38 Super

[SBD]

Need some advise. I plan on starting to reload for the 38 Super (store bought is too expensive and weak - on the upside recoil is 22ish). This will be for a full size EAA Witness so the case is fully supported. Anyone have a good load for this round in this particular shootin' iron? Any ideas on whether to use 38 Super Comp brass or just stick with the regular stuff (I have bout 200 brass in the semi-rimmed stuff). The extractor on this thing is very tight which makes me wonder if it was cut for Super Comp but I managed to file and polish it out so that it no longer FTCs - action is still delayed though.

 

[uscbigdawg]

If you don't have bullets yet, get the Montana Gold 121gr IFP bullets. In general though, 124's are solid bullets (I prefer their CMJ's). From there, N350 is a great powder, but a little pricey. I'm switching to IMR 4756. It's practically the same burn rate (inspite of what the tables say) and I think I'm throwing an extra .2 grains for feel more than velocity. Start at like 6.5 grains and go up SLOWLY from there. I'm loading 8.1 grains of N350 and 8.3 grains of 4756 at an OAL of 1.245" (factory = 1.235" +/-).

This is how I've worked up loads for my guns:
- Just pick a medium charge weight and play with OAL to determine what feeds best.
- Next, play with powder charge weight 'til you get to your desired velocity, checking for pressure signs, etc.
- Play with your recoil springs to make everything run happy.

Rich

 

[technetium-99m]

I believe Rich's suggestions are for major power factor 38 super which I'm not sure you're looking for, but I can't be completely sure.  For standard ol' 38 super I loaded 147gr moly coated bullets with 4.1 gr of Solo 1000 at the OAL Rich uses.  Load made 135 PF out of a 5" 1911.

As far as your possible gun issues, I have no idea, I've never been inside of a Witness so I can't really give advice.  You may get more answers over on Enos.

 

[uscbigdawg]

Yeah...I should clarify that these are major loads. If you're looking for plinkin' ammo, grab a reloading manual and get a powder that you like/that's easily available and go for it. 124's are great and going to be the most readily available in most cases. 147's are nice too. For lead, 135's are pretty sweet too.

Rich