A Glimpse Into History: The Enduring Legacy of the .38 Long Colt
The crisp snap of a Colt revolver, the glint of brass in the fading sunlight, the tangible weight of history in your hands. These are the things that draw us to the venerable .38 Long Colt cartridge. More than a century after its heyday, this classic round continues to captivate shooters, particularly those interested in preserving the legacy of vintage firearms or participating in the increasingly popular sport of cowboy action shooting. Reloading this historic cartridge brings you closer to its story, allowing you to control its performance and ensuring the continued use of these classic firearms. This guide aims to be your reliable resource, providing detailed load data, practical reloading techniques, and essential safety advice, helping you enjoy the unique experience of the .38 Long Colt.
The .38 Long Colt, born in an era of bold expansion and rugged individualism, held a prominent place in the American landscape. Developed in the late 1800s, it was initially conceived as a military cartridge, designed to replace the .45 Colt in the U.S. Army. The .38 Long Colt’s initial performance was intended to be a significant improvement, though it would soon be eclipsed by evolving cartridge designs. This cartridge distinguished itself with its relatively long case, allowing for a heavier bullet. Its influence was considerable, rapidly gaining favor within law enforcement and civilian circles alike. Early iterations served as the sidearm of choice for many, from the dusty trails of the Wild West to the burgeoning urban centers of the industrial age.
The cartridge’s popularity waned with the rise of more powerful and efficient rounds in the early 20th century. Yet, it never entirely faded from memory. Today, the .38 Long Colt continues to resonate with collectors, enthusiasts, and those who appreciate historical firearms. The cartridge’s gentle recoil, coupled with the historical significance of its association with legendary revolvers like the Colt Single Action Army and Colt Lightning, makes it a favorite for cowboy action shooting and recreational shooting.
Prioritizing Safety: Essential Reloading Guidelines for .38 Long Colt
Reloading ammunition provides a level of customization, control, and historical connection. It also demands unwavering attention to safety. Before embarking on the reloading journey with the .38 Long Colt, it’s crucial to understand and rigorously adhere to established safety protocols. A moment of carelessness can lead to serious consequences.
Eye Protection
Always wear safety glasses or goggles to shield your eyes from potential hazards, such as flying debris or primer explosions.
Gloves
Although not always mandatory, wearing gloves can provide a better grip on components and protect your skin from potential irritants.
Ventilation
Reloading should always be conducted in a well-ventilated area to prevent the accumulation of potentially harmful fumes from powders and primers. Consider using a fume extractor if you don’t have adequate natural ventilation.
Storage
Store powders, primers, and loaded ammunition in a secure, cool, and dry location, away from children and sources of ignition. Properly label all containers with their contents and the date of loading.
Equipment Inspection
Regularly inspect your reloading equipment for wear and tear. Ensure all tools are functioning correctly and are properly calibrated. Replace any worn or damaged components.
Following Data
The most critical aspect of safety is adhering to published load data from reputable sources. Do not exceed maximum powder charges or alter other specifications without thorough research and understanding.
Single Tasking
Reloading requires your full attention. Avoid distractions, such as television, music, or conversations, to prevent errors.
Understanding pressure within your .38 Long Colt rounds is paramount for both safety and performance. Overpressure situations can cause a range of dangerous issues. Sticky extraction, a flattened primer, or, in extreme cases, a blown-out primer or even a ruptured case, are all signs of excessively high pressure. Invest in a chronograph to accurately measure the velocity of your loads and verify the load data you are using.
Component Selection: Building the Foundation for Your .38 Long Colt Loads
The components you select form the foundation of your .38 Long Colt ammunition. Carefully choosing these elements is essential for both accuracy and safe operation.
Brass Selection
The quality of your brass cases greatly impacts accuracy and overall performance. Inspect each case carefully. Look for cracks, dents, or any signs of damage. Reputable brands that are often favored include Starline and Winchester. Trim cases to the proper length specified in your chosen load data to ensure consistent performance.
Primer Selection
Primers are the initial spark that ignites the powder charge. Use the primer type specified by your load data. Small pistol primers are frequently used in the .38 Long Colt. Match the primer’s sensitivity to the powder used, and ensure it is compatible with your reloading equipment.
Powder Selection
Choosing the correct powder can be difficult, but the decision significantly impacts the velocity, accuracy, and behavior of your .38 Long Colt loads. Consider these factors.
Burn Rate
The burn rate refers to the speed at which a powder burns. Use powders recommended for the .38 Long Colt, such as Unique, Trail Boss, or Hodgdon HP-38. These powders offer good performance and are often safe to use within the pressure limitations of these cartridges.
Powder Type
Different powder types offer varying benefits. Consider a fast-burning powder for lighter bullet weights or a slower-burning powder for heavier bullets.
Consistency
Consistent powder charges are crucial for accuracy. Experiment with various powders to find the one that offers the best performance within the framework of the published load data.
Bullet Selection
Select bullets appropriate for your intended use. Bullet weight and type play crucial roles in the final performance of your ammunition.
Bullet Weight
Commonly used bullet weights for the .38 Long Colt range from around 125 to 158 grains. Heavier bullets generally offer more recoil and are useful for target shooting or hunting. Lighter bullets are often preferred for cowboy action shooting.
Bullet Type
Several bullet types are available.
Lead Round Nose (LRN)
These are traditional and often preferred for their historical authenticity and reliability.
