Lindcott Armory Compare / .32 Rimfire vs .38 Rimfire
Cartridge comparison
.32 Rimfire vs .38 Rimfire
.38 Rimfire carries more energy (289 vs 144 ft·lb).
.32 Rimfire →Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
.38 Rimfire →Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
| .32 Rimfire | .38 Rimfire | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Pistol | Pistol |
| Introduced | 1857 | 1861 |
| Bullet ⌀ | 0.317″ | 0.375″ |
| Case length | 0.625″ | 0.775″ |
| Velocity | 700–850 fps | 700–850 fps |
| Energy | 89–144 ft·lb | 163–289 ft·lb |
| Max pressure | 10,000 psi | 12,000 psi |
| Recoil | 1.5–2.5 ft·lb | 1.5–2.5 ft·lb |
| Eff. range | 15 yd | 25 yd |
FAQs
- Does .32 Rimfire hit harder than .38 Rimfire?
- .38 Rimfire carries more muzzle energy (289 vs 144 ft·lb).