Recoil spring for converted 38 super to 9mm

[Jim Ciampi]

I converted my 38 super to 9mm.Initially I was getting about two stovepipes per mag.I changed the ejector and extractor and shot one mag out of it and it did not stovepipe any rounds,but I noticed it throws the cases close to my right foot.I still have the original recoil spring in it. and my research shows the 38 super and 9mm to use the same recoil spring.My question for those in the know is,will a lighter spring throw the cases more clear and if so what weight would I need?
My favorite pistol is a Caspian Arms hardball gun I used at Camp Perry Nat matches back in the late eightys,but the converted 38 super to 9mm is very pleasant to shoot and pretty accurate. Any suggestions are welcome...Jim
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[atblis]

You could just load you 9mm a touch hotter.

 

[TexasRifleman]

My question for those in the know is,will a lighter spring throw the cases more clear and if so what weight would I need?

Adjusting the ejection with spring tension on a 1911 is generally a bad idea. Run a spring weight that keeps the gun from being damaged but allows it to function, then make adjustments to the ejector and extractor directly. You can go too light to get a nice brass toss and all you are doing is beating up the frame.

 

[belus]

What weight do you use now? Does the slide lock back when empty?

Assuming you have a 5" gun, 12lbs is standard for 9mm.

I'd take it down to 10lbs if your ejection is sluggish, and as long as you don't have an aluminum frame I've heard people using as low as 8lbs.

edit: lower weights may make it feed HP rounds unreliably though.

 

[GRIZ22]

Did you use 38 super or 9 mm extractor? Different part numbers listed for each. If you look at case dimensions they are pretty different.

 

[wditto]

that was what I was thinking; extractor

 

[Oldfalguy]

Just reading this makes me want to put my 38 super upper on let fly-
Shucks, I probably don't have a box of super in the closet.....dang-

 

[GRIZ22]

Did you use 38 super or 9 mm extractor? Different part numbers listed for each. If you look at case dimensions they are pretty different.

So are the part numbers.

 

[distra]

I converted my Springfield 38super 1911 to 9mm and did not change the recoil spring or extractor. I'd load the 9mm a little warmer and maybe tweak the extractor tense just a tiny bit. If you are not getting stovepipes with the new ejector & extractor, don't mess with it. Look at this way, you don't have to chase your brass all over the range. Quite frankly, I find the 38super to be a great round. It's very easy to reload a light load that will cycle the slide and be very accurate.