.38 SUPER, where did it go?

[rock185]

Very interesting and enjoyable discussion. I prefer the integrally ramped barrels for the Super, but haven't used a comp. Using ramped barrels, 124/125 grain bullets at 1450 FPS or so, and 147 at 1250 FPS or so were easily achieved. Nothing to indicate any issues using AA-9 and AA-7 powders, and mostly new Starline Super Comp, along with some 38 TJ cases.

Years ago, I did some experimenting with Col. Cooper's Super 9/"Super Cooper" cartridge, .223 cases trimmed to .900". I'm not sure I was aware of of integrally ramped barrels for 1911s, or if they were even available back then. Using a 5" unramped barrel, no comp, I got to 115 grains at 1625 FPS. No blown primers, caseheads, etc., but I decided that was as far as I cared to go

 

[silvermane_1]

What happened to the .38 Super? Wasn't it considered to be the acp version of the .357? All these new calibers that have come up in the past 30 years, 10mm, 41 magnum, .50 AE, .460 Ruger, etc. I do a fair amount of reloading and don't see much "buzz" on those forums about the .38 Super either. Seems like we "invent" new stuff to replace "old" stuff that is just as good. Never see much in the magazines, gun shows or dealers. Where did it go. Likewise the 44-40. That round is intriging. With modern "smokeless" powder be a pretty good barrel filler.

^I never heard of the 460 Ruger, maybe you're refering to the .480 Ruger there PolarFBear, and all of the other cals. you listed are 30+ years old, 10mm has been around since 1983, 41 mag has been around since the early/mid 1960's, the 50 AE has been around since 1988, and the 38 Super is almost a 100(90 years, the 38 Super was introduced in 1929) years old.