.38 rimfire

The .38 rimfire refers to a family of cartridges that have been in service in the United States since the mid-19th century. The cartridges are produced in short, long, and extra long variants.

.38 Long rimfire
TypeRifle and handgun
Place of originUnited States
Service history
Used byUS Army
Production history
VariantsShort, Long, and Extra Long
Specifications
Case typeRimmed, straight
Bullet diameter.374 in (9.5 mm)
Neck diameter.376 in (9.6 mm)
Shoulder diameter.376 in (9.6 mm)
Base diameter.378 in (9.6 mm)
Rim diameter.433 in (11.0 mm)
Rim thickness.051 in (1.3 mm)
Case length0.874 in (22.2 mm)
Overall length1.382 in (35.1 mm)
Primer typeRimfire
Maximum pressure (CIP)13,000 psi (90 MPa)
Ballistic performance
Bullet mass/type Velocity Energy
150 gr (10 g) LRN 980 ft/s (300 m/s) 320 ft⋅lbf (430 J)
Test barrel length: Rifle
.38 Extra Long rimfire
TypeRifle and handgun
Place of originUnited States
Specifications
Case typeRimmed, straight
Bullet diameter.374 in (9.5 mm)
Neck diameter.376 in (9.6 mm)
Shoulder diameter.376 in (9.6 mm)
Base diameter.378 in (9.6 mm)
Rim diameter.433 in (11.0 mm)
Rim thickness.051 in (1.3 mm)
Case length1.48 in (38 mm)
Overall length2.025 in (51.4 mm)
Primer typeRimfire
Ballistic performance
Bullet mass/type Velocity Energy
150 gr (10 g) LRN 1,250 ft/s (380 m/s) 520 ft⋅lbf (710 J)
Test barrel length: Rifle

Much like the smaller .32 rimfire, the rounds were originally manufactured loaded with black powder. In the early 1900s, manufacturers switched to the "new" smokeless powder.

The .38 rimfire was preferred to the .32 rimfire for hunting and self-defense purposes because of its larger diameter bullet and increased muzzle energy.

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