.38 Super and n105

[Cowboy2]

Anyone using it?

I'm relatively new to reloading (about 18 months), and this is my first .38 Super, a RIA with the fully supported chamber. I picked some n105 up a while back, and it shoots well. With Starline brass and 124jhp's, my chrony is reading a little over 1,400fps, about starting velocity according to VV (thier max load is right at 1,600fps).

Anyways, I'm not asking because I've had any problems. Its just that the velocity they are listing is so much higher than what I'm seeing for other powders. Just want to see if anyone has had any problems or safety concerns with it. Also, how many reloads should I expect to get out of this brass?

 

[mc223]

I have not tried N-105. I have used 3N 37. Works good. V-V data does seem a lot optimistic. I have only acheived book velocity with 1 or 2 of the loads I use.

 

[Shoney]

I've not loaded for the 38 Super, but have used VV N105 for loading 40 SW with 200 gr jacketed bullets. I have taken that combination to max, but could not get the velocity they publish, but within 50-60 fps. I then rechecked their data and saw that they are using a 5 1/2" barrel, which maybe will give that little extra velocity, maybe.

That powder did give significantly higher velocities than any other powder I tried with 200gr bullets, and the pressure levels observed were not that high nor abusive. I cannot comment on case life, as I only load that load for 2 consecutive loads, then put the brass into medium velocity practice ammo.

I have seen a lot of posts by a variety of posters who claim VV's data is optimistic.

 

[CZ57]

Cowboy, there are other uses where it shines as well, like heavier bullet weight loads in .357 Magnum and all weights in other magnums. N105 falls into a category I consider a tweener. Not a true magnum handgun propellant, but slower than those typically considered heavy service. Much like Blue Dot and AA#9. It is a very "undiscovered" powder. I doubt that there is a powder that will get appreciable higher velocity in .38 Super. As far as I understand, it is very popular in Europe for 9 X 21mm loads that sizzle, madizzle.

Their newest powder was designed around .38 Super Lapua and just slower than 3N37, so naturally, it's called 3N38 and it is also a competition grade powder. With its faster than 105 burn rate, it might be worth a look for guys that load heavy .40 S&W loads with 165 and 180 gr. bullets. It is capable of pushing 147 gr. JHPs to some of the highest velocities possible in 9mm, and the claims are very impressivce for the pressure generated. You won't achieve V-V's velocity, but there is usually a valid reason.

 

[Cowboy2]

Thanks guys. I was just looking for some peace of mind, and ya'll have given it. I think you're right about thier data veleocity being "aspirational". I've still got .5grs to go before I reach the max load, but I don't think that is going to get me the extra 200fps, though it might get within throwing distance of it. I think I'm content with 1400. Thanks again.