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{{short description|Pistol cartridge designed by Colt's Manufacturing Company, LLC}} | |||
{{Infobox firearm cartridge | {{Infobox firearm cartridge | ||
|name=.38 Super | |name=.38 Super | ||
|image=.38 Super.jpg | image_size = 200px | |image=.38 Super.jpg | image_size = 200px | ||
|caption= | |caption= | ||
|origin= |
|origin=United States | ||
|type=] | |type=] | ||
<!-- Service history --> | <!-- Service history --> | ||
Line 13: | Line 14: | ||
|design_date= | |design_date= | ||
|manufacturer=] | |manufacturer=] | ||
|production_date= |
|production_date=1929–present | ||
|number= | |number= | ||
|variants=.38 Super Comp<br>.38 Super Lapua<br>.38 Super RL (Armscor)<br>.38 TJ (.38 Todd Jarrett) | |||
|variants= | |||
<!-- Specifications --> | <!-- Specifications --> | ||
|is_SI_specs= |
|is_SI_specs=no | ||
|parent=] |
|parent=] | ||
|case_type=Rimless straight | |case_type=Semi-rimmed, straight<br>Rimless, straight | ||
|bullet=9.04 | |bullet=.356 in (9.04 mm) | ||
|land=.346 in (8.79 mm) | |||
|neck=9.75 | |neck=.385 in (9.75 mm) | ||
|shoulder= | |shoulder= | ||
|base=9.75 | |base=.385 in (9.75 mm) | ||
|rim_dia=10.31 | |rim_dia=.406 in (10.31 mm) | ||
|rim_thick=1.27 | |rim_thick=.05 in (1.27 mm) | ||
|case_length=22. |
|case_length=.895 in (22.75 mm) | ||
|length=32.51 | |length=1.28 in (32.51 mm) | ||
|case_capacity= |
|case_capacity=17.6 | ||
|rifling= |
|rifling= 1 in 14 in (406 mm) Per Colt Manufacturing. | ||
|primer=Small pistol | |primer=Small pistol | ||
|max_pressure= |
|max_pressure=36500 | ||
<!-- Ballistic performance --> | <!-- Ballistic performance --> | ||
|bwunit= |
|bwunit= grain | ||
|bw1=8.42 | |bw1=130 (8.42 g) | ||
|btype1=Magtech FMJ | |btype1=Magtech FMJ | ||
|vel1=1215 | |vel1=1215 | ||
|en1=426 | |en1=426 | ||
|bw2=7.45 | |bw2=115 (7.45 g) | ||
|btype2=Buffalo JHP +P | |btype2=Buffalo JHP +P | ||
|vel2=1450 | |vel2=1450 | ||
|en2=537 | |en2=537 | ||
|bw3=9.53 | |bw3=147 (9.53 g) | ||
|btype3=Double Tap FMJ FP | |btype3=Double Tap FMJ FP | ||
|vel3=1225 | |vel3=1225 | ||
|en3=490 | |en3=490 | ||
|bw4=8.42 | |bw4=130 (8.42 g) | ||
|btype4=Remington UMC | |btype4=Remington UMC | ||
|vel4=1215 | |vel4=1215 | ||
|en4=426 | |en4=426 | ||
|bw5=8.04 | |bw5=124 (8.04 g) | ||
|btype5=Ruag FMJ | |btype5=Ruag FMJ | ||
|vel5=1411 | |vel5=1411 | ||
|en5=546 | |en5=546 | ||
|test_barrel_length=5 |
|test_barrel_length={{cvt|5|in}} | ||
|balsrc=38 Super Ballistics Chart<ref name="Ballistics 101"> from Ballistics 101.</ref> | |balsrc=38 Super Ballistics Chart<ref name="Ballistics 101"> from Ballistics 101.</ref> | ||
}} | }} | ||
The '''.38 Super''' |
The '''.38 Super''', also known as '''.38 Super Auto''', '''.38 Super Automatic''', '''.38 Super Automatic +P (High Pressure Variant)''', '''.38 Super +P (High Pressure Variant)''', or '''9×23mmSR''',<ref name=":0" /> is a ] ] that fires a {{convert|0.356|in|mm|adj=mid|-diameter|2}} ]. It was introduced in the late 1920s as a higher pressure loading of the ], also known as .38 Auto. The older .38 ACP cartridge propels a {{convert|130|gr|adj=on}} bullet at {{convert|1050|ft/s|abbr=on|1}}, whereas the .38 Super pushes the same bullet at {{convert|1280|ft/s|abbr=on|1}}.<ref>''Speer Reloading Manual #13'', 1998, 1999.</ref> The .38 Super has gained distinction as the caliber of choice for many top ] competitors; it remains one of the dominant calibers in ] competition.<ref name="Boatman">Boatman, Robert H.: ''Living With the 1911: A Fresh Look at the Fighting Gun'', p. 15. Paladin Press, January 2005.</ref> | ||
==Design== | ==Design== | ||
{{unreferencedsection|date=March 2023}} | |||
The cartridge was designed for use in the ] pistol and was capable of penetrating |
The cartridge was designed for use in the ] pistol and was capable of penetrating automobile bodies of the late 1920s.<ref name=":0">{{cite news|first=Massad |last=Ayoob |url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_3_47/ai_70650308 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040909040931/http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_3_47/ai_70650308 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2004-09-09 |title=.38 Super |work=Guns Magazine |date=March 2001 |access-date=2006-04-01 }}</ref> When the ] was introduced in 1935, this advantage of the .38 Super was no longer enough to lure police departments and officers from the traditional double-action revolver. | ||
