38 Super with 158 SWC?

[MGD]

Recently got a H&G 6 Cavity in #51. Has anyone tried 158/160 gr SWC in the 38 Super? There is lots of data for 160 RN. Made a dummy round and it fed with no hitches. Wondered if anyone had tried this?

[MtGun44]

Feeding is the issue. I ran lots of 155 LSWCs but they were pretty small meplat
and did great. No pressure issues for me, but feeding prevents using real
revolver SWCs with wide meplat.

Bill

[Case Stuffer]

Based on my experience feeding depends of throating of barrel and feed ramp . I cast and shot thousands of 135gr. 38 SWC in a Browning Hi Power and I am now using the same SWCs in my SA XP-9 Sub Compact. The major difference is that I had to throat the Hi Power and the XP loves everything I feed it out of the box. The .357 SWC I use is from a Lyman mold and has a .250 meplate and is .585 long,two groves.

Back years ago I sold thousands of these SWCs to fellow IPSC shooter who used 1911 in .38 Super and all seemed very pleased with them.

[c1skout]

I've used the Lee 158tl in my super and it fed no problem, but loaded rounds won't eject out the port. I had to drop the magazine if I wanted to eject a loaded round. My Lee manual had loads for 158gr lead.

[redgum]

I have been using 160 grainers from an Ideal 357443, in my old Combat Elite.
I seat them so the top lube groove is just below the mouth of the case, over about 3.3g of Unique.
They shoot into about 2.5" From a sandbag rest @ 20 yards and the slide seems to be slowed down somewhat. They feed great & the cases drop out nicely by my side.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r49/redgum94/160swc_zpsd4f7a66b.jpg (http://s141.photobucket.com/user/redgum94/media/160swc_zpsd4f7a66b.jpg.html)

[khmer6]

What's your fps on that unique load? I have a heavy Lee mold I need to try still in my 1911

[bruce drake]

Hmm, I own a 358311 (160gr RN) that I think might be an interesting experiment in the future as well.

Just need to get range time...

Bruce

[redgum]

What's your fps on that unique load? I have a heavy Lee mold I need to try still in my 1911
Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to chrono this load, but It is fairly mild.
I have also had success with the LEE 150g RN too.

[MtGun44]

Bruce,

311 will work fine.

Bill

[bruce drake]

Thanks Bill,

The biggest hurdle is just plain getting time away to get to the pistol range right now. I fitted a 38 Super barrel to my 9mm RIA 1911 and two weeks ago and I still haven't had a chance to shoot it!

Bruce

[redgum]

That's interesting Bruce, I am contemplating a switch the opposite way.
My plan is to fit a 9mm barrel in the 38 super to try and 'tame' it some more for the wife to use.
I don't suppose you would be looking to get rid of you old barrel?
.....just a thought :)

[bruce drake]

Redgum,

Sorry, I did the 2 barrel set-up so I could have both calibers available for the pistol when I wanted to go shooting. Go to SARCO's website and they have 9mm barrels available for purchase.

http://www.e-sarcoinc.com/search.aspx?find=C45019

Less than $50US plus shipping.

Bruce

[KCSO]

If your gun feeds them they work just fine, I had no problems with a Taurus 1911 in 38 Super.

[redgum]

Thanks Bruce,
FWIW I have also had success with the LEE 150 RN and the LEE 125 RNFP .
The powder charges I don't recall but they would be noted in my Black Book

[Walt]

I've shot a lot of 160 LRN in my Supers. Mostly over heavy doses of WAP. IMO a 160 was the best way to make major back then. The heaviest SWC I've used was a 140 and those had a rather small meplat like others have spoke about.