Load Test Sept. 20, 2025 - 38 Super/9X23

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***This is not load data - Use at your own risk ***

Starline 38 Auto-Comp brass, S&B Small Rifle Primers, Fusion Freedom Gold 1911 chambered 38 Super.

38 Super Auto +P Loads

Powder	Bullet	Weight	COAL	Charge	Exp Velocity	Exp Energy	GRT Pressure	GRT Velocity	Actual Velocity	Actual Energy
------------------------	-------------------------	-------------------	-----------------	------------------	--------------------	----------------	------------------	------------------	-------------------	-------------------
AA7	Speer HP	90	1.175"	10.5	1440	414	20386	1362	1511.4	456
AA7	Speer HP	90	1.175"	11.5	1717	589	26626	1504	1606.2	515
Silhouette	Federal HST	124	1.275"	6.5	1408	546	28240	1228	1147.6	363
Silhouette	Federal HST	124	1.275"	7.5	1529	644	38485	1360	1301.2	466
AA7	Federal HST	124	1.275"	10.5	1450	579	36312	1428	1420.4	555
AA7	Federal HST	124	1.275"	10.5	1450	579	36312	1428	1417.8	553
AA7	Federal HST	124	1.275"	10.8	1500	619	39675	1470	1470.8	596

9X23 Level Loads

Powder	Bullet	Weight	COAL	Charge	Exp Velocity	Exp Energy	GRT Pressure	GRT Velocity	Actual Velocity	Actual Energy
------------------------	-------------------------	-------------------	-----------------	------------------	--------------------	----------------	------------------	------------------	-------------------	-------------------
Silhouette	NOE 360-128	130	1.145"	6.5	1400	566	39640	1277	1262.6	460
Silhouette	NOE 360-128	130	1.145"	7	1475	628	48086	1353	1323	505

Each row is a five shot test.  GRT data was added after I shot these not before.  I have had them loaded for several weeks.

You may notice that there are only nine rows and wonder why I loaded only 45 shots.  I loaded 50, but redacted the 152 grain test.  I neglected taking my seating depth into account with those loads.  The source data was for a 147 grain XTP seated to a COAL of 1.260.  My load was seated 1.165. 

GRT says my pressure was nearly 70K PSI. The case heads were expanded an additional 0.001", no buldges.  I had two pierced (small rifle) primers which was my only pressure sign.  I think this illustrates very well the risks of using "pressure signs" to determine safe pressure. They are really subtle until they aren't. Velocity was 1300 fps for a 152 grain SWC - Pretty solid for a 5" 1911.  The shots were not remarkable either.

I am really enjoying the fast nines.  I plan to push the Federal HST's further into the 9X23 territory next with Silhouette and AA7.

[The_Shadow]

The 6" 9mm conversion barrel I have for my Glock 20SF might be better off chambered for 38 SUPER.
Back when I started loading the 9x25 Dillon I picked up the ZERO 0.356" 121 grain JHP from ROSE Dist. as they were originally for the 38 SUPER.  They are just a copper cup/lead core design.



This one was from the S&W1006 5" BBL in the 4th jug of water.
Power Pistol 10.2 gr CCI 350 Velocity 1592-1620 fps


https://www.rozedist.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=RZD&Category_Code=ZJB

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What magazines do you use for 9mm in a Glock 20?  I have been contemplating a 38 Super Glock, but wasn't sure what I would do for mags.  Do standard Glock 20 mags work?

[The_Shadow]

The 9mm cartridges fit the standard G-20 mags OK!  It sometimes doesn't feed reliably more because the recoil rod and spring (if I recall was 9lbs maybe 11lbs) kit for the 9mm conversion. 
Postimage is acting up at the moment so couldn't add pics