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

The .38 S&W (Smith & Wesson), sometimes referred to as the Colt New Police (.38 Colt N.P.), is a classic revolver cartridge with a storied history dating back to the late 19th century. Introduced by Smith & Wesson in 1877, it quickly gained popularity among law enforcement and civilian shooters due to its manageable recoil and reliable performance in small-frame revolvers. The round was adopted for use in many revolvers, including some produced by Colt, who marketed their version as the .38 Colt New Police with a flat-nose bullet to avoid using the "S&W" designation. The cartridge enjoyed significant use throughout the late 1800s and early 20th century, particularly before more powerful service cartridges, such as the .38 Special, became widespread.

Today, the .38 S&W cartridge remains a favorite among collectors, historical firearms enthusiasts, and handloaders interested in vintage revolvers. Its relatively mild pressures and straightforward case design make it an accessible option for those interested in handloading for classic firearms. The versatile .38 S&W sees continued action in classic target shooting, cowboy action games, and casual plinking. It is important for reloaders to remember that the .38 S&W is dimensionally different from the more powerful and ubiquitous .38 Special; the .38 S&W uses a slightly larger bullet diameter, making component selection particularly critical.

In terms of application, the .38 S&W was historically a popular police and civilian self-defense cartridge. While largely supplanted by more modern calibers, the .38 S&W can still serve admirably in defensive roles when paired with appropriate loads and revolvers in good mechanical condition. Handloaders who tailor their ammunition for older revolvers must remain conscious of pressure limitations, as many vintage firearms chambered in .38 S&W were not designed for high-pressure loads. Today, the caliber still sees use in pest control and small-game hunting at close range, with its moderate stopping power and limited penetration ideal for small mammals such as rabbits, squirrels, and rats.

Typical bullet weights for the .38 S&W range from 145 to 150 grains, with round-nose and flat-nose lead projectiles being most common. For handloaders, cast lead bullets are often preferred, both for historical authenticity and compatibility with older gun barrels. The bullet diameter is usually .361 to .362 inches, differing from the .357 diameter of .38 Special and .357 Magnum projectiles. Case lengths are approximately .775 inches, with an overall cartridge length near 1.240 inches. Muzzle velocities typically fall between 620 and 700 feet per second, depending on the specific bullet and firearm configuration. Given these moderate velocities and pressures, the .38 S&W is generally regarded as a mild, shooter-friendly caliber that is perfect for maintaining, restoring, and safely firing classic revolvers. For reloaders, it offers both an opportunity to work with historical cartridges and to fine-tune loads for sensitive, antique firearms.