1911 38 Special

Does a 38 special load always have to be flush mounted in these pistols? Is it because of clearances in the magazines? If it isn't because of mag clearance, could a H&G 50 style bullet work when seated at the crimp groove?
 Stan

Flush for any 38 super mag converted to spl and flush for the Colt mags...

same as a 52..

Thanks Jim, so there are advantages to both the 38 Special and the 38 Super. You can get both to shoot softer, accurate, and cut nice sharp holes in paper with a 1911 pistol.
 Stan

I have both a 38 spl and a 38 super wad gun.. fun to shoot.  both shoot very light and are accurate. Super is easier to build and has quite a few styles of bullets that will do well.. Spl is limited to the HBWC. Even have a 38 super EIC pistol. At one time we had 4 or 5 shooters using a super for Centerfire..

after a year of shooting the super we all went back to the 45 to concentrate on it..

Still shoot the super and spl.  on occasion just for fun.. 45 with the 160 Brazos can be made to shoot pretty softly.

Yes, they would be the ticket for shooting an indoor 1800. I do need to work at the 45 much more. I got one getting worked on by Jon Eulette, and my other 2 are having problems. I need more reliability in the Heavy Slide right now, I probably should send it to Clark, Jim Sr built it. Probably something simple, I'd love to be able to shoot that  160 in it.
 Stan

Jimmy - I tried a few experiments with the 160 Brazos and I couldn't get a reliable load that was anywhere near as 'soft' (and yes - I realise that's a subjective term) as I can get the 185 LSWC. I tried all the 'normal' things - more crimp, different powders, lighter springs - no success. Would you care to share your recipe?

Thanks
Derek

In pistols I've re-barreled or built from scratch the 180 will shoot softer than the lightest load 160; I have to use over 4.2 BE for 160 to get them to cycle. I can use 3.5 BE with 180 on newer build with a couple hundred rounds through it. I have to use 180 with longer bearing surface to run them that light. I tried 160's briefly and didn't spend much time with them. Felt like I was going backwards.
Jon

Jon Eulette wrote:In pistols I've re-barreled or built from scratch the 180 will shoot softer than the lightest load 160; I have to use over 4.2 BE for 160 to get them to cycle. I can use 3.5 BE with 180 on newer build with a couple hundred rounds through it. I have to use 180 with longer bearing surface to run them that light. I tried 160's briefly and didn't spend much time with them. Felt like I was going backwards.
Jon

Good to read this.  I’ve had a few tell me bearing surface has no impact on how a gun functions with a lighter load.  Love the 160s but I can’t get them reliable in the gun.  185 or 200 with longer/larger bearing surface and no issues.

Almost thought I was crazy

Longer bearing surface seats deeper into case. More pressure to get it to cycle. If I shoot shorter 180 next to the longer bearing surface I can feel the difference in recoil; shorter won't cycle the pistol with same powder charge and crimp; 3.4 BE and 0.465" crimp
Jon

Jon Eulette wrote:Longer bearing surface seats deeper into case. More pressure to get it to cycle. If I shoot shorter 180 next to the longer bearing surface I can feel the difference in recoil; shorter won't cycle the pistol with same powder charge and crimp; 3.4 BE and 0.465" crimp
Jon

I found that out with the zero 185 sic vs the 185 swchp. Lesson learned.

Can I am what 180s you are shooting withe a longer bearing surface?

Summers and Brazos 180's
Jon

I shoot both the 180 FB that Brazos and others make.. 4.0 of WST.  On my 160s, I have to run 4.3 of WST.  a good friend runs 4.0 of BE with his 160s.. I crimp at 463 on those

every pistol is a bit unique as to what will work when you get to soft loads..  I run the 160s in my CF 45 and the 180 in another gun for the 45 match..  I'll admit that the 180 feels softer..but not by much to me.. I really like WST for the short line.. a bit different recoil impulse.  both guns run 10lb springs from ISMI and both have KKM barrels..

Jon Eulette wrote:Longer bearing surface seats deeper into case. More pressure to get it to cycle. If I shoot shorter 180 next to the longer bearing surface I can feel the difference in recoil; shorter won't cycle the pistol with same powder charge and crimp; 3.4 BE and 0.465" crimp
Jon

Are these slide or frame mounted optics?

Bill

Slide,
Jon

But remember Jon holds like a RR compared to us mortals

jglenn21 wrote:But remember Jon holds like a RR compared to us mortals

 
In that case I will try 3.6gr Bullseye.

Bill