38 Super Nukes?

[mdi]

Just thinkin'. I am thinking about a new to me caliber handgun, a 38 Super. I am really satisfied with RMR 9mm (.355") bullets and noticed on the RMR website a notation under some of the bullet pics. Some say 9mm, some say 357 Sig. I figger the .355" bullet will be OK in 38 Super handloads, but just wondering. Anybody try some?..

 

[BC17A]

If you're just loading for range/target use then there's no difference that you'd need to worry about. The main difference with the 357 Sig projectile compared to the 9/38S is the Sig use a thicker jacket and are made from a slightly different lead alloy due to the higher velocities achieved. Something to do with less fragmentation or slower expansion from what I recall reading.

 

[Roverguy]

First, are you in for a treat! 38 Super, hopefully in a 1911, is such a joy.

The 355 RMR bullet that you are happy with in 9mm should be equally fine in 38 Super, provided it is of recent origin. A 1930s period 38 super barrel might not love .355 and could want up to .358 for best accuracy, but check the new barrel and see.

Enjoy!

 

[fxvr5]

9mm, 38 Super and 357 SIG (and 38 Special and 357 Magnum) all have the exact same SAAMI barrel specs; groove diameter 0.355" + .004".So, yes a .355" bullet will work fine.

https://saami.org/wp-content/upload...FP-and-R-Approved-2015-12-14-Posting-Copy.pdf

 

[cfullgraf]

I use mostly .355" and .356" diameter bullets in my 38 Supers. They work fine.

I have one 1980's vintage "headspace on the rim" barrel that allowed me to use .357" dia, 158 grain cast SWC bullets. They aren't loaded very hot but they were very accurate in a standard GI issue type 1911 and would drop the cases in a pile at my feet.

Newer barrels that headspace on the case mouth do not accept the .357" dia SWC bullets.

(The gun currently has a 38 Special wadcutter barrel installed in it.)

 

[mdi]

Thanks. One reason why I ask is I'm researching a new to me caliber/gun combo to satisfy my current "new gun itch". I have about 200 RMR 124 gr Multi Purpose HP, and 475 115 and 400 124 Nukes. I figgered the bullets meant for use in a 357 Sig would be "sturdier" than needed for 9mm and the 38 Super is closer to 9mm velocities than the Sig but mostly curious...

Yep, lookin' at a 1911 style...

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

I love the 38 super round. I have a 1911 in 38 super.

 

[OLDE RETIRED COASTIE]

I purchased a COLT 1911 38 super that was built in 1967. Old headspace problems, as COLT did not change headspace on 38 super till some time in the 1990s. It was in pretty sad shape, so I had a Bar sto barrel and bushing put in, had the frame refinished, hard chrome, had the slide bead blasted and blued, high profile fixed sights, and a beavertrail grip safety, (am prone to hammer bite) and is totally awesome. Ya'll remember the COLT 45 ACP COMBAT ELITE? THAT IS WHAT MY SUPER LOOKED LIKE. I bought that gun when I was stationed in Kodiak AK, back in 1976. I kept reading about guys changing barrels, barrel bushings, and magazines, and having a 9mm. Back about 3 years ago when 9mm was cheap, I bought an ED BROWN 9 mm barrel and bushing, and 8 9 mm magazines, and works fine. I have two guns in one, 9mm/38 super, reload for both, oh yeah, 38 super has always been super expensive, and is so today.
And I reload the .355 bullets for both calibers.

 

[OLDE RETIRED COASTIE]

but I never hot loaded 38 super to make major, and had some cartidges that were hot, pulled the bullets and loaded to normal pressures for 38 super and never looked back. 38 super is pretty hot as factory ammo, and never saw the need to hot load it. Read they were cracking frames, and they cost too much to do that