.38 Super reloading

[zaphar]

Hi, I'm fairly new to reloading and have a few questions that I haven't been able to find an answer to. I own a EAA Witness in .38 Super that I've been reloading for. I've read that many people use small rifle primers for the round but others use small pistol primers and say not to use the SRPs. Which primers should I use? I'm currently using SRPs but I'm worried about over pressure since I've read that the SRPs mask what SPPs would show.

I've examined the cases after firing and I haven't seen any shinny rings near the web so I think that my current loads are ok, but I fear to go higher because I'm not sure how far is too far. The only thing I've noticed is a slight flattening on the primer, but the edges are still round. I've looked at the primers on other brass and this appears to be normal.

If anyone can give me some pointers, I'd greatly appreciate it.

So far I've shot:
EAA Witness .38 Super Auto 4.5" barrel

95gr. MagTech JSP (.355)
9.4gr. HS-6
Federal #205 SRPs
9 Super Comp. Starline Brass
~1530fps

 

[only1asterisk]

9 Super Comp. Starline Brass

Tough brass you should get lots of loads from them if you don't overdue the resizing. What dies?

David

 

[zaphar]

I've been using 9mm Luger for now, but I am going to switch over to .38 Super dies for reloads.

 

[only1asterisk]

The 38 super dies will oversize the web. Get some 9x23 Win dies.

David

 

[Walkalong]

The only thing I've noticed is a slight flattening on the primer, but the edges are still round

You are good then.

I bought some Lee .38 Super dies to get started. Then I added a Redding expander. (I really like the two step Lyman style design) Then I added a Hornady seater. I took the seater stem out of the Lee, polished the inside, and use it to Taper Crimp only in a fourth step.

I am running 125 Gr bullets at a leisurely 1200 FPS for range work. Very pleasent load. I use regular primers for that. The small rifle primers are good for hot .38 Super loads.

I am using Starline Super Comp brass too. Good stuff.