Old school reloading data

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Ghys_T3LSS

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Hi,

I'd need help before I go forward half blinded...

I'm starting in reloading, and I need the final information about my caliber. The pistol ammo I want to load is 38 ACP. It is now an obsolete cartridge so it's not in my new Speer book. My guess would be to start with a load under the minimum 38 Super +P start load, but i'm just not sure.

I'm pretty sure somebody here could post a picture of the page I need, or send it by e-mail. My second option is not that bad, because I shot super+P a few months ago, but I'd prefer doing it right.

Thanks,

Ghys
 
125gr. bullet and 4.7grs of Bullseye...sorry best i can do, old school and don't know how to send pics. or attachments.
 
Found info in win 10th edition
limited information
38 ACP 130g fmc powder 231 max 4.4g vel 875 20000 cup

max overall length 1.280"

was this also called 38 colt super ????

also found info for 90g 95g &100g using AP70N powder from a less relable source
 
Hogdon's Reloading Data Manual #21 circa 1970

.380ACP

95 grain lead bullet
No starting loads listed
Maximum loads as follows
Powder HS-5 .....3.0 grs.......956 fps
Topmark 3.0 grs........849 fps

I wish I had a scanner. Lyman's 49th Edition has 2 pages of data on this particular cartridge.
Tell me what bullet weight you're using in a PM and I'll give you the data. Looks like your choices are 90, 95, 115, 120 grains.
 
We had better know exactly WHICH Colt 38 he is talking about before we start giving load advice. There was a 38 ACP before the Super, and the loads are NOT interchangeable. Nor is this caliber the same as the 380 ACP. Caution is a good thing when you making little bombs that you will set off in your hands. - dan
 
just having some fun said:
Found info in win 10th edition
limited information
38 ACP 130g fmc powder 231 max 4.4g vel 875 20000 cup

max overall length 1.280"

was this also called 38 colt super ????

also found info for 90g 95g &100g using AP70N powder from a less relable source
Click to expand...

no that's a different round altogether- the super is loaded to somewhat higher velocities and is typically on the 1911 frame- the acp is typically on something like a 1900/02/05 ( the one with dual barrel links)- using one for the other will GET YOU IN SIGNIFICANT TROUBLE
 
.38acp and .38 super are indentical in appearance....

However using .38 super in your prized Colt chambered in .38acp will be a disaster....

For those interested, I have loading manuals going back 70 years, I will be happy to look up some loads.
john@marstar.ca


John
 
Ganderite said:
38 ACP (not Super or 380)

110gr - 6.0 Unique

115gr 6.0 Unique

125 5.5 Unique

The above loads are near max for full power. I would load a half grain or even 1 grain less for plinking.
Click to expand...

Is the 38 acp the same as 38 auto??? If so, I have a bunch loads for him from my Hornady reloading book that are on course with your info.

:cheers:
 
My colt is chambered for the 38 ACP, AKA 38 Auto, 38 Rimless smokeless... I know very well that it is not a 380 or any else 38 caliber. I will reload using 38 Super brass, 125 gr, .355 bullets and now... the powder...

Don't worry, I will take every advice carefully.

FYI, 30-35 super+P cartridges went through the barrel, and hopefully, nothing spectacular happened.

Thank you for your help!

Ghys
 
Tryout soon..

I have reloaded my first 10 rounds.

Took 4.0 gr. of red dot powder as listed on hornady books.
My only concern now is the crimp.
I'm afraid there is too much, but how can I know? What will be the effect on pressure/ safety?

I'm just not sure if I fire them or not.

Any advice or experience is welcome,

Ghys
 
Ghys_T3LSS said:
My colt is chambered for the 38 ACP, AKA 38 Auto, 38 Rimless smokeless... I know very well that it is not a 380 or any else 38 caliber. I will reload using 38 Super brass, 125 gr, .355 bullets and now... the powder...

Don't worry, I will take every advice carefully.

FYI, 30-35 super+P cartridges went through the barrel, and hopefully, nothing spectacular happened.

Thank you for your help!

Ghys
Click to expand...
I have 2 old manuals, first is the 1st edition of the Lee manual and it lists 3 powders 110 to 130gr Reddot 4.5gr,130-150Green dot4.4gr and130-150 Herco 5.7gr. I can't find a date for this manual, but the price on the cover is $.98 cents.
The 2nd manual is from Winchester dated 1978 and lists 1 load for 130gr bullet with Win 231 powder 4.4gr.
 
I don't have any experience with the 38ACP but unless it's a notable exception among semi-auto rounds, here's what I can tell you: crimps on semi-auto rounds should only serve to remove the bell on the case mouth. They shouldn't alter the appearance of the case. You shouldn't be able to tell with the naked eye that there's a crimp in your case.

Semi-auto cartridges headspace on the case mouth, so you need to have that "ledge" of a case mouth around the bullet for the cartridge to chamber properly. Run a fingernail around the mouths of your cartridges, it's up to you to decide whether there's enough of a "ledge" there to properly headspace.

When too much crimp is applied the mouth of the case can slip over the edge of the chamber, pinching the bullet on its way out. This can lead to excessive pressure.

How much is too much? I don't know. I bought some commercially-reloaded 10mm rounds once whose case mouths were severely crimped. Really bit into the bullet. They always shot without a hitch though, so who knows?
 
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