CaptRob Posted June 19, 2013 Share Posted June 19, 2013 I just bought a STI open gun to use for steel matches. The previous owner cut the break off, so I am going to have to have a new barrel/break installed. Since I am going to have to re barrel I can go ahead and change calibers so I was wondering if I should stay with the 38 SC or switch to one of the other popular choices. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flatland Shooter Posted June 19, 2013 Share Posted June 19, 2013 9 major is nice for the cheap brass but you don't have the variety of loads possible like you get with the 38. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldfieldshooter Posted June 19, 2013 Share Posted June 19, 2013 +1 on that. 38 Super Comp easier to tailor loads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dover0020 Posted June 19, 2013 Share Posted June 19, 2013 If you can afford to shoot SC shoot SC. All around it is better Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shooter995 Posted June 19, 2013 Share Posted June 19, 2013 38 S/SC in my opinion not the "best way" to go. I have owned and shot multiple 38 S/SC guns. My 9 major gun shoots just as well if not better. What it comes down to is how good is the builder, and how effective is your ammo?? I have a friend that owns a LimCat, it came in 38SC, he sent it back and had it chambered in 9 major. The gun shoots tons better in 9 then it ever did in 38. I have a Cheely built 9 major gun, shoots extremely well. I have 5-6 powders that will make major very easily. With both 124's & 115's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foxbat Posted June 19, 2013 Share Posted June 19, 2013 Problem is - it is easy to think you can afford it... much harder to walk away from expensive cases on the ground! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albertl35 Posted June 19, 2013 Share Posted June 19, 2013 Problem is - it is easy to think you can afford it... much harder to walk away from expensive cases on the ground! So true! I felt bad every time I walked away and have converted to 9. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cowboy1629 Posted June 19, 2013 Share Posted June 19, 2013 Problem is - it is easy to think you can afford it... much harder to walk away from expensive cases on the ground! Heck I hate to leave 9's on the ground! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike g35 Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 I went with 9mm because of cost. Its alot simpler to deal with since I'm already loading 9mm major in my open Glocks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoyGlock Posted June 20, 2013 Share Posted June 20, 2013 I have been into 9mm maj open glocks and recently into .38super 2011 Ammo-wise, its simplier and easier for me to use .38S But we pick up both 9 and 38 shells. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptRob Posted June 20, 2013 Author Share Posted June 20, 2013 Thanks for all the input. I think I am going to go 9 major due to the fact that I know I can always find 9mm brass for a good price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
38superfan Posted June 21, 2013 Share Posted June 21, 2013 I don't think that's a bad idea at all.the powder choices these days make it much easier and safer to achieve. Brass prices are the only real cost difference between 9 and super. I buy once fired super brass for around $80per k. 9 can be had for a bit less. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foxbat Posted June 21, 2013 Share Posted June 21, 2013 I buy once fired super brass for around $80per k. 9 can be had for a bit less. In some cases - up to 10 times less. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
38superfan Posted June 23, 2013 Share Posted June 23, 2013 Wow that is a huge difference. Definitely something to put in the front of brain if I go the open route! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frag316 Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 I recently ordered a 9mm open pistol. When I talked with Matt Burkett about it, he asked me what caliber I wanted. I told him 9mm and he asked me why. When I started really thinking about an open gun, I toyed with the idea of 9mm vs 38 Super vs 38 SC. I have friends who shoot all of them. In the end I decided to go with 9mm Major. The reason why (and what I told Matt) is that I'm already heavily invested in 9mm and I don't want to reinvest in a 38 Super/SC set up. I have most of a 5-gallon bucket of 9mm brass and can get more. I have 9mm dies already set up for my press (just ordered a seating/crimp die for Major loads). I'm used to loading 9mm. If I went with 38 Super/SC, I'd have to invest in a completely new die setup (I know many manufacturers make dies for 9mm and the 38 calibers, but I don't want to mess with my Production setup because I shoot 9mm Minor for fun) and then buy a bunch of brass. I'm already going to have to buy bullets and new powder. Adding brass to the mix would mean I wouldn't be able to shoot as much. In a 1911/2011 style pistol, longer is generally better, so the 38 Super and SC