The .38 Super retains the original dimensions of the .38 ACP case. The cartridge was originally designed to ] on the ], which worked in the Colt M1900 due to the design of the ]. When the .38 Auto became the .38 Super |
The .38 Super retains the original dimensions of the ] case. The cartridge was originally designed to ] on the ] case, which worked in the ] due to the design of the ]. When the .38 Auto became the .38 Super in the ], the feed ramp could no longer be used as rim support. As a result, the observed accuracy of the .38 Super suffered until Irv Stone of Bar-Sto barrels re-designed the chamber to allow headspacing on the case mouth. Since then, all new production .38 Super pistols headspace on the case mouth, as with other cartridges in this class. The semi-rimmed case is known to cause feeding problems in some ], especially double stack magazines, and led to the development of new variants with reduced rims (typically only .003 inch per side). | ||
In 1974 the industry added the +P ] to the .38 Super to further distinguish it from the lower-pressure .38 ACP. Most current ammunition manufacturers label ammunition for the Super as .38 Super +P. | In 1974, the industry added the ] ] to the .38 Super to further distinguish it from the lower-pressure .38 ACP. Most current ammunition manufacturers label ammunition for the Super as .38 Super +P. | ||
Because the .38 Super is dimensionally the same as the .38 ACP, an unsafe condition can be caused by firing Super cartridges in a firearm designed for the much lower pressure of the ACP cartridges. The weakness, in the Colt M1900, ], and others derived from that design, comes from the assembly wedge at the front of the slide. If the wedge comes out, or the slide cracks at the wedge, the slide can come off the rear of the frame when fired. The 1911 and 1911A1, having a slide that is solid on the front, cannot come off the frame that way. | |||
==Cartridge dimensions== | ==Cartridge dimensions== | ||
The .38 Super has |
The .38 Super has 17.6 ] H<sub>2</sub>O (1.14 ]) cartridge case capacity. | ||
⚫ | ] | ||
] | |||
⚫ | The common ] ] for this cartridge is 1 in 16 in (406 mm), 6 grooves, ø lands = .346 in, ø grooves = .355 in, land width =.12 mm and the ] is small pistol. Both the ] (SAAMI) and {{Lang|fr|]}} (C.I.P.) specify a bullet diameter of 0.356 inches (9.04 mm). | ||
⚫ | |||
⚫ | According to the official C.I.P. guidelines, the .38 Super case can handle up to 230 MPa (33,359 psi) piezo pressure. In C.I.P.-regulated countries, every pistol cartridge combo has to be ] at 130% of this maximum C.I.P. pressure to be certified for sale to consumers. | ||
⚫ | The common ] ] for this cartridge is |
||
⚫ | The SAAMI pressure limit for the .38 ACP or .38 Auto is set at 26,500 ] (182.72 MPa), piezo pressure. The SAAMI pressure limit for the ] is set at 36,500 psi (251.66 MPa), piezo pressure.<ref name=SAAMI>{{cite web|title=Voluntary Industry Performance Standards for Pressure and Velocity of Centerfire Pistol and Revolver Ammunition for the Use of Commercial Manufacturers |url=http://www.saami.org/specifications_and_information/publications/download/205.pdf |work=American National Standard Z229.3 |publisher=Sporting Arms & Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute, Inc. |access-date=4 May 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016171817/http://www.saami.org/specifications_and_information/publications/download/205.pdf |archive-date=16 October 2013 }}</ref> | ||
⚫ | According to the official |
||
The ] pressure limit for the ] or .38 Auto is set at 182.72 MPa (26,500 ]), piezo pressure.<br> | |||
⚫ | The ] pressure limit for the ] is set at |
||
The C.I.P. and SAAMI specified .38 Super (+P) has a |
The C.I.P. and SAAMI specified .38 Super (+P) has a semi-rimmed cartridge case. | ||
===Rimless .38 Super cartridge case variants=== | ===Rimless .38 Super cartridge case variants=== | ||
] | ] | ||
In recent years, cases such as the .38 |
