quote:

.38 Super vs. .357 SIG

I would think the .357 SIG would have better feed reliability in a double-stack gun than the .38 Super. The Super is straight-walled and semi-rimmed, while the SIG is bottlenecked and rimless. The latter would feed into a chamber like pouring a liquid through a funnel and have no rim to hang up, which has been known to happen with the semi-rimmed .32 ACP.

Gents,

I have found a solution to my problem. I'm having a custom 1911 Commander built in .38 Super. I've carried a Commander in .45 ACP for years. This will be my final carry pistol. The build begins Jan 2023...I'm ordering parts now.

Wes

quote:

Originally posted by Weshowe:
Gents,

I have found a solution to my problem. I'm having a custom 1911 Commander built in .38 Super. I've carried a Commander in .45 ACP for years. This will be my final carry pistol. The build begins Jan 2023...I'm ordering parts now.

Wes

While not a custom build, here is my Combat Commander in .38 Super with a Kart fitted barrel. The barrel made a huge difference in my groups.

I still plan to add a beaver tail, as it still is a bit uncomfortable when shooting a large number of rounds.

I can hardly wait to see your build.

quote:

Originally posted by Weshowe:
Gents,

I have found a solution to my problem. I'm having a custom 1911 Commander built in .38 Super. I've carried a Commander in .45 ACP for years. This will be my final carry pistol. The build begins Jan 2023...I'm ordering parts now.

Wes

Awesome decision

Like so many of my SIGForum brothers, I am also a fan of 38 SUPER and I have been slowly doing two builds for myself.

One is a Detonics CombatMaster top end that I am mating to an Officers model frame and the second is a 6" Long Slide for the range

I look forward to hearing and seeing your build when it is completed

quote:

Originally posted by Delta-3:

Exactly my point. 38 Super should run in the 1300 fps+ velocities.

Agreed on your testing. I also used a 5" Colt Competition Series for my testing. Fiocchi, Armscorp, PPU. None exceeded 1300 fps W/LAB radar unit.

Two issues, first the Fiocchi and Armscor ammo you tested is not +P, as I previously mentioned.

And second, 130g factory 38 Super was never loaded at over 1300 fps that I can determine. Research of old ammo adds and catalogs shows that. The 1300 number for old factory ammo is another internet myth, IMO.

quote:

Originally posted by Delta-3:
1200 fps can be equaled by 9mm fairly easily.

Not with 130 grain projectiles, and not unless you go to +P+ 9mm.

quote:

Two issues, first the Fiocchi and Armscor ammo you tested is not +P, as I previously mentioned.

And second, 130g factory 38 Super was never loaded at over 1300 fps that I can determine. Research of old ammo adds and catalogs shows that. The 1300 number for old factory ammo is another internet myth, IMO.

You are correct. No argument there. Handloading is the only way to get the 38 Super to it's full potential. It easily & safely can get 1400fps + with a 124g bullet. No factory ammo will give you anywhere near that.
You are also correct about the 130g bullet but 9mm can get to 1200fps safely without getting into +p+. +p definitely needed with a 115g bullet but 124's can come to 1150+ with the right handload.

I kick myself in the ass for not having Ed Brown build me a "Commander" length 1911 in .38 Super prior to them discontinuing the caliber. I was however fortunate enough to locate an unfired, pre-owned EB "Government" in .38 Super which I returned to them for some additional customization work. For fans of the .38 Super, attached is an excellent article re: its development as well as an explanation of the SAAMI +P designation as it applies (uniquely) to this cartridge.

https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/38-super/

quote:

Originally posted by Weshowe:
This will be my final carry pistol. The build begins Jan 2023...I'm ordering parts now.

Wes

I'd say that 'final' is just like the word 'never': both are best not used when buying / acquiring guns

Good luck with your build.

Let us know what you get and how it turns out.

Haven't tried to build a 1911 myself, but I have built some custom Glocks.