Loads for a .38 Super

[14 GT-500]

Ok I know this isn't a 10mm ? but I do think people that like the 10mm also like the .38 Super just because it is something that you don't see too much of Anyway I bought a Colt 1911 SS Comp in 9mm first part of Feb and the gun is fantasticn !!! it's like shooting a .22 kind of like cheating, was a big hit with my Glock friends
Now I want the same gun in a .38 Super since I think Colt as a company is really falling on hard times right now so I want to get a Super while I still can.
I am getting Lyman dies and 400 casings from Midway and it should be here by Friday and my Colt .38 Super Comp came in today, so the ? is do any of you have some good loads for the Super using 115 gr and 124 gr cast bullets. I do have some Win 571 powder which they claim is the same as HS-7 otherwise 800X or Blue Dot, Win 231, Unique, SR 4756, 2400, anyone have some good loads for me to try out??

[The_Shadow]

You will want this 2006 Alliant data to add to your info files

[14 GT-500]

Ok but I don't see any info for cast bullets.

[The_Shadow]

Here is he data from Lyman 48th for the cast bullets for 38Super

[14 GT-500]

Ok that should work, thank's. No one on here shoots a .38 Super though

[The_Shadow]

Hodgdon LongShot, Lil'Gun, HS-6 and Winchester AutoComp should provide some great numbers in the 38Super.
Hey when you get it all together, post a range report.  That may stir some more interest.

[my_old_glock]

Here is he data from Lyman 48th for the cast bullets for 38Super

I can get those velocities with standard 9mm and cast bullets.


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[fltbed]

and my Colt .38 Super Comp came in today

When you say this, do you mean your 38 Super Comp brass came in today or your compensator for your 38 Super project?

The only load data I have access to is for loading the 38 Super to USPSA major power factor and you deffintly don't want to be pushing cast lead bullets that hard.
However, of the powders you mentioned, 571/HS-7 & SR4756 were the two most popular (at least around here) for that purpos. 

Jeff

[RJM52]

Have been loading for the Super since 1980...everything from 90 to 160 grain bullets in cast, jacketed and plated.

Although of the powders listed SR4756 is the best, it was discontinued last year so once you find a great load you won't be able to get any more.

For 115 to 124 grain cast bullets I would start with 6.0 grains of Unique.  This will run them in the 1200s.  My standard load for many years was 7.0 grains that would run into the 1300s.

If you don't have one I would invest in a chronograph and as you work up watch the smilies on the cases...it is very easy to blow a case with a Colt as like their 10mms the barrel are non-ramped.

If you are going to push things a 18-20# recoil spring and a square bottom firing pin stop are worth the investment.

Bob

[14 GT-500]

Well the Colt that I am getting is the Competition series in SS, and yes I do hav a chrono as I test all my loads that I shoot so I know just what kind of load I am running in all my firearms. Anyway thanks for all the info and hopefully I can get my reloading dies and brass today
so I can start rolling out ammo Like I tell all my friends "Sun's out Gun's out"

[sqlbullet]

Just use jacketed data, reduce 10% from max and work up.  Expect to hit velocity and pressure at a lower charge*.

I recently installed a conversion barrel in my Witness Match for 38 super and have really liked it.  I plan to start reloading after I tumble brass next time.  I am gonna go "off book" and work up some loads with BE-86 since I have 8lbs.  Plan to start at 4.5 grains and work up until I see pressure signs or hit 1,000 fps.

*For those that don't know, but care...Cast bullet loads will reach pressure and velocity at a lower charge because a properly sized lead bullet seals the bore better than a copper bullet.  Because the bottle is "corked" better more of the generated gas contributes to pressure rather than blowing by.

[14 GT-500]

Yes I found that out also that cast bullets will run about 50 fps and  sometimes even more then jacketed bullets with the same weight.
Thats why a person should have a Chrono.

[BEEMER!]

Taffin has a 2 page article in the new American Handgunner on loading the 38 super.  His favorite powder is #7.

He also uses jacketed 357 bullets in his Supers with good success.