38 Super vs. 10mm vs. .45

[Tommy D]

I own a few .45's, have owned a Delta Elite 10mm, but have never owned or shot a Colt 38 Super. I was wondering if some of you good folks had some experience with the 38 Super could make some comparisons vs. the .45 & 10mm. I saw a very nice series 80 (two tone) at one of my local stores but having no experience with them I've shyed away from it. What am I missing?

[CCMDFD]

I love the .38 Super in a 1911. It's low recoil, compared to a .45, yet it's quite loud. When I'm at the outdoor range and shooting mine, people always come up and want to know what it is. The extra few rounds are also nice-you can get 10 round mags. Older models are reportedly not as accurate due to headspacing issues, but that isn't the case with newer models.

Of my 1911's, 3 are .38's and 2 are .45's, and 1 is a 10mm. I'd have no trouble adding more .38's to the mix.

Try one, you'll like it!!!

cc

[Hunter]

I have Colts in the mentioned calibers. To me the .38 Super (with real .38 Super ammunition) has a little sharper recoil but not as forceful. Very manageable. The 10mm being the sharpest of the three with recoil (again with real 10mm ammunition). I like mine very much and can download it to very low recoil or pretty hot just depending on what you want. I am also a big fan of the 10mm in a 1911 platform. A very powerful round but can be loaded to .40 S&W velocities to save wear and tear on the pistol. My favorite being the .45 ACP. With that said variety is the spice of life and all three calibers offer distinct characteristics. I agree try one you will like it.

[TheGerk]

I own a few .45's, have owned a Delta Elite 10mm, but have never owned or shot a Colt 38 Super. I was wondering if some of you good folks had some experience with the 38 Super could make some comparisons vs. the .45 & 10mm. I saw a very nice series 80 (two tone) at one of my local stores but having no experience with them I've shyed away from it. What am I missing?

The .38 Super is a fantastic cartridge and can be very accurate. As far as power comparisons it’s basically a 9MM that’s been working out in the gym.

SAAMI specifications
Bullet diameter 9MM .355 inch .38 Super .356 inch 10MM .400 inch .45ACP .451 inch
Operating Pressure (MAP) Maximum Average Pressure
9MM 33,000 Copper Units of Pressure (CUP)
38 Super 33,000 C.U.P.
10MM 37,500 P.S.I.
45ACP 21,000 P.S.I. standard 23,000 P.S.I. (+P)

Although the 9MM and the 38 Super share the same MAP the 38 Super is generally 100 to 200 FPS faster due to the larger case, it can use higher loadings and operate at the same pressure levels.

The .38 Super is a fine cartridge, moderate recoil, and since all modern gun and barrel makers headspace this cartridge on the case mouth can develop excellent accuracy.
Good Luck

[emiddio]

dont forget the 9x23Win --

i have Colt's 9mm, 38sup, 9x23 -- factory guns -- each fit with 2 other barrels -- that makes each gun capable of shooting 9mm, 38super, 9x23Win;

i also have Colt's in 45acp -- no 10mm colts -- only that in Glocks -- wish i had a Colt in 10mm.

the 9x23Win is more powerful than the 38super -- designed to meet SAAMI specs for Major Power Factor -- my understainding is the only way 38Super could meet major was to exceed SAAMI specs -- in special smithed guns.

factory specs of 9x23Win are 1440 ft/sec -- 126gr bullet, and have read can be as high as 51000 PSI.

[Weg Ban]

I just went through this same experience. See 38 Super Why or Why Not thread for my outcome (this forum keeps costing me money)

[daveohno]

(this forum keeps costing me money)
We should be happy Colt does not make more pistols than they do. We'd all be broke as can be.

[Hunter]

(this forum keeps costing me money)
We should be happy Colt does not make more pistols than they do. We'd all be broke as can be.
I will agree now off to gunbroker. :D