.38 long Colt

[Tubac]

I just bought a colt model 1877, shooter grade, in .38 Colt.
All I know about this cartridge is that Dixie's catalogue, says use cut down .38 special cases.
Can anybody help me out with information?
Bullet size? powder amount? dies?
Thanks in advance.
Tubac

[44caliberkid]

You can get loaded black powder ammo from Gad Custom Cartridges, very reasonable price.
  www.gadcustomcartridges.com

You can get brass from Starline or Graf Brothers.  An old one like that will use a healed bullet, the original style bullet is also available from Gad.  You can also try hollow base wadcutters for 38's or the Rapine hollow base 38 bullet.   Bore groove diameter will be in the range of .375.  You can use 38 Special dies.  2f or 3f powder in the case till the seated bullet just slightly compresses it.  If you use the healed bullet you can seat the bullet to proper depth, but keep the crimping part of the die adjusted away from the case.  Then run the round, with the bullet seated to the proper depth into your resizing die, just enough to tighten the case mouth around the bullet.  Most of all have fun!

[Grapeshot]

IF, and this is a BIG IF, the chambers in the cylinder are bored through you might be able to insert a .38 Spl case in all the way.  I had a Colt .38 M1902 Army Model that would chamber a loaded .357 round.   The caliber was .38 Colt (Long Colt) but the cylinders were bored through for the use of a cartridge using a heeled bullet.

Be safe, and have fun.  Dead Soft Lead Bullets with a hollow base work real well in these old .38's.

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[St. George]

Rather than even tempt yourself 'if' the cylinders are bored through - use shortened brass - or 'specific' brass.

They were a strong enough piece - frame and cylinder-wise - but depending upon year of manufacture (not Model year) you really don't want to tempt fate.

Good Luck.

Scouts Out!

[Grapeshot]

Shouldn't be a problem if you are using black powder.  On the other hand, if you are using Nitro Powders, then yes, use the shortened brass.  But being an antique, it's best to shoot with BP as the pressure curve won't or shouldn't warp the frame any.