38 Super load testing

I shot the Zero 125gr JHPs today with 4.3gr of WST.  I have no idea how they grouped as I can't see the iron sights. Will need to wait for the dot to group test.  Gun ran fine but wasn't locking back on last round.  I installed a 9lb recoil spring this evening but also dropped the charge to 4.1 WST and will take the Labradar tomorrow.  The 4.3 was a little snapper then I wanted but then I have no experience with a 38 Super.  I don't mind snappy as I shoot Major Power Factor with 9mm.  Don

I wonder if the correct slide stop is installed. I can imagine RIA putting a .45 part in its place. Just guessing here.

LenV wrote:I wonder if the correct slide stop is installed. I can imagine RIA putting a .45 part in its place. Just guessing here.

^^That

LenV wrote:I wonder if the correct slide stop is installed. I can imagine RIA putting a .45 part in its place. Just guessing here.

I think they probably got it right as with the Factory +P loads it locked back fine.  I was shooting reduced loads yesterday and I noticed from another post that was giving results of lower charges with different recoil springs that lock back was a problem.  I will see what happens today with the even lower loads and a 9lb spring.  I will need to switch to cast bullets if I am going to shoot this gun much the JHPs cost twice as much.  Don

Don:
Are you running a Shok-Buff in that gun?

Gary Wells wrote:Don:
Are you running a Shok-Buff in that gun?

No Gary it is just as it came from the factory.  Due to the fact that the only 38 Super loads I could find in town were +P the gun only has 15 of those through it a 10 of my reloads.  I am all set up now to reload 38 Super but those 15 once fires was all the brass I had.  The new Starline came in late yesterday.  I should not judge a gun that only has 25 rounds through it but now as soon as I can decide on the load I will start breaking it in.  Also need cast bullets to save some mone and keep these Zero JHPs for the long line.  BTW I do have some of those buffers but have never used them.  Too many fore and against posted here.  Don

just for a frame of reference,  I run a 12 lbs ISMI recoil spring in my 38 super EIC pistol...Run fairly light loads of BE with 115 and 124 XTPs.

Magload wrote:

Gary Wells wrote:Don:
Are you running a Shok-Buff in that gun?

No Gary it is just as it came from the factory.  Due to the fact that the only 38 Super loads I could find in town were +P the gun only has 15 of those through it a 10 of my reloads.  I am all set up now to reload 38 Super but those 15 once fires was all the brass I had.  The new Starline came in late yesterday.  I should not judge a gun that only has 25 rounds through it but now as soon as I can decide on the load I will start breaking it in.  Also need cast bullets to save some mone and keep these Zero JHPs for the long line.  BTW I do have some of those buffers but have never used them.  Too many fore and against posted here.  Don

Try www.bayoubullets.net . Very good, value priced, quick delivery bullets. I like the 120 or 124 gr TCG bullet in 9mm for 9mm or .38 Super. They also have an excellent .45 185 gr SWC. The .45 I load with either 3.8 Clays, 4.0 WST or 4.2 N310 at 1.235". The .38 Super load is 4.5 WST at 1.240 +/-. All of these will shoot under 2" at 50 yds with quality gun, skill set.

Gun ran great today with the 9lb spring and the 4.1gr WST.  Checked with my Labradar and was still getting 980 fps avg.  i am thinking I am wanting to get that down to around 850 to 900 but have no experence with the 38 Super so that maybe to low.  I will use these JHPs for LL if the gun preforms ok.  It is all kind of a waste of time till I can check groups at 50yds.  Don

For a very accurate and very inexpensive jacketed bullet, look at RMR's 124 FMJ FP bullet. It's only a little more expensive than lead, and has been very accurate in my 9mm and 38 Super Kart barrels. 

https://rmrbullets.com/shop/bullets-for-reloading/bullets-for-reloading-9mm-355-12/9mm-124-gr-rmr-fmj-flat-nose-new-made-right-here-at-rmr/?v=7516fd43adaa