Estimate chamber pressure and muzzle velocity for the 38 Automatic with the free, in-browser MyLoads internal-ballistics simulator. The figures below are illustrative estimates from a physics model — not a recommended recipe. Always cross-check a current published loading manual.
| Maximum average pressure (MAP) | 26,500 psi |
|---|---|
| Nominal case capacity | 18.0 gr H₂O |
| Groove / bullet diameter | 0.357 in (9.07 mm) |
Muzzle velocity
Peak chamber pressure (interval, ±10% burn-rate)
nominal is 52% of the 26,500 psi maximum average pressure
Pressure for this powder is extrapolated from a velocity-only fit — the pressure figures carry extra uncertainty in both directions.
Illustrative example — every figure is an estimate; always confirm your load against a current published manual before loading.
Use MyLoads as a 38 Automatic velocity and pressure calculator: it estimates muzzle velocity, muzzle energy and the full chamber-pressure curve for your own powder, charge and barrel length, compared against the reference facts above.
Open the 38 Automatic in the MyLoads calculator →