Warning: Bullet selections are specific, and loads are not valid with substitutions of different bullets of the same weight. Variations in bullet length will alter net case capacity, pressure and velocity. Primer selection is specific and primer types are not interchangeable. These are maximum loads in my firearms and may be excessive in others. All loads should be reduced by 5% as a starting point for development where cartridges have greater than 40 grains in capacity and 10% for cartridges with less than 40 grain capacity following safe handloading practices as represented in established mainstream reloading manuals. Presentation of these loads does not constitute a solicitation for their use, nor a recommendation.
| Cartridge: 38 Super +P (Maximum 36,500 PSI) |
|
| Firearm | Colt Series 70 1911 |
| Barrel Length | 5.00″ |
| Min – Max Case Length | 0.900″ +0.0″/-0.010″ |
| Min – Max Cartridge Overall Length | 1.220″ – 1.280″ |
| Primer | CCI 550 – Small Pistol Magnum |
| Bullet Diameter | 0.356″ +0.000″/-0.006″ |
| Reloading Dies | RCBS |
| Bullet Type | Bullet Weight Grains |
Net H2O Grains Capacity |
COL” | Powder Type | Powder Charge Grains |
Muzzle Velocity fps |
Muzzle Energy ft/lbs |
| Hornady HP-XTP | 115 | 12.8 | 1.245 | AA #7 | 11.0 | 1424 | 518 |
| Hornady HP-XTP | 115 | 12.8 | 1.245 | Blue Dot | 10.0 | 1384 | 489 |
| Hornady HP-XTP | 115 | 12.8 | 1.245 | HS-6 | 8.5 | 1358 | 471 |
| Sierra JHP | 115 | 12.9 | 1.215 | AA #7 | 11.0 | 1437 | 527 |
| Sierra JHP | 115 | 12.9 | 1.215 | Power Pistol | 8.5 | 1451 | 538 |
| Sierra JHP | 115 | 12.9 | 1.215 | RS Silhouette | 8.0 | 1416 | 512 |
| Hornady HP-XTP | 124 | 11.2 | 1.210 | AA #7 | 10.0 | 1363 | 512 |
| Hornady HP-XTP | 124 | 11.2 | 1.210 | Power Pistol | 7.5 | 1319 | 479 |
| Hornady HP-XTP | 124 | 11.2 | 1.210 | HS-6 | 8.0 | 1334 | 490 |
| Speer Gold Dot | 125 | 13.7 | 1.260 | AA #7 | 10.0 | 1284 | 458 |
| Speer Gold Dot | 125 | 13.7 | 1.260 | AA #9 | 12.0 | 1344 | 501 |
| Speer Gold Dot | 125 | 13.7 | 1.260 | RS Silhouette | 7.8 | 1326 | 488 |
| Hornady HP-XTP | 147 | 10.7 | 1.260 | AA #7 | 9.0 | 1146 | 429 |
| Hornady HP-XTP | 147 | 10.7 | 1.260 | AA #9 | 10.2 | 1154 | 435 |
| Hornady HP-XTP | 147 | 10.7 | 1.260 | RS Silhouette | 6.5 | 1189 | 462 |
| Speer Gold Dot | 147 | 11.2 | 1.275 | AA #7 | 9.0 | 1132 | 418 |
| Speer Gold Dot | 147 | 11.2 | 1.275 | AA #9 | 10.5 | 1159 | 439 |
| Speer Gold Dot | 147 | 11.2 | 1.275 | RS Silhouette | 6.5 | 1126 | 414 |
With heavier projectiles in calibers like this, it would be nice to see loading data for cast or PCd bullets. I would expect the maximum charge weights to be similar, but velocity differences would likely be noteworthy.
Yes, this is one I would like to work again. Thanks for the reminder.