Ideal .38 JHP under 140gr. 1100-1200fps

[20nickels]

I want to replicate 9mm defensive loads in .38 Short Colt (basically a rimmed 9mm) for a moonclipped Ruger SP101 3". What is the ideal .38/357 caliber JHP at or under 140gr. at 9mm velocities?
The Speer SBGD's seemed the obvious choice, but I'm afraid they will expand too much and not penetrate. Speer even says they come apart at those velocities. Lots of Mfg. choices in the 125gr range though.
Keep in mind they made a SP101 in 9mm so pressure and bullet jump should not be an issue.

 

[Elvishead]

Why do you think you need those?

 

[rcmodel]

It's not all about the gun being able to handle 9mm pressure.
It's about the case being able to handle it.

I don't imagine anyones .38 Short Colt cases are made to the same strength of even the weakest 9mm Luger cases.

As for bullet choice?
Either Speer GD, or Hornady XTP would be a good starting place.

I doubt you will be able to get 9mm velocity at sane pressure levels due to the .380" chamber dia. of the .357 chambers losing pressure past the bullet until it gets to the .357" throats.
SO, the 135 GDSB might work very well.

rc

 

[WC145]

Your post is rather ambiguous but what I'm reading is that you have a .357mag SP101 that has had the cylinder cut for moonclips. Now, if that's the case, why would you want to replicate 9mm loads in a ".38 Short Colt (basically a rimmed 9mm)" when you can find plenty of quality 125-135gr .357 mag factory loads that will give those velocities out of a 3" barrel? Moonclipped .357's are almost as fast to load as moonclipped 9mm's.

Also, I can't imagine you'd have trouble with lack of penetration or bullets coming apart, but if you're really concerned about it either go heavier or buy a round with a bonded bullet.

 

[Nicodemus38]

i cant remember but can you really use 38 short colt (38 colt) in a 357/358 chamber?

instead of trying to create a new way to destroy expensive cartridge cases designed for low pressure charges of powder, why not simply use the 357 case and loading data your sp101 is designed for? If you want "38 coot" type loads, why not load a 180-200 grain bullet in a 38 special case and try to do what skelton and keith thought was a perfect ideal goal to reach for, 200 grn 38 @1000fps?

 

[20nickels]

WC
- I can carry twice the reloads in the same space.
- The long skinny .357's&.38's do not quickly insert or positively extract in the smaller guns like they do in say a S&W 625. Hang up on grips , etc.
- The idea is .357 (sans moonclip) in the cylinder and .38 SC on the belt or in the pocket. This is primarily backup ammo.

ICORE shooters are having excellent results with the Short Colt in .357 chambers. Interesting thought RC about the 135 SBGD. I was actually concerned it might get too fat before it hit the cone!

 

[WC145]

WC
- I can carry twice the reloads in the same space.
- The long skinny .357's&.38's do not quickly insert or positively extract in the smaller guns like they do in say a S&W 625. Hang up on grips , etc.
- The idea is .357 (sans moonclip) in the cylinder and .38 SC on the belt or in the pocket. This is primarily backup ammo.

Why don't you just do what I did and have the gun cut for moonclips and rechambered to 9mm? I have a S&W 360J that I had rechambered to 9x23, it'll shoot 9mm, .38 Super, 9x21, 9x21.5, 9x23. Plenty of ammo choices, fast reloads, etc.

Also, assuming that the .38 Short Colt case is the same diameter as the .38 Long Colt, they're a couple of thousands larger than the .38spl/.357mag. You may have trouble with them fitting in the chambers, not to mention getting proper fit in either 9mm or .38/.357 moonclips.

 

[20nickels]

^^^ 9mm, .38 Super, 9x21, 9x21.5, 9x23. What do these do that 357 mag or .38 SC that I already reload for won't?
Moonclips are made and Starline .38 anything brass is consistent for the clips.

I figured the Hornady XTP 125 would want more velocity, but after double checking their catalog it's rated for 800-1400 Fps. I guess 1100 would be in the sweet spot?

 

[Lone Star]

9mm Federal? IF you can find the ammo...It was a rimmed 9mm for revolvers, but didn't catch on.

Lone Star