Lindcott Armory Compare / .32 Long Colt vs .38 Long Colt
Cartridge comparison
.32 Long Colt vs .38 Long Colt
.32 Long Colt is faster (820 vs 770 fps); .38 Long Colt carries more energy (200 vs 134 ft·lb); .38 Long Colt recoils less.
.32 Long Colt →Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
.38 Long Colt →Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
| .32 Long Colt | .38 Long Colt | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Pistol | Revolver |
| Introduced | 1875 | 1875 |
| Bullet ⌀ | 0.313″ | 0.357″ |
| Case length | 0.9″ | 1.031″ |
| Velocity | 755–820 fps | 650–770 fps |
| Energy | 104–134 ft·lb | 140–200 ft·lb |
| Max pressure | 13,000 psi | 13,000 psi |
| Recoil | 3–5 ft·lb | 2.5–4 ft·lb |
| Eff. range | 20 yd | 25 yd |
FAQs
- Is .32 Long Colt faster than .38 Long Colt?
- .32 Long Colt is faster — up to 820 fps versus 770 fps.
- Does .32 Long Colt hit harder than .38 Long Colt?
- .38 Long Colt carries more muzzle energy (200 vs 134 ft·lb).