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Lindcott Armory

Cartridge comparison

.32 Rimfire vs .38 Rimfire

.32 Rimfire and .38 Rimfire are both in the reference; see the full spec comparison below.

Side by side

.32 Rimfire.38 Rimfire
TypePistolPistol
Introduced18571861
Bullet diameter0.316″0.374″
Case length0.5752″0.7299″
Max pressure10,000 psi12,000 psi
Recoil1.5–2.5 ft·lb1.5–2.5 ft·lb
Effective range25 yd25 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 Rimfire and .38 Rimfire trajectories with real loads in Ballistic Compare