Originally Posted by
uscbigdawg
I'm not a Materials Science Engineer, but do know that SAAMI specs only exist to account for the lowest common denominator of guns. So, in this case, a company can only generally produce ammunition and load data so that it's safe in Grandpa's 1920 pistol chambered in 38 Super.
Modern guns, modern steel and modern engineering can easily and safely shoot the load to the above pressures and beyond.
The 9x23 was semi-rimmed (IIRC), which made it no better than the 38 Super with regards to magazine capacity. It was a tapered case (like the 9mm) that didn't solve any problems that recognizing that 1911's like rounds loaded as close to 45 ACP as you can to reduce the entrance angle from the mag into the chamber to increase reliability/ease of feeding.
9x23 is advertised as being able to handle more pressure than a 38 Super and ammo manufacturer (singular) loaded them warmer than their 38 Super ammo because of the above (lowest common denominator) and in the case of the 9x23, there was 1 gun chambered for it at its inception and it benefited from modern steel & engineering.
We can go on and on about the love affair that Winchester and the gun rags had with the 9x23, but the fact remains it failed for multiple reasons and was NEVER a popular choice in competition circles because it didn't do anything that the 38 Super (a very accurate, and affordable caliber) already did. Some other reasons:
- One firearm chambered in it available to the public (Colt Series 80)
- One (major) ammunition manufacturer (Winchester)
- Little to no brass availability on the reloading market until Starline started making it
- Bullet variety? Nope...same as the 9mm, 9x21 & 38 Super
- Flatter shooting? Nope. No different than 9x21, 356 TSW, 9x25 & 38 Super
- Cache of a different caliber? Possibly, but 356 TSW and 9x25 won out for "wow" factor
The thread is about the 38 Super and I'm speaking from my experience with it. I find it to be an exceedingly versatile caliber that some can use download for plinkin' all the way to hot rodding it for competition and/or defensive loads. Does that mean that other calibers can't do it? Nope. Just saying that this thread is titled, "38 Super" and the OP asked for information about IT not about 9x23.
Rich
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