So, I've been working on a .38 Super Auto load that projects the bullet at somewhere around 1300 fps. The typical velocities for reloads run say 1000 to 1200 fps. typical commercial are also loaded to 1100 - 1200 fps.
Noting that Buffalo Bore has a load that is 1450, I have been wondering what they are doing.
I found some interesting data at the Hodgdon website under a powder called Lil'Gun that is much slower burning than your pistol powder. Using 13.0 grains Lil'Gun behind a .356 in diam, 124 grain bullet in a .38 Super case, Hodgdon's data indicate a muzzle velocity of 1310 fps at a pressure of only 26,600 CUP. As before, I don't have a chronograph, but I did try the Lil'Gun, and the recoil was decided greater than with the loads I had been using. Otherwise there was no indication of excess pressure, which I did not expect but one always checks with a new load.
Interestingly, with Lil'Gun giving higher velocities with less pressure, I was anxious to see what Lil'Gun could do for the .45 Auto round. Interestingly, aside from the 410 bore shot gun, for which Lil'Gun was designed, there is no other handgun loading for this powder.
Has anyone else tried this loading?
Wade
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