.38 Super Reloading Problems?

leadfoot

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Howdy!

I'm thinking of getting a .38 Super, but I've been reading about problems some people have had with reloading the brass - comments like only buy this brand or that, or only load hot rounds in brand-new cases and use previously-fired ones for plinking. Sounds like way more trouble than it's worth!

On the other hand, reading reviews of the .38 Super, various writers state that with quality guns and magazines, these problems don't exist any more. I guess the whole issue stemmed from the case being semi-rimmed, so sometimes they wouldn't feed or eject properly, or they'd misfire because they wouldn't headspace on the case mouth and the hammer strike would push the round into the chamber.

Any thoughts would be appreciated, and thanks!
 
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Are you talking about .38 Super, or .38 Super Comp? I know lots of guys that handload .38 Super Comp cases many, many times. Haven't seen them have any problems (they keep beating me :eek:)
 
I've been shooting the .38 super for some time now. load the same procedure as any other semi auto. the later models no longer have headspace problems as the older super barrels. hth.
 
I shoot a 38 super in a custom Colt that head spaces on the rim newer version head space on the case mouth a better system but once I figured out a load I have had no problems and lost count of the number of times I have reloaded the brass.
 
I have a Kimber Stainless Target II in .38 Super. The only two ammo types I've shot from the gun are CorBon 125-grain JHP factory ammo (which is in standard Starline brass) and my handloads of a 125-grain Missouri IPD #6 lead semi-wadcutter over 5.5 grains of AutoComp powder which are in Starline Comp brass. Both cycle flawlessly and shoot accurately and some of that brass has been loaded 11 times.

Ed
 
I also have a Kimber Target II in .38 super and shoot reloads in a mixture of headstamp "regular" brass w/no problems.
Some of the fellows run pretty hot .38 super loads and as expected they wear out the brass pretty quick.
Brass w/moderate loads seem to have the same working life as other cartridges.
.38 super has got an interesting history. In one guide book on cartridges it stated that Thompson chambered a chopper in .38 super.
Kevin G
 
38 Super is my very favorite to reload. Even easier than 45 ACP. I have loaded new Starline brass 26 times. Don't load real hot.
I have two Commander size guns and both have been a little picky about feeding or going into battery with the MBC IDP #6 lead I had used exclusively. I recently tried 500 Bayou coated bullets, then ordered another 3500. I have not had a single problem with either gun feeding or going into battery with the 700 coated bullets I have fired.
If you do get one, just order new Starline brass direct from Starline. It is cheaper than any 38 Super brass I have seen anywhere else.
I probably load mine more like a 9mm than super hot, but it is multiple times easier to reload than 9mm.
 
The real problem with the 38 Super was competition shooters were loading them to the max, and beyond, trying to make major power levels. This, combined with a variety of chamber specs from different manufacturers, and un-supported chambers on some guns resulted in bulged / blown case heads, and poor case life.

Load a 38 Super to max book levels, in a weapon with a fully supported chamber, properly headspacing on the case mouth, and you should have no problems.

My old Colt Government model, with a Bar-Sto barrel was as reliable, and reloadable as any handgun I have owned.

Larry
 
I just started using my old Kimber Target II again after a long stretch in the gun safe. It's got a ramped/fully supported barrel and shoots great.

Here are a few loads using my present limited variety of powder. Of course you have to work up to these in your own gun.

Bullet: Zero 115 gr. JHP
Powder: IMR SR-4756 7.8 grs.
Primer: CCI-500
Case: PMC
LOAL: 1.240
Avg. Vel.: 1318.94 fps
ES: 73.21
SD: 21.65
Recoil Spring: 14 lbs. (With Buffer)

Bullet: Montana Gold 124 gr. JHP
Powder: Winchester WSF 7.0 grs.
Primer: CCI-500
Case: PMC
LOAL: 1.250
Avg. Vel.: 1157.62 fps
ES: 49.28
SD: 13.89
Recoil Spring: 14 lbs. (With Buffer)

Bullet: Hornady 125 gr. HAP (35572B)
Powder: IMR SR-4756 7.8 grs.
Primer: Winchester Small Rifle
Case: PMC
LOAL: 1.250
Average Velocity: 1258.97 fps
ES: 41.85
SD: 13.85
Recoil Spring: 13 lbs. (With Buffer)

Kimber38Super.jpg


And two hot ones from when I was trying to match Cor-Bon's 115 gr. load.

Bullet: Cor-Bon 115 gr. JHP aka Sierra 115 gr. JHP (factory load)
LOAL: 1.135
Velocity: 1430 fps

My loads

Bullet: Hornady 115 gr. XTP-HP
Powder: Alliant Power Pistol 7.5 grs.
Primer: Magtech 1 1/2
Case: Remington
LOAL: 1.245
Velocity: 1344 fps
Recoil Spring: 14 lbs. (With Buffer)
Comments: 0.1 grs. under Hornady 7th Edition maximum.

Bullet: Hornady 115 gr. XTP-HP
Powder: Alliant Power Pistol 7.9 rs.
Primer: Magtech 1 1/2
Case: Remington
LOAL: 1.245
Velocity: 1394 fps
Recoil Spring: 14 lbs. (With Buffer)

I haven't seen any Magtech 1 1/2 primers in a long time. I'd probably use a Winchester Small Rifle next time and work up again.
 
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I own and shoot 3 different .38 supers and load virtually all of my own ammo for them. I find it to be easy to load for, the only problems I have had it with some range brass that had I bought in bulk some of which was bulged just in front of the web. I don't load mine super-hot but I have found it to be quite easy to load for.
 
I own and shoot 3 different .38 supers and load virtually all of my own ammo for them. I find it to be easy to load for, the only problems I have had it with some range brass that had I bought in bulk some of which was bulged just in front of the web. I don't load mine super-hot but I have found it to be quite easy to load for.

Same here, but I only have one .38 Super.
My problem is getting my brass back! :(
 
Use super comp brass and nosler 115 gr. hp bulk pack of 250ct. over 6.6 grs. Unique. Very accurate in my new Blue Colt 8o series 38-super. Best shooting 1911 out of all of them. I use rcbs dies and the Lee factory crimp die to finish them. Blue dot is good all so at 9.5 grs. Both loads clover leaf and are about 1300fps,not real hot ,but more than 9mm. Get the Colt if you can. Wonderfull pistol and great looks,old school.Colt M1991A1 Government Model, .38 Super, Blue There are a bunch for sale on gunbroker.
 
Loaded everything from 95gr to 147s from powder puff 147 TC, and 125 SWC over 3.3 of Bullseye (takes tuning the gun to run). All the way to 124 JHP over 7.2 of PP....

The ramped barrel guns will eat just about anything you throw at em. NEVER have I had any sort of feeding/brass/headspace problem.

I have a Kimber Pro Carry HD, and a Custom Fusion 6".....
 
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