38 Super 1911s: defensive ammo choices?

[Grayrider]

Gang,

I have liked the Super for many years and again find myself tempted by a 1911 in that caliber. I have had a couple (Colt Commander, Kimber HD II) and let them go for various reasons. I miss them though. I was thinking about an XSE lightweight Commander or maybe a full size GM from some maker. Ammo choices look limited though. I never thought much about what I carried--usually Silver Tips, but nowdays they look pretty anemic when some 9mm gets up close to that. What do you guys carry for ammo who tote 38 Supers?

I know, as a 45 carrying 1911 guy I should stick to that but I just have a bit of nostalgia for the Super. That and they are just so pleasant to shoot out of a nice 1911.



GR

 

[gunfan]

I believe that the .38 Super Automatic...

loaded with 115-grain GDHP bullets to 1400 fps from a 5" tube would be the best "combat" loading for the cartridge.

That said, you can always purchase an extra barrel, 22 or 24-pound recoil spring, and magazines and shoot 10mm Automatic ammunition from it! (Trust me, you'll be better off in the long run).

Scott

 

[Grayrider]

Yeah but I have some 10mms. I cannot be a slave to just one out of vogue round. That would not make me excentric enough.




GR

 

[Otherguy Overby]

9X23 has more power than 38 super. Some pistols can shoot both.

Regardless, you may need to handload to get what you want. I've a 9X23 5 inch 1911 and I couldn't be happier. It's true .357 magnum power in a 9mm cartridge.

 

[paul45]

9X23 has more power than 38 super. Some pistols can shoot both.

Regardless, you may need to handload to get what you want. I've a 9X23 5 inch 1911 and I couldn't be happier. It's true .357 magnum power in a 9mm cartridge.

....CorBon has 2 loads, a 115 gr. and a 125 gr. at 1450 and 1350 fps respectively.........edited to add, Otherguy...I didnt intend to quote you.....I must be slow tonight.

 

[Grayrider]

I have a little of the Cor-bon. I was curious if anyone else out there made similar loadings. I had forgotten about the 9x23 option as well. A pistol that would run both would be fun.

GR

 

[Will Fennell]

147 GD

Ga Arms has a load that I think would be great.......I've shot a few rounds of it, but not enough to speak of its effectiveness. Its a 147 gr Gold Dot at an advertised 1200 fps out of a 5" 1911. It wasn't hard to control, and seemed to group well out of the gun I ran it through. If I had another .38 Super, I would be investigating this load. I would also be lobbying someone like Doubletap ammo to load a heavy bullet load in the Super or 9x23.

 

[Grayrider]

I think I will go ahead with a .38 Super. The itch needs to be scratched once and for all. Looks like it will be the Para SSP. I like the Colt but I think ultimately I am after something fun to shoot more than just another carry pistol. When I carry I will load it with the GA 147s and Cor-bon. Should be more than enough for social work.

Of course a shiny silver pistol looks good with those all silver Winchester STs.



Thanks for the comments guys!

GR

 

[Otherguy Overby]

From STI's FAQ and refering to 38 super pistols:

Q. Why does my new TruBor not cycle properly?
A. As you know, STI guns are fit very precisely. Because most purchasers of this model intend to use it in IPSC competition, shooting major, we factory test them with approximately 170 power factor ammunition. Seldom does factory ammunition meet this criteria, and frequently match hand loads do not either. We recommend that hand loaded ammunition at about 175 power factor be used during a "break in" period. This may take 100 - 500 rounds. Many purchasers have simply used 9X23 factory ammunition during this period.

from: http://stiguns.com/faq.html

There's yer answer.

 

[Patman]

GrayRider:

I agree that I might get the 38 super and try the 9X23 in it. Sometimes a little mod to the extractor is necessary, but some guns extract the rimless 9X23 just fine. I don't have a Colt in 38 SA, but I have had a great time shooting 9X23 in my Witness 38 Super. It can be loaded quite a bit hotter by using small rifle primers, which are designed for more pressure, and since the web is thicker, I haven't ever had a ramp bulge (like I did with 38 super brass).

Good Shootin'

-Patman

 

[Grayrider]

You guys are getting me all excited about running 9x23. I am hoping the Para will run it. Even if a little tweaking were required, no big deal. I could carry that and plink with 38 Super. Maybe lay in a 9mm barrel later for even cheaper plinking.

I also have this spare 10mm Para style Ed Brown barrel...



GR