.38 Rimfire Short - Loading

[.45colt]

I am looking for information on what was the original black powder loading for the long obsolete .38 Rimfire Short cartridge. Any data would be appreciated.

Would the .38 RF short be the same as the .38 Short Colt with the obvious difference being the ignition system (rimfire vs centerfire). In any case I am talking about the .375 diameter heeled bullet not the modern .358 diameter.

 

[green]

In 1915 DCCo was loading 38 Sht RF with 18 gr BP and 130 gr bt.

 

[mooncoon]

I think your load will be determined by how much black powder you can put in the case and still seat the bullet. In my experience, most black powder cartridges hold less powder than their description implies.

cheers mooncoon

 

[.45colt]

In 1915 DCCo was loading 38 Sht RF with 18 gr BP and 130 gr bt.

Bullet weight sounds right but the short case would NOT be able to hold 18gr of BP. There seems to be confusion out there with the Short and Long .38 rimfires.

 

[green]

Bullet weight sounds right but the short case would NOT be able to hold 18gr of BP. There seems to be confusion out there with the Short and Long .38 rimfires.

This is direct from DCCo catalogue. 38 LRF had 21 gr BP.
WRACo 1891 catalogue lists 38 SRF load as 18 gr BP.

 

[.45colt]

This is direct from DCCo catalogue. 38 LRF had 21 gr BP.
WRACo 1891 catalogue lists 38 SRF load as 18 gr BP.

I believe you as I have been told of .38 RF short with similar charges of BP. Problem it's not possible to physically get that much into a case with the heeled bullet. Wish I had a original round to tear apart and measure. If anyone can do so please post it here.