.5 ft·lb
Eff. range175 yd200 yd

FAQs

Is .32-40 Winchester faster than .38-55 Winchester?
.32-40 Winchester is faster — up to 1,560 fps versus 1,530 fps.
Does .32-40 Winchester hit harder than .38-55 Winchester?
.38-55 Winchester carries more muzzle energy (1,403 vs 974 ft·lb).