.38 ACP cycle okay in a .38 Super pistol? [Archive]

Ron3

01-20-21, 12:34

I'm thinking "most likely" but I thought I'd ask anyway.

130 gr @1000 fps will probably cycle most .38 Super pistols?

gaijin

01-20-21, 13:35

It should.

Simple matter of lighter recoil spring if load doesn’t cycle/feed new rd.

Add: 12#-14# spring should function your 130 FMJ @ 1,000 FPS assuming 5” gun.

Ron3

01-21-21, 09:41

Thanks!

1986s4

01-26-21, 07:19

Yes, it should run. If not or you have weak ejection change it to a lighter recoil spring. I use a #15 wilson combat flatwire for my .38 super loads and a #10 when I convert to 9mm. When I first got the 9mm barrel I tried a #13 flatwire and got less than reliable ejection. I put it away for a while then I got the idea to try the weakest recoil spring I had and viola ! It works great now.

usmc51

01-27-21, 08:44

Some bullseye shooters are shooting .38 Super/ACP and .38 Super Comp down to 730fps. It can definitely be done. There are a few other bullseye-related forums with much more info on light .38s, whether they be in cases labeled "ACP" or "Super." Good luck.

Ron3

01-29-21, 13:41

I have a few boxes of .38 ACP but because I like shooting some expensive calibers (even at "normal" pricing) I can see I'll have to load / reload my own someday.

(.32 Magnum, .44 Russian, .38 ACP, and now I'm acquiring a .45 GAP 😬 )

Wildcat

01-30-21, 02:02

I have a few boxes of .38 ACP but because I like shooting some expensive calibers (even at "normal" pricing) I can see I'll have to load / reload my own someday.

(.32 Magnum, .44 Russian, .38 ACP, and now I'm acquiring a .45 GAP 😬 )

When you go to reload it, be careful with brass that has a 38-ACP headstamp. It is unlikely that brass was intended to be loaded to 38-Super level pressures.

You also wouldn't want to have a cartridge marked 38-ACP (but loaded like a 38-super) to find its way into a classic 38-acp pistol.

1986s4

01-30-21, 10:29

I have a few boxes of .38 ACP but because I like shooting some expensive calibers (even at "normal" pricing) I can see I'll have to load / reload my own someday.

(.32 Magnum, .44 Russian, .38 ACP, and now I'm acquiring a .45 GAP �� )

Before the great ammo drought I was divesting myself of oddball calibers. I still have .38 super and I intend to keep it so long as 9mm is rare and stupid expensive. It is good to have alternatives..

Ron3

02-01-21, 15:53

I do have some boxes of .38 acp 130 gr @1000 fps loaded into .38 Super +p stamped cases. (Loaded by a small company)

But that's not a problem.

1986s4

02-05-21, 07:39

I do have some boxes of .38 acp 130 gr @1000 fps loaded into .38 Super +p stamped cases. (Loaded by a small company)

But that's not a problem.

That's a 130 power factor, just fine for gun games like IDPA or USPSA minor. Cheapo factory 115gr. 9mm runs about the same PF.

Lost River

05-03-21, 23:26

https://i.imgur.com/Ufmrq2W.jpg

Ron3

05-04-21, 19:38

Cool pistol!

Lost River

05-05-21, 18:23

The Colt .38 ACP. Been in my family for about 100 years.

https://i.imgur.com/uVYSGjK.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/TBtyIsH.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/pkVFwlq.jpg

It has some "History" that goes with it too. Back between the wars, it was carried and used in the west in a rough little mining and ranching community. Now it resides in my safe as an heirloom.

gaijin

05-06-21, 08:06

Interesting. The original "Taper Lockup/Cone Barrel Bushing". ( :

Ron3

07-31-21, 11:54

The Colt .38 ACP. Been in my family for about 100 years.

https://i.imgur.com/uVYSGjK.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/TBtyIsH.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/pkVFwlq.jpg

It has some "History" that goes with it too. Back between the wars, it was carried and used in the west in a rough little mining and ranching community. Now it resides in my safe as an heirloom.

Nice!

There is a company called Steinel that may load .38 ACP. Also Wisonsin Cartridge Company. I've fired the Wisconsin ammo and it worked great through an Astra.

Now I reload so I can just buy dies and reload them if I want.

Definitely will save money on .38 ACP!

Ron3

07-31-21, 11:58

I'd like to have a 1911 but I'd like a lightweight, Commander-size version in .38 Super.

Edited to add: I forgot all about the Dan Wesson Guardian .38. I thought to buy one awhile back but the batch had sold out. Theyve since made another batch. I missed out on that one, too. I'll get one next time if there is a next time and the price doesn't jump.

I would prefer a smooth, black trigger face compared to the ridged silver one they use. Also would like a rear sight without the stupid ramp on the front edge. What the hell is the point of that?! It just keeps you from racking the slide on your belt. Prefer a blue/black barrel bushing, too.