In recent years, cases such as the .38 Super Comp, .38 Super Lapua, .38 Super RL (Armscor), and .38 TJ (.38 Todd Jarrett) became available transforming the .38 Super into an almost truly rimless cartridge.<ref>Miller, B. (2019, July 23). Rimless .38 Super Brass: Everything you need to know. An NRA Shooting Sports Journal. https://www.ssusa.org/content/rimless-38-super-brass-everything-you-need-to-know/</ref> These "rimless" cases are somewhat of a misnomer, due to the case rim not retaining the same diameter as the case wall just forward of the extractor groove. A common example is the .38 Super Comp case, which has a semi-rim extending only .003–.004 inch per side, compared to the standard .38 Super which has .007–.009 inch per side. The main reason for the development of new cases was due to the semi-rimmed .38 Super case not always feeding reliably from the double-stack box magazines used in several semi-automatic pistols popular with practical shooting sports, such as ] (USPSA) or ] (IPSC). The nearly rimless cases improve feeding reliability in these pistols but are intended to be used in firearms that headspace on the case mouth.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106124538/http://www.38super.net/Pages/Brass.html |date=2009-01-06 }}.</ref> Other improvements found in some of these cases are modified extractor grooves and increased thickness in key parts of the brass for high pressure loadings. | ||
==Performance== | ==Performance== | ||
Because of its larger case volume, which allows for more smokeless powder and results in higher muzzle velocities at |
Because of its larger case volume, which allows for more smokeless powder and results in higher muzzle velocities at similar pressure levels,<ref name=SAAMI /> the .38 Super offers higher bullet velocity potential than the ] when handloaded and in some defense loadings. The 9×19mm Parabellum is however approved for higher pressure +P loadings by both SAAMI and C.I.P., which compensates for much of the case volume difference in factory-loaded ammunition. The .38 Super is generally regarded as a well-balanced cartridge with a flat trajectory, good accuracy and relatively high muzzle energy; most loadings have greater muzzle energy than many factory-loaded ] loadings.<ref name="Boatman_16">Boatman, 16</ref> | ||
===Muzzle velocity=== | ===Muzzle velocity=== | ||
* 7.5 g |
* 115 Gr (7.5 g) full metal jacket: {{convert|1405|ft/s|m/s|}} | ||
* 8.0 g |
* 124 Gr (8.0 g) full metal jacket: {{convert|1350|ft/s|m/s|}} | ||
] offers the .38 Super +P in several full-power self-defense–style loads with advertised velocities such as 115 |
] offers the .38 Super +P in several full-power self-defense–style loads with advertised velocities such as 115 gr {{convert|1425|ft/s|m/s|abbr=on}} and 125 gr {{convert|1350|ft/s|m/s|abbr=on}}. Tests with ammunition besides Cor-Bon/Glaser increases velocity by between {{convert|30|ft/s|m/s|abbr=on}} to {{convert|50|ft/s|m/s|abbr=on}} on average.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=g02yCQAAQBAJ&pg=PA102|title=A Guide to Handgun Cartridges|last=Holloway|first=T.|date=2015|publisher=Lulu.com|isbn=978-1-329-00762-8|page=102}}</ref> | ||
==Usage== | ==Usage== | ||
The .38 Super has made a comeback in IPSC and |
The .38 Super has made a comeback in IPSC and USPSA sports shooting ]s, particularly when equipped with a ], because it exceeds the ] threshold to be considered a "major" charge, while having much more manageable ] than .45 ACP.{{cn|date=March 2023}} Part of the felt recoil reduction is due to the use of lighter-weight bullets. The main cause of reduced felt recoil is a compensator, or muzzle brake. | ||
The comeback began in the early 1980s |
The comeback began in the early 1980s when ] and ] began experimenting and competing with .38 Super pistols in IPSC.{{cn|date=March 2023}} At the time, single-stack 1911s in .45 ACP were dominant. Their .38 Super pistols held one or two more rounds simply due to the smaller case diameter. However, the biggest advantage was the muzzle brake, allowing for faster follow-up shots, and thus faster stages and subsequent higher scores.{{cn|date=March 2023}} Competitors still using .45 ACP pistols attempted to keep pace, both by adding compensators and by reducing bullet weight, quickly reaching the limit at 152-155 grains.{{cn|date=March 2023}} The .38 Super could be loaded with a bullet as light as 115 grains. | ||
Use of compensators in competition is limited to Open Division in USPSA/ |
