Lindcott Armory Compare / .38-55 Winchester vs .38-56 Winchester
Cartridge comparison
.38-55 Winchester vs .38-56 Winchester
.38-56 Winchester is faster (1,560 vs 1,530 fps); .38-55 Winchester carries more energy (1,403 vs 1,378 ft·lb); .38-55 Winchester recoils less.
.38-55 Winchester →Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–500 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
.38-56 Winchester →Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–500 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
| .38-55 Winchester | .38-56 Winchester | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Rifle | Rifle |
| Introduced | 1884 | 1887 |
| Bullet ⌀ | 0.379″ | 0.377″ |
| Case length | 2.085″ | 2.1″ |
| Velocity | 1,320–1,530 fps | 1,460–1,560 fps |
| Energy | 987–1,403 ft·lb | 1,207–1,378 ft·lb |
| Max pressure | 30,000 psi | 18,000 psi |
| Recoil | 3.5–5.5 ft·lb | 10–15 ft·lb |
| Eff. range | 200 yd | 200 yd |
FAQs
- Is .38-55 Winchester faster than .38-56 Winchester?
- .38-56 Winchester is faster — up to 1,560 fps versus 1,530 fps.
- Does .38-55 Winchester hit harder than .38-56 Winchester?
- .38-55 Winchester carries more muzzle energy (1,403 vs 1,378 ft·lb).