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.38 Long Colt ?

HAIRY
Have a Colt 1877 marked .38 Colt. I understand this means using the .38 Long Colt cartridge, but are there any other cartridges that one could use as well--without damage to the gun or me?

There is always one more imbecile than you counted on.
Don't assume malice for what stupidity can explain.
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Comments

8 comments

Date Votes
  • oldammo
    38 Short Colt can be used. Any other cartridges are probably dangerous.

    Old Ammo, have lots always looking for more.
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  • Hangfire
    Hairy- You will find that 38 Spec will fit in the cylinder, but they SHOULD NOT be fired.

    Love them Pre-64's!!!!-Bob
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  • Pearyw
    I also have an old Colt 38 and it also depends on when it was made. If it is an early model, it needs to be loaded with black powder cartridges. The one I have was made in 1905 and I handload for it using lightly loaded 38 spl cases. I load it with Unigue powder and swaged lead bullets.
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  • CHGOTHNDER
    I fire Long and shorts from my 1877 and have had no problems. Finding them for a decent price is getting harder and I don't want to reload. If you need ammo try the old scrounger or blackhills.

    PJ

    If nobody seen you do it, how could you have done it. NRA Life Member, AF&AM
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  • mrmike08075
    waltsgun@aol.com
    we have the dies here at the shop, we trim down and convert .38 special brass to make it. i have a rolling block carbine that is chambered in .38 long colt, ans one single action revolver as well.

    STARLINE makes nice, correctly headstamped new .38 long colt brass also. my boss charges $29.99 per 50 round box of our converted handloads, so as far as the price goes, i feel your pain.

    only .38 long colt, and .38 short colt should be fired in your gun. brand new commercialy produced short colt is available for $20.00 per 50 round box from WINCHESTER.

    iether have it made, make it your self, or do not shoot it. after you have a few boxs, you only pay the reloading costs. its out there if you look hard. if you cannot locate it elsewere, and no one else has a good scource email me at the shop, and i may be able to help.
    best regards, mike.

    What other dungeon is so dark as ones own heart, what jailer so inexorable as ones own mind.
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  • HAIRY
    Thanks, guys, for the advice. I'll buy a box and fire a few rounds, then put it up for a while.

    BTW, another reason I asked the question was that a salesman in a gun store told me that .38 S&W would be okay (trying to make a sale) and I wanted to check here before spending my $$$$.



    There is always one more imbecile than you counted on.
    Don't assume malice for what stupidity can explain.
    0
  • perry shooter
    Hello 38 S & W is a larger diameter and if it would chamber then your gun is not 38 long colt . I shoot 38 short colt in cowboy matches for light recoil in mY first gen colt 38 specials saa if you find any in old stock at gun shops they will usually make you a deal if you buy them all I bought 19 boxes at $8.00 a box
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  • CHGOTHNDER
    What he failed to tell you is that in the 30's & 40's some people reamed the cylinders to accept the .38 S&W round and the barrel was not.

    PS. Thanks to this forum I learned that here, and confirmed it with a dealer in the neighborhood that has been here since the 1908. Thanks again guy's

    PJ

    If nobody seen you do it, how could you have done it. NRA Life Member, AF&AM
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