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Post by HRFunk on Apr 14, 2018 7:37:27 GMT -5
Hi all! Now that I seem to have moved passed my functioing issues with the 38 Super (by way of acquiring a different pistol!), I'm starting to explore the cartridge's ballistic potential via handloading. The video below illustrates my initial forays into that arena. Take a look and let me know what you think!
Howard
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Post by Mister Coffee on Apr 15, 2018 20:07:30 GMT -5
Good video, Howard. I watched it over my dinner of rotisserie chicken. (Pathetic, I know. Don't judge me.) In fact, I watched it twice, and I don't even reload.
Questions:
1) Why is there so much variation in velocity shot-to-shot? I thought it might have to do with the gun warming up as you went along, but that doesn't seem to be the case.
2) As the powder charge increased, how did that affect your perception of recoil and shootability?
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Post by HRFunk on Apr 16, 2018 9:56:01 GMT -5
Good questions! With regard to the deviation in velocity from shot to shot, it is always present to some degree even in the most carefully loaded ammunition. The ammo i shot in this video was loaded with powder charges which were weighted to the EXACT level specified. I hold experimental ammo to that standard so as to get the best possible evaluation of it. The cartridges were all assembled with the same primers, brass, and bullets, and on the same equipment under the same conditions. Still, there are myriad variables beyond my control. Minute differences in the internal dimensions of the cartridge case for one, as well as slightly different amounts of priming compound in each primer (use of match primers can aid with this). Even the exact orientation of the powder as it jostles around inside the case under recoil can have a measurable effect on velocity. That’s why I noted the airspace inside the cartridge at one point in the video. Obviously, the more space there is inside the case, the more room there is for the powder to move around. Also, the conditions inside the chamber and bore vary from shot to shot as the temperature, fouling, and levels of firing residue change. One oddity I noted during the test on the video was a tendency for the first shot out of the ACII pistol to register a very low velocity reading as compared to successive shots. This most certainly has something to do with the chamber and bore conditions when the pistol has not been fired for a period of time. Since I didn’t clean the barrel between strings I suspect that deviation was attributable to temperature, but I’m not certain yet.
Howard
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Post by HRFunk on Apr 16, 2018 10:09:26 GMT -5
I had to break this up into two parts because by the time I finished the first answer, I couldn’t remember what the second question was!
Anyway, with regard to recoil. All three of the tested loads were “snappy” but not punishing by any means. I wasn’t really conscious of a change in the recoil impulse from load to load, but I also was not paying much attention to that aspect. Being rather preoccupied with trying not to shoot my chronograph, checking the velocity readings, and focusing on my front sight and trigger press, I didn’t really notice a difference in recoil. I do, however, suspect that is the main reason my first group was the best and the second and third were somewhat larger. Regardless of whether or not I noticed the recoil, it seems that my hands did!
Howard
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Post by Bob Reed on Apr 16, 2018 14:47:30 GMT -5
Howard's Hot-Rod Super! I've got to get a coupla Supers someday - I've always wanted some Supers, but put off simply to avoid taking on anymore cartridges... BUT, now you've really got me to thinking about getting a coupla RIA GI Series Super's. armscor.com/firearms/ria/gi-series/gi-standard-fs-38super/ |
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Post by HRFunk on Apr 16, 2018 16:39:16 GMT -5
Howard's Hot-Rod Super! I've got to get a coupla Supers someday - I've always wanted some Supers, but put off simply to avoid taking on anymore cartridges... BUT, now you've really got me to thinking about getting a coupla RIA GI Series Super's. armscor.com/firearms/ria/gi-series/gi-standard-fs-38super/I'm certainly enjoying the 38 Super, but I understand not wanting to add another cartridge to the stable. That's the biggest reason I've never owned a .380, although I've always wanted a Walther PPK (and YES! I want one because it's the classic James Bond pistol - "Funk, HR Funk....Shaken not stirred!"). Anyway, If you dive into the Super world, I don't think you'll regret it! Howard |
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Post by Carolinaman on Apr 17, 2018 8:02:42 GMT -5
Hello Howard,
What a great and educational video. I enjoyed it a lot!
Chris
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Post by HRFunk on Apr 17, 2018 9:17:17 GMT -5
Hello Howard, What a great and educational video. I enjoyed it a lot! Chris Thank you, Chris! I'm glad you liked it! Howard |
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myassis
Member
Resisting Entropy to the best of my ability.
Posts: 22
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Post by myassis on Oct 29, 2021 0:22:57 GMT -5
Informative, concise, not a chore to watch! You seem to have a talent for making such vids. I encourage you to make other similar presentations!
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