Lindcott Armory Compare / .38 Long Colt vs .38 Short Colt
Cartridge comparison
.38 Long Colt vs .38 Short Colt
.38 Short Colt is faster (800 vs 770 fps); .38 Long Colt carries more energy (200 vs 185 ft·lb).
.38 Long Colt →Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
.38 Short Colt →Representative trajectory · 25 yd zero0–200 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
| .38 Long Colt | .38 Short Colt | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Revolver | Pistol |
| Introduced | 1875 | 1875 |
| Bullet ⌀ | 0.357″ | 0.357″ |
| Case length | 1.031″ | 0.762″ |
| Velocity | 650–770 fps | 730–800 fps |
| Energy | 140–200 ft·lb | 148–185 ft·lb |
| Max pressure | 13,000 psi | 13,000 psi |
| Recoil | 2.5–4 ft·lb | 2.5–4 ft·lb |
| Eff. range | 25 yd | 25 yd |
FAQs
- Is .38 Long Colt faster than .38 Short Colt?
- .38 Short Colt is faster — up to 800 fps versus 770 fps.
- Does .38 Long Colt hit harder than .38 Short Colt?
- .38 Long Colt carries more muzzle energy (200 vs 185 ft·lb).