Nice pistols IMO.
The Model A&B and the Super Models of each.
The Supers are very smooth functioning, at least the ones I've had.
The 9mmLuger and the 38Super both have max chamber pressures posted at 33K on the SAAMI chart.
IIRC, a Speer(?) reloading manual with 9mmLargo data in it gave it's working pressure at 30K.
IF my memory is correct, it would seem that all three of the current loadings would be just fine in the fairly recent built Super A and B
I think the problem with the use of 38Super in some of the Spanish semiautos came about with early production and models built in the early 20th century.
STAR Model 1920, the early Llamas, the Campo Giro Spanish service automatic,,ect. There's quite a number.
Nearly always chambered for 9mmLargo and would be also stamped '38' under that 9mm designation when later surplused and sold. Or stamped as such if the pistol was a commercial mfg meant for export.
That 38 was meant to note the use of 38acp ammunition as an alternative especially for USA customers.
38acp is a weak round. The caliber faded when 38Super came on the scene and just about disappeared.
38Super is the same case spec as 38acp.
Why not just use the Super round in the old girl,,it fits.
Much of that old Spanish steel was not the best fit and quality and 38Super was not kind to it, Some of the designs were weak when compared to the 1911 style later adapted.
Loading the 9mmLargo is easy. Brass from Starline. You can use 9mmLuger dies though they won't resize the bottom 3/16" of the case for you. 38Super dies work perfectly.
I used to buy and shoot Spanish surplus 9mmLargo in both a STAR A and a Steyr 1912. Century sold it very cheaply.
(The largo is very close to the 9mmSteyr round.)
The surplus ammo was packed in 25rd paper packets marked with the caliber and I think they were from SantaBarbara Arsenal (sp?).
I have a few around yet. They were corrosive primed. But a simple hot water/soap cleaning and no rust problems. Berdan primed of course.
The stuff was a bit hot I suppose just judging from the recoil. But the STAR took it in stride. The Steyr too, but I limited the amt I shot through the Steyr as I didn't want to damage it. Really snappy out of an Astra 400!
That's the reasons I started reloading it when I did.
I used 9x23Winchester brass at the time. No Starline offerings then.
Same case but less internal space as it's heavy walled. I kept loads in the low 9mmLuger range and they were just fun shooters. No paper ever walked away.
CCI made the aluminum cased Blazer ammo in Largo. Very weak round when compared to the surplus stuff but functioned the guns well enough. Once in a while you may run across that at a show or shop.
