Quick: What Was the Spec. on WWII .38 Special?

[BoulderTroll]

I know the specs of the 158gr FMJ load is supposed to be 850fps, but does anybody actually know what it does out of a 4 inch barrel? A jacketed 158 getting to 850 out of a 4 inch would be reasonably hot.

I don't know what test barrel length they use, but Norma's standard pressure (non +P) 158 grain is 970 fps. Like I pointed out in my thread about safe loads for modern 38's, the current SAAMI spec is very watered down, for both standard and +P 38 special, so 850fps with 158 grains did not used to be considered hot. It only is by modern standards.

 

[71vette]

I don't know what test barrel length they use, but Norma's standard pressure (non +P) 158 grain is 970 fps. Like I pointed out in my thread about safe loads for modern 38's, the current SAAMI spec is very watered down, for both standard and +P 38 special, so 850fps with 158 grains did not used to be considered hot. It only is by modern standards.

I did notice that the non jacketed spec was 850 as well as the jacketed. If they used the same charge in my limited experience the volicity would be lower. Just wondered if they changed the load when they swapped the bullet.

Also, I believe Norma loads to CIP spec which is higher than +P. CIP max for 38 is approximately 22k PSI. SAAMI regular 38 is 17k. +P is 20k.