SVI Open Pistol Extraction Problem.

[FrankD]

Hi Folks,

Looking for some advice. I have a .38 Super SVI open pistol with a case ejection problem. I used the following items:

Winchester 231 Powder

Winchester Small Pistol Primers

Starline Cases

125 Gr. FMJ Bullets

I started with 5.4grs., 5.6grs. and the max load of 5.7grs. according to Hodgdon Reloading Data. The cases are taper crimped with a COL 1.275".

My problem is the case doesn't eject or stovepipe. The case sits perfectly horizontal after firing. My first batch at 5.4grs. was not taper crimped and those did stovepipe.

I been reading BallisticianX topic on Accurate No.7, 3N38 and N105. Win 231 is not the powder of choice for an open gun.

So any advice is deeply appreciated.

Thanks,

Frank

Edited July 13, 2016 by FrankD

[Tino2212]

I think your gun is setup for Major power factor and your load just is'nt hot enough .

If you want to shoot major with it get some different powder , if not change the springs .

But first look if your ejector is oke ( not broken ) .

Edited July 12, 2016 by Tino2212

[JMike]

Just a couple of thoughts on your extraction issues. 1.275 might be a little long. I load 38SC to 1.235 and so do most of the other folks that I know that shoot this cartridge. Remove your extractor and make sure it isn't damaged. Tune the extractor or have a gunsmith do it for you. The other option is to get an Aftec extractor installed.

As for powder, VV 3N38 is the preferred powder but it can be difficult to find. IMR-4756 is also a good powder but many have said it isn't being manufactured anymore, however, I keep finding it all over the place. Another good powder is Autocomp. I am sure other will chime in with their favorite powders but these are what I have used or are currently using.

Good luck!

Edited July 12, 2016 by JMike

[412]

Are your cases super or super comp, the extractors are different.

[Aircooled6racer]

Hello: Try a 7lb recoil spring and see if that works. Thanks, Eric

[FrankD]

Are your cases super or super comp, the extractors are different.

Flying a little blind here! I purchased the gun used from an auction. The write-up has the weapon listed as a .38 Super. So at this point I'm assuming (which is not a good idea) that it is correct. I contacted SVI last year to inquire about the odd serial no. Shooter 1. SVI confirmed it was a .38 super build.

[FrankD]

Just a couple of thoughts on your extraction issues. 1.275 might be a little long. I load 38SC to 1.235 and so do most of the other folks that I know that shoot this cartridge. Remove your extractor and make sure it isn't damaged. Tune the extractor or have a gunsmith do it for you. The other option is to get an Aftec extractor installed.

As for powder, VV 3N38 is the preferred powder but it can be difficult to find. IMR-4756 is also a good powder but many have said it isn't being manufactured anymore, however, I keep finding it all over the place. Another good powder is Autocomp. I am sure other will chime in with their favorite powders but these are what I have used or are currently using.

Good luck!

Thanks I will change the COL and locate some 3N38 powder. I had this 231 available for the 9mm I load. Checking the extractor tonight.

[FrankD]

Hello: Try a 7lb recoil spring and see if that works. Thanks, Eric

Thanks Eric I'll give it a shot.

[zzt]

Call Infinity again and ask. For some of their builds they specify ONLY 3N38 be used. On others 3N37 is okay.

Autocomp is probably the fastest powder you should try, followed by HS-6 and then the slower powders. I don't see 231 generating near enough gas to work the popples/ports.

[BeerBaron]

A couple of things I can suggest.

Buy some 3N38 powder. That is what SV recommend and it's a great powder for a 38 super open major gun (there are plenty of other good options too, but for now to eliminate potential issues just try a pound of 3N38).

Start with a load of 9gn. that is a safe load but close enough to major to ensure the gun cycles well.

win small pistol primers are fine.

The OAL is way too long. They like to run somewhere between 1.230 and 1.250. I assume you meant FMJ not FMP? (not sure what FMP is?). assuming it's an FMJ Round Nose shape bullet a OAL of 1.240 would be a good start.

The final thing is brass. It may have been set up for 38 super from the factory but an owner may have changed the ejector at some point. Some guns will run both super and super comp just fine, but most are setup to run one and will choke on the other.

As a test I would buy a 100 pack of 38 super comp starline brass.

I would advise load up 100 rounds as follows.

124 or 125gn Round Nose FMJ or CMJ projectiles.

OAL of 1.240

9gn of 3N38

win Small pistol primers

Just a very light crimp (approx .380 at case mouth).

