will the real 38SPL+P please stand up
38SPL+P per SAAMI
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From my
2004 Post over at the Beartooth Shooters Forum:
Will the Real .38+P Please Stand Up:
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I decided to call Ken Green at SAAMI for the scoop on this +P data discrepancy. I learned that the .38Spl. +P standard had indeed been changed from 18,500 psi to 20,000 psi when ammunition manufacturers could not provide the performance levels demanded by consumers. The confusion apparently arose because the change occured after the publication of the current ANSI standards manual in 1993. I then sent an e-mail to Accurate Arms and Alliant to let them know what I had learned. Looks like some +P data will need to be updated.
Ken Green also pointed out that the current SAAMI MAP pressure for the .38 Spl. +P is 20,000 psi or 20,000 cup. That while the two systems often give different values in this case they read the same.
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The previous +P standard was set at 22,400 C.U.P.
Both standards are, to my knowledge, still valid under SAMMI standards. There is no way to readily convert C.U.P. to P.S.I. But it is clear from the load data that the C.U.P. standard was set at a higher pressure that the P.S.I. replacement. I also understand that a +P+ standard of 21,500 PSI was rejected and there is no SAMMI standard for +P+ ammunition in this caliber.
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I sent an e-mail to Tim Sundles of Buffalo Bore Ammunition... I asked if the Heavy 158 LSWCHP .38 +P ammunition was loaded within the 20,000 psi voluntary standard set by the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute (SAMMI). He indicated the pressure of this load ran about 22,000 psi. He also said that any gun rated for +P was ok with Buffalo Bore ammo, including alloy and titanium guns.
Very interesting.
http://shootersforum.com/showthread.htm?t=11047&highlight="will+real+.38+stand