Use of compensators in competition is limited to the Open Division in IPSC and USPSA, as well as in certain cases for the ] Enhanced Service Pistol division.<ref>{{cite web |title=2023 Equipment Appendix |url=https://www.idpa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2023_Equipment_Appendix_Master_v2.pdf |website=IDPA.com |publisher=International Defensive Pistol Association |access-date=19 December 2024}}</ref> The other divisions do not permit their use, such as the (IDPA) Stock Service Pistol division.<ref>{{cite web |title=2023 Equipment Appendix |url=https://www.idpa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2023_Equipment_Appendix_Master_v2.pdf |website=IDPA.com |publisher=International Defensive Pistol Association |access-date=19 December 2024}}</ref> Lacking a compensator, a .38 Super, running at major, has felt recoil much like that of a .45 ACP, and more than that of a 9mm Parabellum.{{cn|date=March 2023}} | ||
Apart from its popularity in |
Apart from its popularity in shooting sports, the .38 Super +P is one of the most popular pistol cartridges in ] due to local restrictions on civilian ownership of firearms chambered for military cartridges, such as 9mm Parabellum and .45 ACP.<ref name="Boatman_16" /> | ||
The .38 Super round received further publicity through the single-action "Colt Combat Commander" and lightweight aluminum alloy frame "Colt Commander". When Colt switched the inventory |
The .38 Super round received further publicity through the single-action "Colt Combat Commander" and lightweight aluminum alloy frame "Colt Commander". When Colt switched the inventory supply of the model from the Series-70s to the Series-80s, the model fell into lesser demand. A small number of .45 ACP ] were also made in .38 Super, such as the ]<ref> | ||
⚫ | {{cite web | title= Ingram Model 6 (M6) submachine gun (USA) | date= 27 October 2010 | publisher= World Guns | url= http://world.guns.ru/smg/usa/ingram-m6-e.html | access-date= 2011-09-28}}</ref> and ].<ref>{{cite book | title= Cartridges of the World: A Complete and Illustrated Reference for Over 1500 Cartridge | author= Frank C. Barnes | year= 2014 | publisher= Gun Digest Books | location= Iola, Wisconsin | isbn= 9781440242656}}</ref> A ] variant of the M1911 chambered in .38 Super was also produced by ].<ref>{{cite book | last= Thompson | first= Leroy | title= The Colt 1911 Pistol | url= https://archive.org/details/coltpistolweapon00thom | url-access= limited | publisher= Osprey Publishing, Limited | year= 2011 | isbn= 978-1-84908-836-7 | page= }}</ref> | ||
⚫ | The .38 Super +P cartridge ballistics have been improved over the years by the use of modern propellants. Since the early 2000s, ammunition is available with velocities exceeding {{convert|1400|ft/s|m/s|abbr=on}}. This is impressive from a ] and is comparable to the ].<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090325091809/http://38super.net/Pages/comparisons.html |date=2009-03-25 }}.</ref> Ammunition is also being manufactured in the modern ] style bullet with excellent ballistics for personal defense. A standard single-stack magazine in a 1911-style semi-automatic pistol holds nine to eleven rounds, plus one in the chamber. Double-stack magazine pistols in this cartridge holds fifteen to eighteen rounds, plus one in the chamber. | ||
⚫ | |||
The .38 Super +P is very popular in Australia (partly due to firearms laws prohibiting calibers over .38 caliber from use in IPSC) and Latin America for competition shooting and is also finding its way back into the role of a ] caliber.{{cn|date=March 2023}} | |||
⚫ | The .38 Super +P cartridge ballistics have been improved over the years by the use of modern propellants. |
||
==Synonyms== | |||
*.38 Colt Super Automatic | |||
*.38 Super Auto | |||
*.38 Super ACP | |||
*.38 Super +P | |||
*Super 38 | |||
*9×23mmSR +P | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* ] | |||
*] | *] | ||
*] | |||
*] | *] | ||
*] | *] | ||
Line 130: | Line 126: | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
* | |||
* | * | ||
{{commons category |
{{commons category}} | ||
{{.38 Calibre}} | {{.38 Calibre}} | ||
] | |||
] | |||
] | ] | ||
] |
Latest revision as of 01:23, 19 December 2024
