Loading 38 Super

TackDriver284

Handloader
Feb 13, 2016
2,867
2,995
Missed those days when I used to use a RCBS powder throw, sticking brass under that thing and drop charges. I got rid of that powder throw ages ago when I stopped shooting pistol and have been using the ChargeMaster and the FX120i to fine tune rifle loads.
Doing a tune to see velocity and pressure on the 38 Super using Power Pistol, Federal 100 primers and 130 hardballs in .2 increments in new Starline brass. Pretty sure that #AA7 will give better velocity but not interested atm. Case fill is estimated around 60- 70% with Power Pistol from 6.4 - 7.7 grains. I like 60-70% case fill to prevent accidental double charging.
Used a Lee dipper to trickle up on the FX120i, time consuming but it is what it is. Once I find a tune at the range, then I'll switch to the Dillon progressive powder hopper with the new tune. Hope the new brass does not split like the old ones. Not going to run hot loads, just keeping it in the 1250 -1300 fps range, if possible more without pressure. Don't let the case fill fool you, it looks almost 80-90%, but its the reflection of the brass. 😁
 

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I'll be interested in your progress & reports with this. I haven't ever loaded the 38 Super. Yet. But I kind of want a 1911 in 38 Super - just because!

Am thinking a blued Colt with ivory grips... Might have to swap a gun to afford something like that. :)

Regards, Guy
 
I'll be interested in your progress & reports with this. I haven't ever loaded the 38 Super. Yet. But I kind of want a 1911 in 38 Super - just because!

Am thinking a blued Colt with ivory grips... Might have to swap a gun to afford something like that. :)

Regards, Guy
Shooting the .38 Super gives a different sound than a .45 in more of a deeper boom, I love that sound. The recoil is very mild even when shooting 1400 fps with 124 grain loads when I shot them with Blue Dot. You could always buy the ivory grips separately if none was found in a complete combo. I saved the original grips for all my pistols when I purchased Crimson Trace laser grips for them. Sure is nice.

I'll follow up later with the list of velocities and groupings after I test it.
 
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