Lead Semi-Wadcutter (LSWC)
LSWC bullets provide a cleaner hole in the target and can improve accuracy.
Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
These are less common but can be used for specific applications.
Reloading Data Tables: A Starting Point for Your .38 Long Colt
Important Disclaimer: This data is provided for informational purposes only. Always start with the minimum recommended load and work your way up incrementally while carefully observing the pressure signs. Reloading is a potentially dangerous activity. You are solely responsible for your safety. This is merely a foundation; always cross-reference with multiple reliable sources such as reloading manuals.
Unique Powder Load Data
| Bullet Weight (Grains) | Bullet Type | Powder Type | Starting Load (Grains) | Starting Velocity (fps) | Max Load (Grains) | Max Velocity (fps) | Primer Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 125 | LRN | Unique | 4.5 | 700 | 5.0 | 750 | Small Pistol | Good general-purpose load. |
| 150 | LRN | Unique | 4.0 | 650 | 4.5 | 700 | Small Pistol | Suitable for cowboy action shooting. |
| 158 | LSWC | Unique | 3.8 | 600 | 4.3 | 675 | Small Pistol | Good for accuracy and target practice. |
Trail Boss Load Data
| Bullet Weight (Grains) | Bullet Type | Powder Type | Starting Load (Grains) | Starting Velocity (fps) | Max Load (Grains) | Max Velocity (fps) | Primer Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 125 | LRN | Trail Boss | 3.8 | 650 | 4.2 | 700 | Small Pistol | Known for its low density and mild recoil. |
| 150 | LRN | Trail Boss | 3.5 | 600 | 3.9 | 650 | Small Pistol | Excellent for low-pressure cowboy action loads. |
| 158 | LSWC | Trail Boss | 3.3 | 550 | 3.7 | 600 | Small Pistol | Best for creating a light and controllable load. |
Other Common Powder Load Data
| Bullet Weight (Grains) | Bullet Type | Powder Type | Starting Load (Grains) | Starting Velocity (fps) | Max Load (Grains) | Max Velocity (fps) | Primer Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 125 | LRN | HP-38 | 4.0 | 725 | 4.5 | 775 | Small Pistol | HP-38 offers a clean burn and good accuracy. |
| 150 | LRN | HP-38 | 3.5 | 675 | 4.0 | 725 | Small Pistol | HP-38 works well with a variety of bullet weights. |
| 158 | LSWC | HP-38 | 3.3 | 625 | 3.8 | 675 | Small Pistol | Produces consistent velocity and acceptable accuracy. |
Step-by-Step Guide: Reloading the .38 Long Colt
The reloading process, while seemingly complex, is a systematic series of steps. Each step is vital to produce safe and accurate ammunition.
Case Inspection and Cleaning
Start by thoroughly inspecting the .38 Long Colt brass for any signs of damage, such as cracks, bulges, or corrosion. Clean the cases to remove any debris that could interfere with the loading process. Tumbling the cases in a media, such as walnut shells, is a common method.
Sizing and Priming
Using a full-length resizing die, resize the cases to ensure they meet the proper dimensions for chambering in your firearm. Then, remove the old primer. Once resized, the cases are ready to receive a new primer. Use a priming tool on your reloading press or a separate priming tool to seat the new primer.
Case Flaring
Flaring or belling the case mouth is essential to allow for easy bullet seating without damaging the bullet or case. Adjust the flaring die to create a small bell, which allows you to seat the bullet without shaving the lead.
Powder Charging
Carefully measure the correct powder charge using a powder measure. Pour the powder into the case. It is absolutely critical to charge each case with the correct amount of powder. Double-check your work and be certain to use the appropriate powder for the bullet weight.
Bullet Seating
Seat the bullet into the case to the desired depth. Make sure the bullet is straight and the case is not damaged during seating. Use a seating die to apply consistent pressure and ensure accurate bullet seating.
Crimping
Crimp the case mouth to securely hold the bullet in place. The crimp helps ensure consistent bullet pull and improves accuracy. Use a crimping die that creates a gentle but firm crimp. A good crimp will hold the bullet during handling and firing without excessive pressure.
Final Inspection
Before considering the load complete, carefully inspect each loaded round. Check the overall length, ensure the bullet is seated correctly, and confirm there are no defects. Inspect for any powder spills or damaged cases.
Refining Your Process: Tips, Techniques, and Considerations
Reloading offers an opportunity to fine-tune your loads.
Die Selection
High-quality reloading dies are essential for consistent and accurate ammunition.
Headspace
Headspace, the distance between the cartridge case head and the chamber face, is important for proper ignition and safe operation.
Common Problems
Reloading isn’t always perfect.
Stuck Cases
Applying a lubricant or using a different die size can help prevent stuck cases.
Failure to Fire
Primer malfunction, insufficient powder, or improperly seated primers can all contribute to failures.
Accuracy Issues
Experiment with different loads, seating depths, and crimps to address accuracy issues. A chronograph can help diagnose issues.
Accuracy and Performance: Achieving Your Goals
Careful experimentation is crucial for developing accurate and reliable .38 Long Colt loads. Testing your loads involves range time and data collection.
Testing
Chronograph
Measure velocity to verify consistency and to ensure your loads are within acceptable parameters.
Target Practice
Shoot at a target to assess accuracy and group size.
Accuracy Considerations
Consistent Powder Charges
Ensure the powder charges are accurate.
Seating Depth
Adjust the seating depth to optimize bullet performance.
Crimping
Proper crimping can improve consistency.