Pistol cartridge designed by Colt's Manufacturing Company, LLC.38 Super | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Pistol | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Place of origin | United States | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Production history | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Manufacturer | Colt's Manufacturing Company | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Produced | 1929–present | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Variants | .38 Super Comp .38 Super Lapua .38 Super RL (Armscor) .38 TJ (.38 Todd Jarrett) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Specifications | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Parent case | .38 ACP | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Case type | Semi-rimmed, straight Rimless, straight | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Bullet diameter | .356 in (9.04 mm) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Land diameter | .346 in (8.79 mm) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Neck diameter | .385 in (9.75 mm) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Base diameter | .385 in (9.75 mm) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Rim diameter | .406 in (10.31 mm) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Rim thickness | .05 in (1.27 mm) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Case length | .895 in (22.75 mm) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Overall length | 1.28 in (32.51 mm) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Case capacity | 17.6 gr H2O (1.14 cm) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Rifling twist | 1 in 14 in (406 mm) Per Colt Manufacturing. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Primer type | Small pistol | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Maximum pressure | 36,500 psi (252 MPa) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Ballistic performance | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Test barrel length: 5 in (130 mm) Source(s): 38 Super Ballistics Chart |
The .38 Super, also known as .38 Super Auto, .38 Super Automatic, .38 Super Automatic +P (High Pressure Variant), .38 Super +P (High Pressure Variant), or 9×23mmSR, is a pistol cartridge that fires a 0.356-inch-diameter (9.04 mm) bullet. It was introduced in the late 1920s as a higher pressure loading of the .38 ACP, also known as .38 Auto. The older .38 ACP cartridge propels a 130-grain (8.4 g) bullet at 1,050 ft/s (320.0 m/s), whereas the .38 Super pushes the same bullet at 1,280 ft/s (390.1 m/s). The .38 Super has gained distinction as the caliber of choice for many top practical shooting competitors; it remains one of the dominant calibers in IPSC competition.
Design
This section does not cite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (March 2023) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
The cartridge was designed for use in the M1911 pistol and was capable of penetrating automobile bodies of the late 1920s. When the .357 Magnum was introduced in 1935, this advantage of the .38 Super was no longer enough to lure police departments and officers from the traditional double-action revolver.
The .38 Super retains the original dimensions of the .38 ACP case. The cartridge was originally designed to headspace on the semi-rimmed case, which worked in the Colt M1900 due to the design of the feed ramp. When the .38 Auto became the .38 Super in the 1911A1, the feed ramp could no longer be used as rim support. As a result, the observed accuracy of the .38 Super suffered until Irv Stone of Bar-Sto barrels re-designed the chamber to allow headspacing on the case mouth. Since then, all new production .38 Super pistols headspace on the case mouth, as with other cartridges in this class. The semi-rimmed case is known to cause feeding problems in some magazines, especially double stack magazines, and led to the development of new variants with reduced rims (typically only .003 inch per side).
In 1974, the industry added the +P headstamp to the .38 Super to further distinguish it from the lower-pressure .38 ACP. Most current ammunition manufacturers label ammunition for the Super as .38 Super +P.
Because the .38 Super is dimensionally the same as the .38 ACP, an unsafe condition can be caused by firing Super cartridges in a firearm designed for the much lower pressure of the ACP cartridges. The weakness, in the Colt M1900, Colt M1902, and others derived from that design, comes from the assembly wedge at the front of the slide. If the wedge comes out, or the slide cracks at the wedge, the slide can come off the rear of the frame when fired. The 1911 and 1911A1, having a slide that is solid on the front, cannot come off the frame that way.
