I've been wondering for a while now how the best two never-quite-widely-accepted auto calibers stack up against each other, and various other not-so-common calibers in the same size/power range. Assuming we're talking duty-type loads (that is, not the loaded-as-hot-as-possible stuff, and not the milquetoast mild practice stuff), how do they stack up against each other? Yes, I am aware that shooting either is an exercise in reloading, or an exercise in abusing your wallet- I need no warning there.

Heck, throw .357 Sig into the mix, too. How does the newcomer stack up against the old warhorse, .38 Super?

Basically, I'm eventully going to get another 1911 pattern gun, and I'm interested in something a little more off the beaten path than .45ACP (I already have two .45s, a 1927 Sistema and a 4506). I do already have a 10mm (Glock 20), so I was leaning towards the .38 Super, just because. Then I started thinking, and, well, nothing good comes of that.

Heck, what guns are chambered in .38 super, besides 1911s?


Thanks,

Mike

I've actually seen a SigP220 chambered in 38 Super but apparently a few were imported - how many though, ?    Other than 1911s I've seen a few here and there.  The caliber seems to be popular here in Az with immigrants from Mexico because they are familiar with it (one of the few centerfire cartridges available to civilians down there IIRC) so what specific guns availabe I have no idea.

Regarding the calibers you reference the biggest issues as I understand it are one of bullet design for any serious use. I've seen exactly one available offering for SD related ammo for 38 Super.  Wheras I've seen 357Sig and 10mm in many available options, it may be more difficult to find, but it is possible to find.  

For use I've heard from many sources of LEO using 357 Sig on 2 legged nasties and 4 legged nasties including Pits and Rotties in full on attack mode to great effect.  This gives me confidence in the caliber.  add in the easy swap in Sigs & Glocks to practice in cheaper 40 and its a good option.  

Of course for use then you have my cousin - who last year retired hunting bear with his rifle and instead uses a Glock 20 10mm.  And he's racked up an impressive collection of kills with it.  Add in reports from Uncle Ted and the 10mm seems to give a bit more for bigger targets.  

So I guess it depends on what you can envision drawing sights on.  

To clarify the cousin is going after Black Bear with a 10mm NOT Grizzlies.   

Like you, I went looking for something out of the ordinary.  I ended up with a 6" long slide 1911 in .38 Super.  That seemed a logical way to satisfy my curiosity about both the 6" 1911 and the legendary .38 Super.  Mild recoil, respectable punch, more accurate than I can hold and probably something you'll never see on the next station  at the local range ( at least if the nosiness of the range wardens is any indication. ).  What's not to like?  Some very decent hunting or defensive loads can be had from custom ammo manufacturers like Stars and Stripes.  Yes, its pricey but so was my motorcycle and they both put a grin on my face.  Reloading is the key to keeping your shooting costs down. 

I haven't chrono'd it yet but the seat of my pants tells me it is definitely hotter and flatter shooting than my 9mm's.  I imagine with the six inch tube its getting pretty close to .357 Sig ballistics with 125 grainers.   I think 147 grainers will give me basically a ten shot .357 magnum or pretty near it.  Sounds like a pretty good walking around the desert gun to me.   

You do know that, at least for a brief moment, there was the .38 Casull. 

Interesting info. 9x23 and 9x25 are Winchester and Dillon, respectively, yes? How to they perform with respect to each other? I know that the 9x23 is a stomper.

Another question: which case heads are similar? 9x23 is on a 9mm case head, and 9x25 is on a 10mm/.40? I assume that .38 super, with its odd rim, is a 9mm? Or is it a creature all its own?

What about OAL of the various rounds? How stretched out is this going to make a 1911 grip?

Very interesting info!

Mike

9X23 in a 125 grain bullet tops out around 1500-1600 fps.  The 9X25 will add another 200 fps.

But you loose round count with the fatter 9X25 body.  9+1 is what will fit in the grip with an extra capacity magazine that may have reliability issues.  9X23 you should get 10+1.