Solo 1250 in 38 Super

[rfwobbly]

We're trying to work up a target load for my son's new 38 Super using 125gr Zero, but I'm running short on VV powders and can't seem to find more. Investigating other single-base powders and ran across Accurate Solo 1250. Found 1.5 pounds at a gun show today so I bought it up.

I see it's fairly slow and about the same speed as 3N37. Can't find a printed load for this powder with 38 Super, it's mostly listed with 45ACP. What should the starting load be in a box-stock 1911 for low power (sub-minor PF) target ?? Can I proportionalize this to known 357 and 45ACP loads?

Any help highly appreciated.

 

[Walkalong]

PM incoming

 

[rfwobbly]

Thanks, Mr. Along. In researching this I saw you had previously looked at Solo 1250 in 357 Mag.

 

[Walkalong]

I'll have some Solo 1250 and .38 Super data sometime today. I'll PM it. Hornady has my 9MM plate, so I'll load a few on the single stage. Wish they would hurry up and send it back.

 

[Walkalong]

I loaded some Zero 125 Gr JHPs with 6.0, 6.3, and 6.5 Grs of Solo 1250. 6.0 was right at 100% load density and the 6.3 & 6.5 Gr loads were slightly compressed. The 6.5 Gr load filled the case to within 1/8" of the case mouth. Solo 1250 is pretty bulky. It also wanted to jump out of the case while indexing.

Zero 125 Gr JHP (#161) - WSP primers - Starline Super Comp brass - 1.270 O.A.L.

I never broke 1200 FPS (Avg) with these loads. That tells me there was no significant pressures. I do not believe you can get enough Solo 1250 in the case to hurt anything with 125 Gr jacketed bullets. I also got very little velocity increases with 6.3 & 6.5 Grs of powder, only more recoil and muzzle blast. If you want real performance from the .38 Super, this isn't the powder for it, but if you want a nice pleasant, accurate, clean, plinker load with 125's running around 1250ish FPS, it will do just fine.

I shot three 8 shot groups over the chrono at 5 yards with the target at 7 yards. It was 60 Degrees in the shade and 70 Degrees in the sun.

 

[rfwobbly]

Alright !!

Wow! I can't believe you went out an did that. In the vernacular of my son, "That absolutely rocks!"

We only want to make minor, so 1045 FPS will do. We have a chono and can work it down from there. Fluffy is good for my son. It'll help a lot.

Well, if he wins the State and "Miss IPSC" kisses him twice, then we promise to bring you one.

Thank again for all your help.

 

[Walkalong]

I only wish that was an 8 round group.

And no trouble at all. It was interesting and I learned something. I wanted to go to the range anyway and shoot my first four loads in my new to me S&W Model of 1905 in 32-20. I do not have a 32-20 shell plate for my LNL, but the .40 S&W plate worked like a champ, so I won't be buying one.

 

[Oyeboten]

Any idea what PSI the SOLO 1250 is making in lightly-compressed loadings, 125 grn Bullet, .38 Super?

'Hard' Lead Bullet or Jacketed?


5 inch Barrel?

 

[Walkalong]

Jacketed, 5", no idea, but low for sure. I'm guessing 25 to 30,000, but that is purely a guess.

 

[rfwobbly]

I'm still awaiting Accurate's answer.

 

[rfwobbly]

Yikes

Well, the answer came today in an email from Johan Loubser at Western Powders...

Richard,
Unfortunately the Solo1250®has been discontinued.

We will not have a single base product in that burn rate again soon.

Our optimal powder for the 38Super is Accurate No7®.


Regards,

Johan Loubser
Ballistician

Ramshot/Accurate Powders
Tel: (406) 234 04 22 email: [email protected]
Western Powders Inc -- Miles City – Montana.

COMPANY WEBSITES/PRODUCTS:
www.ramshot.com
www.accuratepowder.com
www.montanaxtreme.com
www.blackhorn209.com


What's that old saying about the "best laid mice" ????

 

[rfwobbly]

I wrote Mr. Loubser back stating that the powder was already purchased and I would appreciate data. He has offered the following....


Caliber: 38 Super
Barrel length: 5”
Powder: Accurate – Solo1250®


Bullet weight: 115 grains.
Start load: 5.2 grains (00 – 00 Ft/p/sec)
Maximum load: 5.8 grains (1150 – 1225 Ft/p/sec)

Bullet weight: 125 grains.
Start load: 4.7 grains (975 – 1025 Ft/p/sec)
Maximum load: 5.2 grains (1075 – 1050 Ft/p/sec)

Bullet weight: 130 grains.
Start load: 4.5 grains (900 – 950 Ft/p/sec)
Maximum load: 5.0 grains (1000 – 1075 Ft/p/sec)


Thank you Mr. Loubser !

 

[Walkalong]

I'll be very surprised if 5.2 Grs of Solo 1250 gets you 1050 to 1075 FPS with a 125 Gr jacketed bullet when 6.0 gave me around 1150, but hey, what do I know. They are the experts.

One thing I'll repeat. After reaching 100% load density (right at 6.0 Grs at my O.A.L.), more powder gave very small to no velocity gains for some reason.

Let us know.