38 acp loads

Maxem0815 · June 21, 2011, 03:24 PM

OK some how I managed to delete my load data for 38 acp and I am looking for load data. Anyone have an idea where I can find some and or have any. This is going into a 1903 38 auto colt pistol. Manufactured in 1910. I would appreciate the help.

Mace

Happiness is a belt fed weapon and lots of ammo

Peter M. Eick · June 25, 2011, 03:05 PM

That was a challenge. It took me a while, but it turns out that hornady has load data for it. Get a copy of volume 8. They have 2 full pages of data for it.

FYI there max unique with a 125 to 1.060 is 5.7 grns. With a 115 at 1.115 its 6.0 grns and at 110 at 1.100 it is 6.4 grns.

These seem about right to me, but get a manual and check me out.

**Mike Irwin** · June 25, 2011, 04:26 PM

A friend of mine loads for it.

He uses 125-130 gr. bullets and low end loading data for .38 Special.

You have to be careful doing that, though, as the .38 Special is a longer case.

slohand45 · June 27, 2011, 11:02 AM

The second edition Lee book has 38 acp and most of the other obsolete vintage gun loads well covered.(Do Not confuse with 38 super!!!)
The comparison of pressures between modern and obsolete was way beyond educational for me and some loads don't appear to leave much room for creative error in the older 32's and 38's.(by the way did anyone else notice how much the NEW REVOLUTIONARY Kimber SOLO looks like a chopped down re-cycled 1903/08 Colt pocket hammerless?)

zippy13 · June 27, 2011, 03:24 PM

My copy of the NRA's Handloading (5th printing, 12/1992) lists 8 maximum loads for the .38 ACP:
110-gr HP, 4.8-gr Bullseye / 4.4-gr 700X
115-gr HP, 4.7-gr Bullseye / 4.8-gr Red Dot
125-gr HP, 4.5-gr Red Dot / 5.9-gr Herco
130-gr FJ, 4.4-gr W231 / 8.7-gr W630

June 21, 2011, 03:24 PM	#1
Maxem0815 Junior member Join Date: May 23, 2011 Posts: 216	38 acp loads OK some how I managed to delete my load data for 38 acp and I am looking for load data. Anyone have an idea where I can find some and or have any. This is going into a 1903 38 auto colt pistol. Manufactured in 1910. I would appreciate the help. Mace Happiness is a belt fed weapon and lots of ammo

June 25, 2011, 03:05 PM	#2
Peter M. Eick Senior Member Join Date: August 3, 1999 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 2,991	That was a challenge. It took me a while, but it turns out that hornady has load data for it. Get a copy of volume 8. They have 2 full pages of data for it. FYI there max unique with a 125 to 1.060 is 5.7 grns. With a 115 at 1.115 its 6.0 grns and at 110 at 1.100 it is 6.4 grns. These seem about right to me, but get a manual and check me out. __________________ 10mm and 357sig, the best things to come along since the 38 super!

June 25, 2011, 04:26 PM	#3
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,383	A friend of mine loads for it. He uses 125-130 gr. bullets and low end loading data for .38 Special. You have to be careful doing that, though, as the .38 Special is a longer case. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

June 27, 2011, 11:02 AM	#4
slohand45 Member Join Date: June 19, 2010 Location: MO./KAN. a smidgen AZ. Posts: 22	The second edition Lee book has 38 acp and most of the other obsolete vintage gun loads well covered.(Do Not confuse with 38 super!!!) The comparison of pressures between modern and obsolete was way beyond educational for me and some loads don't appear to leave much room for creative error in the older 32's and 38's.(by the way did anyone else notice how much the NEW REVOLUTIONARY Kimber SOLO looks like a chopped down re-cycled 1903/08 Colt pocket hammerless?)

June 27, 2011, 03:24 PM	#5
zippy13 Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 6,442	My copy of the NRA's Handloading (5th printing, 12/1992) lists 8 maximum loads for the .38 ACP: 110-gr HP, 4.8-gr Bullseye / 4.4-gr 700X 115-gr HP, 4.7-gr Bullseye / 4.8-gr Red Dot 125-gr HP, 4.5-gr Red Dot / 5.9-gr Herco 130-gr FJ, 4.4-gr W231 / 8.7-gr W630