I have been looking at a number of powders and trying different loads for reloading the .38 Super round. In the Hodgdon reloading data, they indicate for Winchester 231 powder and a 115 gr LRN bullet, a powder charge of between 4.9 grains and 5.7 grains the last resulting in a pressure of 30.700 CUP. This also results in a velocity of 1,191 fps. The SAAMi spec pressure however, is 36,500 CUP which would in all likelihood result in a velocity much greater. Does anyone know why the powder companies set their maximum charge weights so far below the maximum SAAMi pressure without even getting to, in this case, 1300 fps?
I realize part of the issue is simple precaution. And yes, I subscribe to all the start low and build up, precautions that will no doubt accompany responses to this post. But Buffaloe Bore has .38 Super rounds that achieve muzzle velocity of 1410 fps. While I don't necessarily want to go full out wild cat, this round typically did achieve 1300 fps with a 130 gr bullet back in 1929, Are we total wimps today?
Wade
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