Hot Lapua 38 Special?

[ugaarguy]

I was looking at the ballastics tables in the '06 G&A annual and noticed a 38 spl. Lapua offering that seemed out of place: 150 gr. JSP @ 1066/987 fps at the muzzle/50 yds out w/ energy of 374/320 ft. lbs. at the same distances coming out of 3.94" Bbl. It says that it's a standard pressure load which seems mighty hot not to be +P. If this info is accurate I want some since my recently aquired old S&W M&P likes the heavier loads in the 150 gr. range over lighter stuff in the 124 gr range. Anyone know where I can get it and if this info is accurate?

 

[only1asterisk]

Lapua uses CIP pressure standards. 28% above SAAMI max.

David

 

[ugaarguy]

Thanks for the info Only1. Would 40% over SAAMI max put the load at +P or +P+ pressure levels? Or, bottom line, would it be safe to use in my S&W M&P which was made post WWII but no later than 1948? The revolver is in excellent mechanical shape with a good solid lockup.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Would 40% over SAAMI max put the load at +P or +P+ pressure levels? Or, bottom line, would it be safe to use in my S&W M&P which was made post WWII but no later than 1948? The revolver is in excellent mechanical shape with a good solid lockup.

This would be +++PPP+++!!

Standard .38 Special loads run around 16,000 CUP (Copper Units of Pressure). +P loads can run as high as 19,000 CUP. A load 40% over SAAMI standards would be about 22,000 CUP. I would not feed a .38 Special a steady diet of this -- better to get a .357 if you want improved ballistics.

 

[ugaarguy]

Thanks for the info guys -- I really need to get a reloading manual so I can read up on everything. I'll definetly be staying away from Lapua ammo.

 

[Gordon]

Actually that would be a +P+ as the old Win. "treasury load" 110 grain and the Supervel 110 grain both ran at 21-22,000 pound cup. .357 loads START at 30,000 pound cup so there really IS quite a difference!
Having said that I'd not run +p+ stuff(like the Lapua) in any thing not MARKED +p -at least.