Cartridge dimensions
The .38 Super has 17.6 grains H2O (1.14 ml) cartridge case capacity.
The common rifling twist rate for this cartridge is 1 in 16 in (406 mm), 6 grooves, ø lands = .346 in, ø grooves = .355 in, land width =.12 mm and the primer type is small pistol. Both the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI) and Commission internationale permanente pour l'épreuve des armes à feu portatives (C.I.P.) specify a bullet diameter of 0.356 inches (9.04 mm).
According to the official C.I.P. guidelines, the .38 Super case can handle up to 230 MPa (33,359 psi) piezo pressure. In C.I.P.-regulated countries, every pistol cartridge combo has to be proofed at 130% of this maximum C.I.P. pressure to be certified for sale to consumers.
The SAAMI pressure limit for the .38 ACP or .38 Auto is set at 26,500 psi (182.72 MPa), piezo pressure. The SAAMI pressure limit for the .38 Super +P is set at 36,500 psi (251.66 MPa), piezo pressure.
The C.I.P. and SAAMI specified .38 Super (+P) has a semi-rimmed cartridge case.
Rimless .38 Super cartridge case variants
In recent years, cases such as the .38 Super Comp, .38 Super Lapua, .38 Super RL (Armscor), and .38 TJ (.38 Todd Jarrett) became available transforming the .38 Super into an almost truly rimless cartridge. These "rimless" cases are somewhat of a misnomer, due to the case rim not retaining the same diameter as the case wall just forward of the extractor groove. A common example is the .38 Super Comp case, which has a semi-rim extending only .003–.004 inch per side, compared to the standard .38 Super which has .007–.009 inch per side. The main reason for the development of new cases was due to the semi-rimmed .38 Super case not always feeding reliably from the double-stack box magazines used in several semi-automatic pistols popular with practical shooting sports, such as United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) or International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC). The nearly rimless cases improve feeding reliability in these pistols but are intended to be used in firearms that headspace on the case mouth. Other improvements found in some of these cases are modified extractor grooves and increased thickness in key parts of the brass for high pressure loadings.
Performance
Because of its larger case volume, which allows for more smokeless powder and results in higher muzzle velocities at similar pressure levels, the .38 Super offers higher bullet velocity potential than the 9×19mm Parabellum when handloaded and in some defense loadings. The 9×19mm Parabellum is however approved for higher pressure +P loadings by both SAAMI and C.I.P., which compensates for much of the case volume difference in factory-loaded ammunition. The .38 Super is generally regarded as a well-balanced cartridge with a flat trajectory, good accuracy and relatively high muzzle energy; most loadings have greater muzzle energy than many factory-loaded .45 ACP loadings.
Muzzle velocity
- 115 Gr (7.5 g) full metal jacket: 1,405 feet per second (428 m/s)
- 124 Gr (8.0 g) full metal jacket: 1,350 feet per second (410 m/s)
Cor-Bon/Glaser offers the .38 Super +P in several full-power self-defense–style loads with advertised velocities such as 115 gr 1,425 ft/s (434 m/s) and 125 gr 1,350 ft/s (410 m/s). Tests with ammunition besides Cor-Bon/Glaser increases velocity by between 30 ft/s (9.1 m/s) to 50 ft/s (15 m/s) on average.
Usage
The .38 Super has made a comeback in IPSC and USPSA sports shooting raceguns, particularly when equipped with a compensator, because it exceeds the power factor threshold to be considered a "major" charge, while having much more manageable recoil than .45 ACP. Part of the felt recoil reduction is due to the use of lighter-weight bullets. The main cause of reduced felt recoil is a compensator, or muzzle brake.
The comeback began in the early 1980s when Rob Leatham and Brian Enos began experimenting and competing with .38 Super pistols in IPSC. At the time, single-stack 1911s in .45 ACP were dominant. Their .38 Super pistols held one or two more rounds simply due to the smaller case diameter. However, the biggest advantage was the muzzle brake, allowing for faster follow-up shots, and thus faster stages and subsequent higher scores. Competitors still using .45 ACP pistols attempted to keep pace, both by adding compensators and by reducing bullet weight, quickly reaching the limit at 152-155 grains. The .38 Super could be loaded with a bullet as light as 115 grains.
