Information on 38 AMU

Sisco · November 13, 2001, 07:44 PM

A friend is seeking reloading info on the 38 AMU cartridge. I've searched all my bookmarked load data and can't come up with anything. To be honest, I had never heard of this round before now.
Anyone have any info on this?

WES DAKOTA · November 13, 2001, 10:55 PM

This is a derimmed 38SPECIAL developed by the ARMY MARKSMENSHIP UNIT back in the '50's for use in an autoloading target pistol. The guns were 1911's mostly though I've seen a Smith M52 in 38AMU.
The cartridge takes 38SPL 148 wadcutter loading data, with all the usual provisos included.

bfoster · November 13, 2001, 11:12 PM

Wes Dakota...

The Colt pistols I've seen are not true 1911's, though this could have been tried. What I have seen are very similar to the commercial Midrange models (the Mk III). This is a superbly accurate delayed blowback action built as a complete pistol by Colt, or with conversion parts, built by the AMU armourers. Some sources say conversion kits were also available, as was the case more recently with the 9X19 cartridge.

Bob

November 13, 2001, 07:44 PM	#1
Sisco Senior Member Join Date: March 25, 1999 Location: KS Posts: 1,558	Information on 38 AMU A friend is seeking reloading info on the 38 AMU cartridge. I've searched all my bookmarked load data and can't come up with anything. To be honest, I had never heard of this round before now. Anyone have any info on this? __________________ "I don't mind it when stupid people say stupid things. Stupid people should be encouraged to say stupid things, that way we always know who the stupid people are." ~ Ted Nugent http://www.awbansunset.com/awcountdown_sm.gif

November 13, 2001, 10:55 PM	#2
WES DAKOTA Junior Member Join Date: November 5, 2001 Location: BLACK HILLS Posts: 14	38 AMU This is a derimmed 38SPECIAL developed by the ARMY MARKSMENSHIP UNIT back in the '50's for use in an autoloading target pistol. The guns were 1911's mostly though I've seen a Smith M52 in 38AMU. The cartridge takes 38SPL 148 wadcutter loading data, with all the usual provisos included.

November 13, 2001, 11:12 PM	#3
bfoster Senior Member Join Date: October 13, 1998 Location: N. of Fords Switch, OK, USA Posts: 297	Wes Dakota... The Colt pistols I've seen are not true 1911's, though this could have been tried. What I have seen are very similar to the commercial Midrange models (the Mk III). This is a superbly accurate delayed blowback action built as a complete pistol by Colt, or with conversion parts, built by the AMU armourers. Some sources say conversion kits were also available, as was the case more recently with the 9X19 cartridge. Bob