While I DO have load data for the 38 Super cartridge, I was wondering what members have found to be a good load in the 38 Super with a 124gr lead bullet. I have some Blue Bullets too I want to run in the pistol so if you have loaded for this cartridge, do tell what your favorite powder and load is.
With rifle in hand, I confidently go forth into the darkness.
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For light loads Bullseye or TiteGroup work well. Work up from 3 grains to just enough to function.
For full velocity Power Pistol was best, 6.4 gr. gave 1187 fps, and 7.2 gr. gave 1255 fps.
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It's been a while, but I used the same mild load in my 9mm Largo Star Super and Astra 400 that I used in my 9mm Para pistol:
Barry's 125 gr RN bullet
3.5 gr Bullseye
but with 38 Super Brass
.38 Auto is essentially a light .38 Super load.
The Astras function fine with the 38 Super Brass, while the Star required the extractor to be thinned a scouch to allow for the thicker rim on the 38 Super brass.
Note: Astra 400s marked with 9mm/38 caliber markings are factory fitted for both 9mm Largo and .38 Auto, but are NOT for use with full house .38 SUPER Auto rounds.
Attached Files
It's been a while, but I used the same mild load in my 9mm Largo Star Super and Astra 400 that I used in my 9mm Para pistol:
Barry's 125 gr RN bullet
3.5 gr Bullseye
but with 38 Super Brass
.38 Auto is essentially a light .38 Super load.
The Astras function fine with the 38 Super Brass, while the Star required the extractor to be thinned a scouch to allow for the thicker rim on the 38 Super brass.
Note: Astra 400s marked with 9mm/38 caliber markings are factory fitted for both 9mm Largo and .38 Auto, but are NOT for use with full house .38 SUPER Auto rounds.
Why not buy the correct 9mm Largo brass from Starline, they have it.
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Why not buy the correct 9mm Largo brass from Starline, they have it.
Because the first four words in my post are "It's been a while..."
At that time Largo reloading brass was not available, at least none that I could find in my area or on-line.
I have been unsuccessful in depriming Berdan brass.
A work around was needed. Being the Astras are factory designed to accept 38 Auto / 38 Super Auto brass with no modifications, why not?
For the Star Super, it was a simple extractor modification.
The 9mm Para barrels came later.
Now, IF Largo brass is available, pick your poison.
Note: Largo brass is currently out of stock at my local reloading house.
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I bought my Super Modelo 9mm Largo a long time ago and the Starline brass right after that. I modified 38 Super brass ever which way one could and it wouldn't work. Bought the Starline Largo brass and it runs like a Singer Sewing machine. I guess maybe in my case my pistol is pretty minty and the barrel is like new so it wanted the correct brass. I'm not one to modify guns and the Modelo is case in point because they are extremely hard to find parts for.
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MP1886 said:
... I modified 38 Super brass ever which way one could and it wouldn't work...
That goes to show that there's more than one way to skin a cat.
I've read that some people shaved the breech face on Star Modelos. That sounded like way to much work and again permanently altering the firearm. Slightly thinning the extractor (a small replaceable part) which could be replaced if it didn't work out. Of course, today, replacement parts for all the Spanish pistols are hard to find.
. Rim Thickness Rim Diameter
9mm Bayard Long / 9mm Largo 0.046" 0.392"
9mm Para 0.050" 0.393"
38 Auto / 38 Super Auto 0.050" 0.405"
That 0.004" thicker rim thickness in the 9mm Para and 38 Auto / 38 Super Auto casings is enough to really jam things up. And yes, I had to try both 9mm Para and 38 Auto / 38 Super Auto. The larger rim diameters don't affect things.
If 9mm Largo brass is available, that's obviously the easiest way to go. But, as I said earlier, 9mm Largo brass is currently not available at my local reloading house.
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Another thing that MOST people neglect is the shape and angle of the extractor groove. For an example look at the difference between the extractor grooves on a 30-06 and a 308. So the bigger problem I had before I bought the correct brass with the trying to use 38 Super brass in the 9mm Largo was the shape of the extractor groove and the rim thickness.
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Ed Harris
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Idahocaster
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trapdoor4570
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Lucky1
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Aaron
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MP1886
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pat i
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Proneshooter2
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CajunRebel
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gnoahhh
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