50 rounds in new starline 38 Super brass

50 rounds in new starline 38 Super comp brass

For now I wouldn't change anything on the gun. Try this 100 rounds above.

It's quite possible the gun was working fine and it's a load issue. If the gun still will not cycle properly or eject properly with the above load test then it's time to dig deeper into the gun and look at springs, ejector, extractor etc.

[Tino2212]

Just to be clear , does'nt the gun Extract or does'nt he Eject ?

[gerritm]

Try a box or 2 of Atlanta Arms major 38 super. Used this to break in my DVC. Ran right at 170PF. Might get you started so you will know it is or not ammo related.

gerritm

[FrankD]

I think your gun is setup for Major power factor and your load just is'nt hot enough .

If you want to shoot major with it get some different powder , if not change the springs .

But first look if your ejector is oke ( not broken ) .

The case is not ejecting at all

[FrankD]

Try a box or 2 of Atlanta Arms major 38 super. Used this to break in my DVC. Ran right at 170PF. Might get you started so you will know it is or not ammo related.

gerritm

That's a good idea. Thanks

[FrankD]

Just to be clear , does'nt the gun Extract or does'nt he Eject ?

Case will not eject. I basically have single shot pistol. If I use a test bullet and rack the slide all the way back the case does eject. I'm thinking the powder is the problem. I was looking for confirmation or ideas before I move forward.

[FrankD]

A couple of things I can suggest.

Buy some 3N38 powder. That is what SV recommend and it's a great powder for a 38 super open major gun (there are plenty of other good options too, but for now to eliminate potential issues just try a pound of 3N38).

Start with a load of 9gn. that is a safe load but close enough to major to ensure the gun cycles well.

win small pistol primers are fine.

The OAL is way too long. They like to run somewhere between 1.230 and 1.250. I assume you meant FMJ not FMP? (not sure what FMP is?). assuming it's an FMJ Round Nose shape bullet a OAL of 1.240 would be a good start.

The final thing is brass. It may have been set up for 38 super from the factory but an owner may have changed the ejector at some point. Some guns will run both super and super comp just fine, but most are setup to run one and will choke on the other.

As a test I would buy a 100 pack of 38 super comp starline brass.

I would advise load up 100 rounds as follows.

124 or 125gn Round Nose FMJ or CMJ projectiles.

OAL of 1.240

9gn of 3N38

win Small pistol primers

Just a very light crimp (approx .380 at case mouth).

50 rounds in new starline 38 Super brass

50 rounds in new starline 38 Super comp brass

For now I wouldn't change anything on the gun. Try this 100 rounds above.

It's quite possible the gun was working fine and it's a load issue. If the gun still will not cycle properly or eject properly with the above load test then it's time to dig deeper into the gun and look at springs, ejector, extractor etc.

Your ideas are great and I want to thank you for taking the time to write this long post.

[FrankD]

Call Infinity again and ask. For some of their builds they specify ONLY 3N38 be used. On others 3N37 is okay.

Autocomp is probably the fastest powder you should try, followed by HS-6 and then the slower powders. I don't see 231 generating near enough gas to work the popples/ports.

I was thinking of calling them today. I think the powder is the problem too. I used 231 for 9mm loads in a few of my machine guns and it was what I had available.

Edited July 13, 2016 by FrankD

[Tino2212]

Just to be clear , does'nt the gun Extract or does'nt he Eject ?

Case will not eject. I basically have single shot pistol. If I use a test bullet and rack the slide all the way back the case does eject. I'm thinking the powder is the problem. I was looking for confirmation or ideas before I move forward.

Indeed that sounds like a powder problem , load is just not hot enough to get the slide back far enough .

[hanexp]

I have an older SV factory Open gun with three holes. It will run Major PF or Minor PF. BeerBaron's advice in post 10 is correct. I personally run 10.2 g 3N38 under a 125 JHP. The gun will run Winchester white box if asked to. First try Beerbaron's suggestion (starts with 9 g). If that doesn't work, maybe look into the extractor tension or as others have said.

Good luck. Sounds like you have a great gun. You will love it once it's all ready up.

[FrankD]

Thanks Tino for your time and input.

[FrankD]

I plan on following BeerBaron's advice. I think it was the powder. I was looking for feedback since this is my first Open gun. I think we probably have the series same gun. This also has three holes This was a sponsorship gun according to SVI. I contacted them for some history prior to purchasing it. Looks brand new. All the area you expect to show wear are exceptional. Thanks for your advice.