Lindcott Armory Compare / .38-40 Winchester vs .45 Colt
Cartridge comparison
.38-40 Winchester vs .45 Colt
.38-40 Winchester is faster (1,320 vs 1,200 fps); .38-40 Winchester carries more energy (695 vs 650 ft·lb); .38-40 Winchester recoils less.
.38-40 Winchester →Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
.45 Colt →Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
| .38-40 Winchester | .45 Colt | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Pistol | Revolver |
| Introduced | 1874 | 1872 |
| Bullet ⌀ | 0.401″ | 0.452″ |
| Case length | 1.305″ | 1.285″ |
| Velocity | 1,050–1,320 fps | 750–1,200 fps |
| Energy | 440–695 ft·lb | 250–650 ft·lb |
| Max pressure | 14,000 psi | 14,000 psi |
| Recoil | 3.5–5.5 ft·lb | 10–25 ft·lb |
| Eff. range | 100 yd | 100 yd |
FAQs
- Is .38-40 Winchester faster than .45 Colt?
- .38-40 Winchester is faster — up to 1,320 fps versus 1,200 fps.
- Does .38-40 Winchester hit harder than .45 Colt?
- .38-40 Winchester carries more muzzle energy (695 vs 650 ft·lb).