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 load. 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 58% MAP (26,500 psi)
Pressure for this powder is extrapolated from a velocity-only fit — the pressure figures carry extra uncertainty in both directions.
The simulator isn't optimized for this cartridge yet: there isn't enough published pressure data to check it.
Illustrative example — every figure is an estimate; always confirm your load against a current published manual before loading.
Powders and bullets handloaders commonly use for the 38 Automatic, drawn from public discussion and listed most common first. They appear as the Popular group in the calculator's pickers. This is not a load recommendation — always check your load against a current published manual.
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 →