38 super

[docmagnum357]

I usually use cast bullets in all my revolvers and auto pistols, but the 9mm luger has really been giving me fits. I am convinced part of the problem is the twist rate, 1-91/4" in my cz 75.  I really like the 1911 platform better, and I am really hooked on cast bullets.  wouldn't I be a lot better off with a 38 super?

I like the performance envelope of the super, as handloaded, or loaded by corbon. It is the rough equivalent of a 357 from a 3.5- 4" barrell.  I am familiar with accurizing the 1911, and I like th e way it poi nts and "feels".  I could probably take care of most self defense situations with a 1911 without any sights at all. I just really don't like gas checks.  And I don't care for light bullets.  Would I be able to load a super to a good speed with a 150-160 grain flat point? How would the killing power be?  Would I be better off just to go straight to a 10mm, and never look back?  Most of the 44 mag loads that I use for carry are in the same power range as a really hot 10, and it seems to do fine on deer, small game. As much as I hate to admit it, I have grown fond of the way the nice, flat, 1911 carries in a strng side holster.  If it is a good quality piece, it will shoot better than i can hit.  Suggestions?

[Veral]

  I personally have a 'thing' against getting a new gun / caliber, when I already have one that can be made to work.  In other words, I were wearing your shoes, speaking of gun ownership and already owning loading dies, I'd make it do by loading it till it rattled if necessary. 

  Best killing power would be with lighter than 150 gr plus bullets, as speed is mandatory to get a good diameter wound channel.  Better to choose a 125 130 gr and load it hot.  The bullet  MUST carry a wide meplat to kill well though, so I recommend my FN if it will feed, with my SA   (small auto) profile the second choice.  If you use LBT lube and if the bore is smooth, you won't get any leading using plain base at the highest speeds your gun can push them.  If your bore is rough enough that you get leading or poor accuracy, it can easily be lapped with the LBT lap kit.

  I do firmly believe that the 10MM is probably the best self defense auto loading handgun ever developed.  I've not had a complaint from any customer who purchased a mold for my WFN bullets for this gun.  180 gr is hard to beat.  In other words, forget all the previous writing I did if you want the best and don't mind spending the bucks to get it.  Palm the 9MM off on some poor sucker who doesn't know better.  He'll probably live through all the gun fights he gets into with it!

[docmagnum357]

I think you have probably just advissed me to do what i would have done, anyway.  I bought the Cz 75 because it was the "best" 9mm pistol on the market, as far as accuracy, pointability, etc.  I should have bouught the best pistol, which in my opion is a Gubment model colt.  10 mm power is about all I can handle at a gunfighting speed, and i know i can fix what ails a gubment model anythime.

     I guess A good 10mm would probably make the list of One gun, one cartridge, one load firearms, kind of like the 170 grain 30-30, 180 grain 30-06, etc.  Itmight not be the best for every task, but it will still accomplish every task.  I have no doubts that a good 180 flat point will cleanly take deer, black bear, hogs, and two legged varmints.  it should be accurate enogh to bust groundhogs at 7+yards, and that is all i could ask for.