have a reputation for feeding and functioning more reliably. I've seen instances of all three calibers puking at matches, but I tend to see the 38 caliber guns do it less. If I won the lottery tomorrow, I'd call Matt and tell him I'd like the pistol built in 38 Super and buy a 1050 with a Ponsess drive, call Starline and tell them I want 5000 cases (and wait six months, probably) and be done with it. But I'm not banking on that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarge Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 You made the right choice in my opinion. If 9mm guns are built right and you feed them well made ammo they are just as reliable as anything out there. Matt Cheely built mine and it has never "puked". I'm sure the other Matt can do the same for you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeRush Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 I buy once fired super brass for around $80per k. 9 can be had for a bit less. In some cases - up to 10 times less. I am trying to figure this out, I just bought an open gun in 38 super and if brass is that cheap it may be worthwhile having a 9mm barrel fitted, or changing my extractor/mags to run 9 through my barrel. Where do you find 9mm brass for $8 per K? Or even if you buy new starline 38 SC, where could you get 9mm brass for $14 per K? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foxbat Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 I buy once fired super brass for around $80per k. 9 can be had for a bit less. In some cases - up to 10 times less. I am trying to figure this out, I just bought an open gun in 38 super and if brass is that cheap it may be worthwhile having a 9mm barrel fitted, or changing my extractor/mags to run 9 through my barrel. Where do you find 9mm brass for $8 per K? Or even if you buy new starline 38 SC, where could you get 9mm brass for $14 per K? Targetmaster on DE/PA border sells it for $10 a box, and sometimes the box contains 1200-1300 cases. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaxshooter Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 The 9 mm open gun is just as reliable as the 38 S or SC if it is built by a competent gunsmith. There are plenty of powders to load 9 major also. I have owned and shot both 9 mm major and 38 SC open guns and will not go back to SC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DRobson Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 The 9 mm open gun is just as reliable as the 38 S or SC if it is built by a competent gunsmith. There are plenty of powders to load 9 major also. I have owned and shot both 9 mm major and 38 SC open guns and will not go back to SC. Why won't you go back to 38? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frag316 Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 You made the right choice in my opinion. If 9mm guns are built right and you feed them well made ammo they are just as reliable as anything out there. Matt Cheely built mine and it has never "puked". I'm sure the other Matt can do the same for you Thanks, I think so, too. I have buds who shoot both, and have heard both sides of the coin. One friend of mine, who's been shooting since the single-stack .45 with a comp using lead bullet days, said he thinks anyone who's already invested in 9mm is not terribly bright to go with a Super/SC, unless they're independently wealthy. He shoots a Super and we had some pretty long discussions. He's actually the guy whose opinion pushed me more toward a 9mm than the guys I know who are currently shooting 9mm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarge Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 I buy once fired super brass for around $80per k. 9 can be had for a bit less. In some cases - up to 10 times less. I am trying to figure this out, I just bought an open gun in 38 super and if brass is that cheap it may be worthwhile having a 9mm barrel fitted, or changing my extractor/mags to run 9 through my barrel. Where do you find 9mm brass for $8 per K? Or even if you buy new starline 38 SC, where could you get 9mm brass for $14 per K? Targetmaster on DE/PA border sells it for $10 a box, and sometimes the box contains 1200-1300 cases.Or just hang around after a match or sign up to help with a major and you can get free 9mmBrass. I scrap the 38 brass that I pick up by mistake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foxbat Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 True, but some of that 9mm brass will be multiple-fired 9mm Major. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frag316 Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 True, but some of that 9mm brass will be multiple-fired 9mm Major. As long as you check it, what's the issue? If you're worried, get a U-die and run that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foxbat Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 I am not worried, I have plenty of brass, but the U-dies does nothing for loose primer pocket. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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