Any pet .38 Super loads?

[CTDinMT]

Just getting started loading for my Lightweight Commander. Haven't got much experience loading .38 Super. Here are the components I have on my bench as we speak: Unique and Bullseye for pistol powders, 115 gr plated roundnose and Fed Match small pistol primers. Any loads using the above? I have been told Power Pistol is an outstanding Super powder, but haven't go any yet. Any favorites using what I've got or maybe with some components I haven't got?
Thanks! -Steve

[grendelbane]

Unique and Bullseye for pistol powders, 115 gr plated roundnose and Fed Match small pistol primers. Any loads using the above? I have been told Power Pistol is an outstanding Super powder, but haven't go any yet.

Back in the day I used to load Unique, and whoever's 115 grain hollow points I could find cheap. CCI primers were what was usually available in my area. The Sierra manual had an insane maximum charge of Unique listed. :scared: (Hey! It was the 80's!) Looking at that manual, even their starting loads seem pretty warm by modern standards.

If I can find my notes from that long ago era I will tell you what my favorite recipe was.

[Clarkm]

I am shooting a Tokarev T33 with 9mm barrel reamed out to 9x23, using Starline 9mm Super comp brass and Win 9x23Win brass.

I like 158 gr XTPs and 158 gr LSWC both with Power Pistol.

I have a Star Super B reamed to 9x23mm, that I have been shooting 158 gr LSWC and LONGSHOT.

[ArmscorBA]

4.9 Grns 231!
Ivan

[Hunter]

I have loaded some 124 gr FMJ-RN with 5.1gr of Unique with good results that yeilds about 1100 fps (give or take). Not too punishing but plenty enough to cycle the slide and accuracy was good. With the 115gr I would start around 5.4gr of Unique (listed velocity is 1050 fps) and work up from there (not to exceed 6.6gr and that to me is too hot). With Bullseye I would start at 4.8gr (listed velocity at 1150 fps) and work up from there (not to exceed 5.6gr as max listed at 1300 fps which again for me is too hot I really see no need is maxing out a charge it is harder on the equipment, you included) I would consult your manual before loading any of these to be on the safe side and always keep an eye out for excessive pressure signs.

[TonyT]

I have used relativbely light loads for my S&W 686 in 38 Super;
130 gr. Rainier or 124 gr. Star FMJ - 4.5 to 5.0 gr. W-231 ca 870-100 fps in my gun.
151 gr. Rainier - 4.5 gr. W-231 gave me ca.900 fps; 3.6 to 3.8 gr. Titegroup gave ca 840 to 900 fps with this bullet.
Above loads were very accurate ion my S&W 686.
All loaded with federal Small Pistol primers.