.38 Super Load Sanity Check

[Fullauto_Shooter]

Just reloaded my first small batch of .38 Super using load data from a buddy. Looking for a sanity check from the BEnos hive-mind before I actually shoot any of this stuff. My first time reloading this caliber so I'm a bit on the cautious side. OK - here's the load data I used - let me know if this sounds about right or if something sounds wildly out of whack.

.38 Super (Mixed Brass)

125gr Zero FMJ

7.8gr N350

1.221 OAL

0.375 Crimp

WSP

My main concern is that the case is very full of powder and given the seating depth - I might be getting a compressed load. My buddy has used this same load for quite some time with no problems so it SHOULD be OK but don't want to take any chances. Thanks in advance!

Edited March 8, 2008 by Fullauto_Shooter

[gm iprod]

7.8gr or N320 is way over loaded.

I would not fire that until checked against the load manual or someone that has actually fired N320 that hot. I stop at about 5.7gr with a 115gr, with a 125gr that will kill something and I don't think it will be in front of the gun. The book says 5.4gr is the max with a 124gr FMJ.

http://www.vihtavuori-lapua.com/pdfs/Handg...g-Data-2006.pdf

Check this site soon.

[boz1911]

That does sound like a lot of N320, but I run 8.5g of 4756 behind a 121 grain MG bullet in 38SC and it is definately a compressed load. I assume this is for an open gun?

[Fullauto_Shooter]

Edited to correct powder type - should read N350

Very late when I typed this - sorry

Yes, it is for an open gun

[CenTX]

Edited to correct powder type - should read N350

Very late when I typed this - sorry

Yes, it is for an open gun

My results with N350, your results may vary:

DAWSON MiniGun no barrel ports

CHARGE OAL MFG WEIGHT FPS PF

7.5 1.225 MG 124 1314 162.936

7.8 1.225 MG 124 1329 164.796

8 1.225 MG 124 1353 167.772

8.1 1.225 MG 124 1358 168.392

80 1.225 MG 124 1360 168.64

7.8 1.225 MG 124 1311 162.564

Mike Johnson built Open SV 5" barrel two small Barrel ports

8.4 1.225 HAP 124.5 1419 176.6655

8.0-8.1 1.225 HAP 124.5 1397 173.9265

8.0-8.1 1.225 HAP 121 1414 171.094

8 1.225 HAP 124.5 1390 173.055 (Space City 2006 Chrono)

[HSMITH]

8 grains is a pretty common load. I don't think it is out of whack, but I always ladder load for a new powder or a new gun. I will load 10 at 7.2, and 10 more at .2 grain intervals and shoot them over the chrono watching the brass carefully as I go. I also use Federal small pistol primers when I do this, they show pressure sooner than any other primer I know of. My way is like wearing a belt and suspenders, overkill to some but you don't get caught with your pants down.

[G-ManBart]

That load should be fine. My first load, based upon Bedell's advice, was 125gr Zero, 8.0gr of N350 at around 1.250" and it gave me an average of 1357 for a PF of 169 and some change. I've since gone to the MG 121 IFP, shortened the oal to 1.235" and bumped the powder to 8.05gr and it's running a PF of slightly over 171.

[ap38]

I ended up using 7.9 N350 with a 124 grain bullet in SV with 4 port hybird barrel + comp. Great load for me.

[gm iprod]

I did hope that was a typo.

N350 is a very good powder for 38Super Open. You should be fine with that load, as long as you make the pf you are after in your handgun.

[DHTampa]

Ran pretty much the same load through an STI GM and got 171 PF, consistently.

[warpspeed]

I think that is a very good starting load. Depending on your barrel, it may be a little low but at the OAL you list, it might be just fine.

Chrono & check accuracy.

[DrawandDuck]

I am and have been for 2 years running 7.8 grains of N350 with MG 124 JHP and OAL of 1.225 which makes 169 PF 5" gun 3 popple holes....Never had an issues...

Randal

[AlamoShooter]

Doug ...you did not say what gun that was shooting in. = If it was a CZ, an old one I wouldn't think it was too smart. But if it is a S-I in good shape sounds fine. I shot some close to that in my light steel gun.

Ware did you get the gun and has a load already been ,matched for it? and are you trying to make major or is it for steel.

[Fullauto_Shooter]

Doug ...you did not say what gun that was shooting in. = If it was a CZ, an old one I wouldn't think it was too smart. But if it is a S-I in good shape sounds fine. I shot some close to that in my light steel gun.

Ware did you get the gun and has a load already been ,matched for it? and are you trying to make major or is it for steel.

Thanks for all the responses guys - sounds like I'm in the ballpark.

Jamie,

Gun isn't mine but is an excellent condition STI Tru-bore currently on loan to a friend. The load I'm trying is almost exactly what was recommended by the owner. Want to make major with some room to spare so we're shooting for around 170 PF.

Thanks,

Doug