LostVaquero Posted February 1, 2021 Share Posted February 1, 2021 I want to load some 38 super rounds. I have two different bullets both around 160g, both cast lead. One is poly coated the other is not. The poly coated box says .355 and by calipers I get .354.5 to .355.5 with most being right around .355 The other is just cast lead and the box indicates .357 but when I use the calipers on samples of those I get .355 to .356.5 with the majority right at .356. This is a later model Colt 1911 in 38 super. I have not slugged the barrel (don't really want to if I can avoid it). Now from what I read nominal for 38 super is .356 but I am guessing since a later model the barrel is more like a 9mm luger for .355 bullets. Also with lead I read that .001" is recommended. The poly coated bullets I am pretty confident about. The cast lead non-polys are the ones I am not so sure, but I have a whole bunch of them. So the question is if I use the non-poly box labeled .357 would they be safe? Feed issues, overpressure issues or not even try. Thank you all!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G W Wade Posted February 1, 2021 Share Posted February 1, 2021 Use .358 in mine GW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeaconKC Posted February 1, 2021 Share Posted February 1, 2021 Mine has a Sig barrel but uses .355. I would be careful with the uncoated bullets depending on how hard they are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
irish ike, SASS #43615 Posted February 1, 2021 Share Posted February 1, 2021 13 minutes ago, DeaconKC said: I would be careful with the uncoated bullets depending on how hard they are. Inquiring minds want to know. Hard lead cast bullets with lube is what most everyone shoots, I thought? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeaconKC Posted February 1, 2021 Share Posted February 1, 2021 The Super likes stuff above 1,000 fps. If the bullet is too soft, you might start seeing the rifling strip lead off and lose accuracy. Also makes the cleaning more of a headache. So either keep those under a velocity to avoid leading or use a harder bullet. Again, my barrel is a Sig one, yours may be different. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kid Rich Posted February 1, 2021 Share Posted February 1, 2021 Slugging the barrel should take about the same amount of time it took to start this thread. kR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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