Sorry, there are no products in this collection.
OUR TOP 38 LONG COLT AMMO RECOMMENDATIONS
Black Hills Cowboy Action 38 Long Colt Ammunition 158 Grain Lead Round Nose - DCB38CLTN1
Manufactured with high-quality components, including non-corrosive Boxer primers and reloadable brass casings, this ammunition ensures durability and ease of maintenance. The muzzle velocity of 650 feet per second and energy of 148 foot-pounds provide manageable recoil, allowing for extended shooting sessions without excessive fatigue. Packaged in period-correct boxes of 50 rounds, the Black Hills Cowboy Action 38 Long Colt ammunition not only performs exceptionally but also adds a touch of authenticity to your shooting experience. Whether you're participating in cowboy action competitions or enjoying a day at the range, this ammunition offers the reliability and performance that shooters have come to expect from Black Hills Ammunition.
| Manufacturer | Black Hills |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 30 Long Colt |
| Bullet Type | Lead Flat Nose |
| Grain | 158 |
| Muzzle Velocity | 650 fps |
| Muzzle Energy | 148 ft lbs |
Use Cases for 38 Long Colt Ammunition
- Target Shooting
- Cowboy Action Shooting
- Historical Reenactments
- Educational Demonstrations
- Recreational Plinking
Popular 38 Long Colt Ammo Brands
Common 38 Long Colt Ammo Caliber Name Variations
- 38 Long Colt
- .38 Long Colt
- .38 LC
- Long Colt Ammo
- Looking for 38 Short Colt? Click here.
A QUICK "PRIMER" ON 38 LONG COLT AMMO
The .38 Long Colt cartridge traces its origins to the 1870s, developed during a period of rapid advancement in American sidearm technology. Adopted by the U.S. military in 1892, it served as the standard revolver cartridge until the early 20th century. While ultimately replaced by more powerful rounds like the .45 ACP, 38 Long Colt ammo remains deeply rooted in firearms history and continues to be enjoyed by cowboy action shooters, collectors, and enthusiasts of vintage revolvers.
Standard 38 Long Colt ammunition typically features bullets weighing between 125 and 150 grains. Known for its soft recoil and easy handling, this cartridge is best suited for close-range target practice and competitive cowboy shooting events. Its moderate performance and smooth-shooting characteristics make it especially attractive for those looking to experience the balance and charm of 19th-century revolver ballistics.
A key point of confusion among shooters is the difference between .38 Long Colt and .38 Special. Despite their similar names and shared lineage, the .38 Special is a longer, higher-pressure cartridge. It should not be fired in firearms chambered exclusively for 38 Long Colt, as doing so may pose serious safety risks. Always check your firearm's barrel or documentation to ensure correct chambering before loading any Colt ammunition.
While the cartridge is no longer mainstream, leading manufacturers continue to produce 38 Long Colt ammo for sale. Brands like Black Hills Ammunition are known for delivering consistent, high-quality loads ideal for range work and historical shooting. Ten-X Ammunition, a favorite in the cowboy action community, offers loads that meet the requirements of sanctioned events and reproduce the performance of the original black powder-era cartridges.
TOP CONSIDERATIONS WHEN BUYING 38 LONG COLT AMMO
Choosing the right 38 Long Colt ammo involves understanding your specific shooting needs and matching your ammunition to the condition and purpose of your firearm. Because this cartridge is most commonly used in vintage or reproduction revolvers, careful selection ensures both safety and satisfaction on the range.
Purpose: Identifying your intended use is critical. If you're purchasing ammo for recreational target shooting or casual range time, standard loads with moderate velocity will serve well. For cowboy action shooting or historical reenactments, some manufacturers offer specially tuned loads that meet power factor and velocity regulations used in competitive events. Collectors may also seek period-authentic rounds or loads that replicate black powder performance.
Bullet Type: The majority of .38 Long Colt ammunition is loaded with lead round nose (LRN) bullets, ideal for consistent target practice and traditional shooting. However, these bullets can produce more fouling than jacketed rounds. Shooters considering self-defense applications should remember that this cartridge is underpowered by modern standards, and only certain low-pressure loads should be used in older revolvers. Always verify that your firearm can safely handle the selected ammunition before use.
Choosing a Manufacturer: Quality matters—especially when dealing with a cartridge designed for use in older platforms. Trusted names like Black Hills Ammunition and Ten-X Ammunition specialize in producing safe, consistent Colt ammunition for vintage revolvers and cowboy action disciplines. These manufacturers understand the nuances of pressure ratings and bullet profiles for older firearms and provide dependable options tailored to historical calibers.
Firearm Condition: Since many firearms chambered for 38 Long Colt are either antique or reproduction models, it's essential to have your revolver inspected by a qualified gunsmith before use. Even standard smokeless powder loads can create pressures too high for worn or poorly maintained guns. Confirm your firearm's structural integrity and chambering before firing any modern 38 Long Colt ammo for sale, especially if it was originally designed for black powder.
THE 38 LONG COLT AMMO "ROUND UP"
Whether you're preserving the legacy of antique revolvers or stepping into the world of cowboy action shooting, 38 Long Colt ammo offers a timeless and rewarding experience. Though not as widespread as modern calibers, this cartridge delivers smooth recoil, historical significance, and functional performance for close-range target work and reenactment scenarios. At Target Sports USA, we proudly support collectors, competitors, and classic firearm fans with a curated inventory of .38 Long Colt ammo for sale from top manufacturers like Black Hills and Ten-X. With reliable options, competitive pricing, and free shipping on bulk 38 Long Colt ammo, we're here to help you keep history alive—one shot at a time.
