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38 Super vs. 45ACP in 1911 platform

CubsloverCubslover Member Posts: 18,601 ✭✭
edited May 2007 in Ask the Experts
I've been longing for a 1911 for some time. I've pretty much been sold on Rock Island's 1911's unless I drop the money for a Kimber.

Tell me about the 38 Super compared to the 45. I'll be reloading for it regardless of the caliber.

I've heard the 38 is a manstopper and a hell of an accurate round.
Well, after doing some calculations and comparisons, the 38 super doesn't seem to carry the power that even the 40 S&W gives. Maybe it'll just be a target gun.

It'll mainly see strict target use, possibly carrying in the winter.
Half of the lives they tell about me aren't true.
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Comments

  • BHAVINBHAVIN Member Posts: 3,490 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    For stopping power thre .45 is still better. The 38 super can be pretty accurate and has a capacity advantage. The standard 38 super case is rimmed and has had a reputation for causing malfunctions. I think this is probably more from the double stack hicap mags and maybe from some of the older guns. The way to get around the potential feeding problem is to use 38 Super COMP brass. There are a few companies making it with Starline being the most popular. This brass uses the same type of semi rim as the 9mm. The only possible change that needs to be made is that the extractor may need to be tuned. IMO if you don't already have a .45 1911 in your collection would be to get the .45. Both are nice and if you shoot IPSC the 38 super is nice for meeting the power factor without having more recoil. With a single stack gun you would have to shoot in Limited Ten matches though. Also 45 ammo and brass is cheaper and easier to find than 38 Super and 38 Super brass can have a short life.
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  • Hawk CarseHawk Carse Member Posts: 4,383 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Modern .38 Supers with case mouth headspacing are as accurate as any caliber depending entirely on ammo and barrel quality.
    Power is ample as far as I am concerned, assuming a good hollowpoint for anti-personnel.
    The semirim does not seem to interfere with feeding in a single stack magazine, the various rimless mutants are mostly for double column raceguns (and make sorting brass a nuisance.)
    You cannot shoot a .38 Super at Major Power Factor for any IPSC/USPSA divison except Open where the scope sighted, compensated, high capacity guns play. A first class IDPA ESP, however.
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  • v35v35 Member Posts: 12,710 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If you're going to handload anyway look in to the 9x23. It's rimless and makes major power factor. Chamber is essentially same as the 38 Super but you can get much better ballistics.
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  • PC800PC800 Member Posts: 1,650 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I really like the 38 super and the 9x23 rounds. I would take either over a 45 ACP any day. With Corbon and other ammo, you are basically getting 357 magnum ballistics out of a semi, while also getting more rounds than a revolver holds. My 38 super Witness will fire 38 super and 9x23 interchangeably, as will many other 38 super guns.
    Here is a good article about it, just read down some to the 38 super/9x23 part:
    http://www.galleryofguns.com/ShootingTimes/Articles/DisplayArticles.asp?ID=1
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  • CubsloverCubslover Member Posts: 18,601 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    A friend of mine is a professional gunsmith. I was thinking of buying and building a 1911. I really like that 9x23 round as far as ballistics and the novelty. I don't shoot that much but like the idea of having a pretty rare caliber.

    Thanks for the replies guys, good stuff.
    Half of the lives they tell about me aren't true.
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  • PC800PC800 Member Posts: 1,650 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Check the numbers on the 9x23:

    Winchester Ammo #X923W 9x23 Winchester Super X 125 Gr. STHP

    Symbol: X923W
    Caliber: 9x23 Winchester
    Bullet Weight: 125 Grains
    Bullet Type: Silvertip Hollow Point
    User Guide: Training, Personal Protection

    test Barrel Length: 5"

    Velocity (Feet Per Second):
    - Muzzle: 1450
    - 50yds: 1249
    - 100yds: 1103

    Energy (Foot Pounds):
    - Muzzle: 583
    - 50yds: 433
    - 100yds: 338

    Mid-Range Trajectory:
    - 50yds: 0.6"
    - 100yds: 2.8"
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  • 1911a1-fan1911a1-fan Member Posts: 51,193 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    1. reliability, ftf, fte, magazines suck
    2. the price of brass is outrageous, even if you reload they tend to disappear
    3. never know when you will need to purchase factory ammo
    4. much easier to see .45 holes, if you ever compete it can make the difference in a zero or a one
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  • perry shooterperry shooter Member Posts: 17,105 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    +1 1911A1 FAN
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  • knightriderknightrider Member Posts: 450 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    AMEN 1911A1FAN Those plus a few more is why I love the 1911 in 45. Accept no substitutes.
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  • luv_the_huskersluv_the_huskers Member Posts: 277 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    An older retired Colonel once told me that God loves the .45.....just his opinion.
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