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Thread: .38 ACP cycle okay in a .38 Super pistol?

  1. #1
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    .38 ACP cycle okay in a .38 Super pistol?

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

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

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    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.
    Last edited by gaijin; 01-20-21 at 13:38.
    A true "Gun Guy" (or gal) should have familiarity and a modicum of proficiency with most all firearms platforms.

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    Thanks!

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    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.

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    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.

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    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 😬 )

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    Quote Originally Posted by Ron3 View Post
    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.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Ron3 View Post
    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..

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    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.

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ron3 View Post
    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.

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