Use of compensators in competition is limited to the Open Division in IPSC and USPSA, as well as in certain cases for the International Defensive Pistol Association Enhanced Service Pistol division. The other divisions do not permit their use, such as the (IDPA) Stock Service Pistol division. Lacking a compensator, a .38 Super, running at major, has felt recoil much like that of a .45 ACP, and more than that of a 9mm Parabellum.
Apart from its popularity in shooting sports, the .38 Super +P is one of the most popular pistol cartridges in Latin America due to local restrictions on civilian ownership of firearms chambered for military cartridges, such as 9mm Parabellum and .45 ACP.
The .38 Super round received further publicity through the single-action "Colt Combat Commander" and lightweight aluminum alloy frame "Colt Commander". When Colt switched the inventory supply of the model from the Series-70s to the Series-80s, the model fell into lesser demand. A small number of .45 ACP submachine guns were also made in .38 Super, such as the Ingram Model 6 and Thompson submachine gun. A machine pistol variant of the M1911 chambered in .38 Super was also produced by Hyman S. Lehman.
The .38 Super +P cartridge ballistics have been improved over the years by the use of modern propellants. Since the early 2000s, ammunition is available with velocities exceeding 1,400 ft/s (430 m/s). This is impressive from a semi-automatic pistol and is comparable to the .357 SIG. Ammunition is also being manufactured in the modern hollowpoint style bullet with excellent ballistics for personal defense. A standard single-stack magazine in a 1911-style semi-automatic pistol holds nine to eleven rounds, plus one in the chamber. Double-stack magazine pistols in this cartridge holds fifteen to eighteen rounds, plus one in the chamber.
The .38 Super +P is very popular in Australia (partly due to firearms laws prohibiting calibers over .38 caliber from use in IPSC) and Latin America for competition shooting and is also finding its way back into the role of a concealed carry caliber.
See also
- 9mm Major
- .38/.45 Clerke
- .356 TSW
- 9 mm caliber
- List of handgun cartridges
- Table of handgun and rifle cartridges
References
- from Ballistics 101.
- ^ Ayoob, Massad (March 2001). ".38 Super". Guns Magazine. Archived from the original on 2004-09-09. Retrieved 2006-04-01.
- Speer Reloading Manual #13, 1998, 1999.
- Boatman, Robert H.: Living With the 1911: A Fresh Look at the Fighting Gun, p. 15. Paladin Press, January 2005.
- "C.I.P. decisions, texts and tables - free current C.I.P. CD-ROM version download (ZIP and RAR format)". Archived from the original on 2009-06-20. Retrieved 2008-10-17.
- ^ "Voluntary Industry Performance Standards for Pressure and Velocity of Centerfire Pistol and Revolver Ammunition for the Use of Commercial Manufacturers" (PDF). American National Standard Z229.3. Sporting Arms & Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute, Inc. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 October 2013. Retrieved 4 May 2013.
- Miller, B. (2019, July 23). Rimless .38 Super Brass: Everything you need to know. An NRA Shooting Sports Journal. https://www.ssusa.org/content/rimless-38-super-brass-everything-you-need-to-know/
- Rimless .38 Super Brass Archived 2009-01-06 at the Wayback Machine.
- ^ Boatman, 16
- Holloway, T. (2015). A Guide to Handgun Cartridges. Lulu.com. p. 102. ISBN 978-1-329-00762-8.
- "2023 Equipment Appendix" (PDF). IDPA.com. International Defensive Pistol Association. Retrieved 19 December 2024.
- "2023 Equipment Appendix" (PDF). IDPA.com. International Defensive Pistol Association. Retrieved 19 December 2024.
- "Ingram Model 6 (M6) submachine gun (USA)". World Guns. 27 October 2010. Retrieved 2011-09-28.
- Frank C. Barnes (2014). Cartridges of the World: A Complete and Illustrated Reference for Over 1500 Cartridge. Iola, Wisconsin: Gun Digest Books. ISBN 9781440242656.
- Thompson, Leroy (2011). The Colt 1911 Pistol. Osprey Publishing, Limited. p. 22. ISBN 978-1-84908-836-7.
- The .38 Super +P compared to other pistol cartridges Archived 2009-03-25 at the Wayback Machine.
External links
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