OK, I oughtta know this but..........

[okiefarmer]

Looking at adding to BP pistol collection, (stimulating the economy). A couple of repros labled as conversions to 38CF. I am sure that is 38 center fire, but is it 38 Special caliber or 38 S&W, REason to ask is the cylinders for conversion look kinda short for 38 Special.

 

[Fingers McGee]

Probably .38 Colt. It has a shorter case length than the .38 Spcl

 

[okiefarmer]

OK, thanks fingers. But I have yet to find any info in my LEE book even mentioning 38 Colt. Is it an outdated caliber?

Just asking.

 

[Fingers McGee]

It was an obsolete caliber until SASS and Cowboy Action Shooting. It has seen a resurgence in recent years. Hodgdons site has loading data for it.

http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

 

[Smokin_Gun]

If they are R&D or Kirst Coversions they will take 38Colt heeled or hollowbase boolits or (38spl only with hollow base wadcutters). If they are the mfg. 1872 Open and the Richards model I believe they have a 38Colt and/or also a 38spl with the .357 dia barrel.(use standard .357' dia cart in 38spl.)
As far as I know...

 

[Fingers McGee]

I addition to what SG said, I have a pair of Uberti Man With No Name conversions that are chambered for 38 spl or 38 Colt.