Question for .38 super load

[tTito]

Does anyone load N310 behind a 147g bullet? The VV manual starts off with a sizable charge of N340 and goes to slower powder from there.

[Flexmoney]

I think that some have tried it...in 9mm even. Many experienced reloaders gave up the effort. I think you might see plenty of pressure signs, even at with the most Minor loads.

This is where I usually say something like..."quit worrying about the softest load...it won't make much difference in your scores."

[TRG65]

I just ran some situations on Quickload, an interior ballistics program.

Assuming a 5 inch barrel, and using a 147 Gold Dot (plated hollowpoint, but models Zero JHP's well for me)

You will be over SAAMI pressure before you reach 900 fps, by about 3000 psi, but could possibly do a 127 pf load safely.

Now there are some obvious flaws with my assumptions, I have never found a gun which delivers the calculated velocity for an acutal pistol barrel length. My handguns and friend's guns also always deliver less velocity than calculated at actual length.

With a better guess on the barrel length that will correctly model (4"), you will be over SAAMI pressure before you hit 125pf.

I don't have any other reloading references handy so I can't check the SAAMI pressure but it is listed as 25000 for 38 super auto +P and 34000 for 9mm. I've loaded 9mm minor with 310 and 147 and got some primer signs. That load was clocking at 890-900 and was right at SAAMI max for calculated pressure, and from the looks of the primer it was over actual pressure. I switched to 320 for my 9mm.

According to QL you could get a safe load using a calculated barrel length of 4" that is inside pressure limits and gives about 135pf w/ 320. This would be the max load inside SAAMI limits.

My version of QL is a little out of date and my update hasn't arrived yet, so the things might have changed a little, but probably not enough to worry about.

If your interested in trying a fast VV powder for a soft load, 320 would be a safer bet than 310.

[uscbigdawg]

Try 3N37. It's a medium/fast burning powder that versatile enough to use with either .38 Super or .40. I wouldn't load a 147 grainer with it though without checking the VV manual. I know though that 124's and 115's work well.

Rich

[SVI4ME]

Vit 310 and 147's are for a puff load in a 9mm load. Use 115 or 124's for super and maybe VV 350.

[SRT Driver]

4.3 of VV N320 gives 130 pf with a 124/125 gr bullet.

Right around 1050 fps and sub 1.5" accuracy at 50 yrds through several of my pistols.

[Perf40]

I have only loaded bullet weights up to 130 gr. in 38 super using N310, but I have used N310 in several calibers including 38 Short Colt, 38 Long Colt, 38 Special, 357 Magnum, 40 S&W, and 45ACP. In every case (within +/-0.2 gr.) I have found that data for Bullseye works well for a starting point. I emailed Vihtavuori a couple of years ago asking for N310 data for several calibers. They had data for the 45ACP. At the time they told me that they didn't recommend N310 in the super because it was not efficient. When I exlplained the use (steel plate) they went ahead and did some development work and sent me the results. They really expressed a concern about a double charge but did not express any concerns about the small amount of powder. They started with 3.5 grs. with a 124gr bullet. Hope that helps.