.38 S&W (Colt N.P.) Load Data & Reloading Guide

The .38 S&W, also known as the .38 Colt New Police, originated in the late 19th century as a cartridge developed for Smith & Wesson's break-top revolvers. Introduced in 1877, this cartridge was intended to provide law enforcement and civilians with a more effective personal defense option than its predecessors. The .38 S&W was also adopted by Colt, who rebranded it as the .38 Colt New Police, making slight modifications in bullet design, but overall functional compatibility was maintained between the two versions.

Technically, the .38 S&W cartridge has a rimmed, straight-walled case with an overall length of approximately 1.2 inches and a case length of about .775 inches. The nominal bullet diameter is .361 inches, which is slightly larger than the more modern .38 Special, making it crucial for reloaders to choose the correct bullet specifications to ensure proper chambering and performance. Typical bullet weights for this cartridge range from 146 grains in the original lead round-nose configuration to lighter variations for different applications.

Ballistically, the .38 S&W is considered a low pressure round, generating muzzle velocities around 600 to 730 feet per second with standard loads, and producing relatively mild recoil. It is well-suited for close-range shooting, generally within 25 yards, and offers decent accuracy and manageability. This makes it a popular choice in vintage firearms collections or historical reenactments, and it can still be used for small game hunting or metallic silhouette shooting under appropriate circumstances.

For reloaders, the .38 S&W presents numerous advantages. Cases are relatively durable due to their low operating pressures, allowing multiple reloads. Its manageable recoil makes it ideal for beginners learning the reloading process. Additionally, the straightforward case design simplifies sizing and bullet seating, whether one is using cast or jacketed bullets. Using reloads, enthusiasts can tailor loads to specific performance requirements, such as reducing the power for target practice or modifying bullet profiles for improved performance in older guns. Careful selection of components ensures these custom loads maintain reliable cycling and performance, especially in the context of older revolvers.