9mm vs. .38 short colt in a S&W revo

[ysrracer]

Here's the difference between a 9mm case, and a .38 short colt case. I'm thinking of switching from .38 special to .38 short colt in my 627 race revo.

Can I just use 9mm load data?

9mm .744

 

 

[ysrracer]

.38 short colt .756

 

 

[ysrracer]

Yes, I'm bored

 

 

[Mcfoto]

That’s what I do. Start with the minimum and work up to make PF.

[Bill Sahlberg]

Have to swab the cylindee....9mm data & Colt Short are the same data. Been loading 38 Colt Short since 1996 USPSA Nationals.

 

PM me for load data. I can run 1000 rounds & not have to swab out the cylinder..

[alecmc]

Yes, using 9mm data is a great starting point for 38 short colt. 

 

But, plenty of people have already put in the work developing 38 short colt loads, you can probably just list your powder and bullet weights and get plenty of great recommendations. 

[pskys2]

Don't expect the same velocity.  Seems to be close to 10% less velocity for a given load.  So start with 9mm data but expect to go up.

[MRBerg]

I just started out with a short colt the load I have been using that works well for me is 2.9 grs. of TightGroup with a 160 gr. Bayou set at 1.160 that's in my 627 PC I'm sure there are other loads that will work well also  

[MRBerg]

here's an interesting site I was shown a wile back that seams to be full of information on 9mm loads http://www.natoreloading.com/9mm/ if its not ok to post this you may remove it 

Ron 

[ysrracer]

Thanks guys.

 

The powders I have are

 

Accurate Arms #2

Accurate Arms #5

Clays

Tightgroup

Win 231

 

And 160gr Bayou bullets

 

Thanks for all your help.

[ysrracer]

I chrono'd these thru my gun

Name: Titegroup.38 Short Colt 2.8gr,  158gr Berry's Bullet
Notes: Mike Reed gave me these to try.
Shots: 7
Average: 734 ft/s
SD: 15 ft/s
Min: 702 ft/s
Max: 746 ft/s
Spread: 44 ft/s
Power Factor Average: 116
Power Factor Low: 110
Power Factor High: 117
Weight: 158.0 gr.
OAL: 1.95

Edited March 23, 2020 by ysrracer

[MRBerg]

4" or 5" bbl I haven't checked my loads yet but my friend has the same gun and with the load I have is getting a 130 pf 

[ysrracer]

5" barrel.

[revoman]

I find that most of the loads I use in 38 short colt reach power factor with shorter oal. Try the Tightgroup at 2.9 and oal at1.160. 
 

My load I use is 3.4 VV320 and oal at 1.180 power factor 132. 160 coated bullet using different brands

[Mcfoto]

I’m happy to share my load but I use 147gr blues so wouldn’t help you. I will share that my OAL is 1.19 a friends is 1.2. My loads are near the upper limit of the published safe range for 9. On my cheap Chrono, I’m in the 130 PF range - the last major I averaged 134 on the fancy one with a dark box.

[pskys2]

Go with Clays 2.8 gives me 820 f/s w/160 Bayous, It flowed better with the Dillon Small Charge Powder Bar but it fills the case more than Titegroup.

Titegroup works ok, but tends to heat up the barrel quicker.  AA powders tend to escape the powder bar and/or grate with the spacer.

The one thing to do is load longer than 9mm.  A 160 bullet will need to be 1.170" or longer or it tends to bulge the case.  A 145 bullet can go a bit less 1.150.