Tell me about 9x23 ?

[Zak Smith]

Can someone compare the "shootability" of 9x23 (or .38 Super) to: .357SIG, .40SW, and "hot" 9x19 ?

How does the recoil and muzzle blast compare?

Is there any reason to get a 1911 in 9x23 or .38Super, instead of in .45ACP, .40SW, 10mm, or 9mm?

thanks
Zak

 

[harrydog]

I'd probably have one if the ammo was cheaper and more widely available.
Here's some good info on the 9x23

http://www.pistolsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=13882

 

[Zak Smith]

harrydog,

Thanks for the pointer. I have already read most of the information on 9x23 over on Pistolsmith. I am looking for subjective opinions of the "shootability" of 9x23 (or .38S) vs. other common calibers like .45, .40, .357SIG, and "hot" 9x19.

thanks
Zak

 

[Pistolsmith]

I think you mean "9X23 Winchester", since the .38 super and 9mm largo cases are, in effect, 9X23 cases. The 9X23 Win is loaded to 40,000 lbs. psi. It is fast, acurate and it will devastate a target. In comparison, its terminal ballistics are identical with those of the .357 Sig. The advantage over the Sig is that it is a straight walled case and is much easier to reload, in that you do not have to trim cases to length as often. But, it has some downsides, also. Cases are tough to obtain and if you put a 9X23 Win cartridge into an old pistol chambered in .38 ACP or 9mm largo you will become part of the landscape.
It can be loaded with 115 gr to 147 gr bullets. Recoil is much less than a .45, but therre is some noise and muzzle flash in the maximum loading. Nothing you can't handle.

 

[Poohgyrr]

I think Dane Burns (Burns Custom Pistols) is a big promoter of this round. His website should be easy to find if you haven't already checked out his thoughts. If I had known about Dane's pistols before I bought my Coonan .357 I probably would have bought one. Nothing at all wrong with the Coonan (actually it is fantastic), but 9x23 pistols are still being made.

 

[cratz2]

Well, I've shot plenty of 38 Super in Commander and full length 1911s as well as in an EAA Witness. Very shootable, loud and a bit flippy. Completely controlable. They do have a bit of flash. Much moreso than any reasonable 45 or 9mm I've ever shot. It's pretty fun at night.

I've only shot 9x23 in racegun form but have also shot a bit of 45ACP in racegun form. Without a doubt, the 9x23 is easier to shoot quickly on one target and transitioning from one target to another. I'd be willing to bet this would translate to standard weight, non-comped guns. I gather that 9x23s have a much stronger case than 38 Supers and that allows more flexability to the 'smith and the handloader.

As Mr Lawson said, the 9x23 is about equal to the 357 SIG with lighter weight bullets. Personally, I'd rather have a 9x23 or 38 Super than a 357 SIG. No reason for me to have a 9mm, 40S&W or 357 SIG on the 1911 platform.

Have a friend that has a 9x23 carry gun but I've never shot it. I'd like to sometime. It's a very nice custom gun. I'd love to own a 9x23 stamped 1911. Just seems like everytime one comes along, I'm short on funds or working on another project. Till then, my 38 Super keeps me pretty nice company.

 

[Zak Smith]

To what extent can "9mm SuperComp" brass from Star Line be used. The Winchester 9x23 brass is nearly impossible to find.

-z

 

[popeye]

A buddy of mine bought one of those .38 super / 9x23 combos that Colt put out in Enhanced '80 form. He sold the gun in super configuration and kept the 9x23 setup.

When he gave up his FFL cause he was fed up with bookeeping, he got rid of most of his guns and gave me the 9x23 stuff. I put the 9x23 bbl and spring and bushing in my Colt super.

Off to the range I go with some of my buddies reloads (not a good idea for anyone). I shot about 10 rounds of his stuff and decided stock spring setup was not heavy enough. I also shot about 30 factory Win. through it. I've decided 9x23 is an excellent self defence round and I'm lookin for .38 super Commander to put it in, and cut the bbl.

 

[cratz2]

The brass isn't that hard to find. You may have to order it rather than find it locally.

Wholesalehunter over on Gunbroker.com has 100 unprimed cases for $16. Or you can just buy Winchester white box soft point ammo for about 20% more and reload the brass when you're done.

 

[abrahamsmith]

Here's a very good source for 9x23 info:http://www.burnscustom.com/9x23.html
It mentions that the StarLine brass can be used, but may not last as long as the Winchester brass.

I've seen several other pages refer to 9mm SuperComp and 9x23 Win interchangably, e.g.: http://home.gci.net/~charlie/casesp.htm

 

[Zak Smith]

The Wincheter brass has about 2x the sidewall thickness at the web vs. the Starline 9mm S.C.

Therefor, in a non-100% case-head supported barrel (eg, any rampless 1911), the Win brass will contain higher pressures than the 9mm SC brass.

-z

 

[Harold Mayo]

I've thought about 9x23 Win and a Commander-sized 1911 with the 10-rd Metalform or other magazines but I've come to the conclusion that I'll just go with .38 Super. If 9x23 Win ever becomes more commercially available or just cheaper overall, I'll be able to easily start shooting it, whether in the same barrel or with a barrel change.