38 Super Brass

ChrisLunker · 2025-09-16T17:46:54-0400

I am on the verge of purchasing my first 1911 in 38 super. I reload and intend to buy the brass from starline and I have a few choices. I am debating whether I should buy 38 super comp or the 38 super + P. I think the only difference between standard 38 super and +P brass from them is the brass thickness, so I will choose the thicker one for longevity.
But the rimless super comp brass is intriguing. I am not sure if that is intended mainly for competition gun shooting Mager loads.
Which brass would be better for me to not have to tweak the extractor if I want to switch back-and-forth between a 38 super and a 9 mm barrel?

ChrisLunker · 2025-09-16T17:48:32-0400

Of course I spelled Brass wrong in the thread title and can’t edit it now. 😀

TheCollector · 2025-09-17T08:43:07-0400

Actually you can edit it. Use the 3 dots on the right. Edit…. Edit the small title line not the big title line on top.

Whiten · 2025-09-16T17:51:30-0400

Super Comp if going to do 9/38 barrel swaps

DukeSoprano · 2025-09-16T18:25:11-0400

I don't think there is any difference in Super or +P, I think its just the name to keep your loads separate. Super comp feeds better out of the mag and if you ever want to use a double stack, you want Super comp but if you ever want a revolver, you want Super..........

The38Super · 2025-09-16T18:38:46-0400

The correct answer is "it depends". Theoretically, supercomp is the better solution, but I've gone 9mm in a super gun and vice versa, using super brass and the guns have always been 100% reliable without monkeying with the extractor.
IMO, it comes down to the gun.
Super +P is sort of the standard at this point.

Blazin · 2025-09-17T05:47:42-0400

If I were you I'd go with the SuperComp brass. I've competed extensively with both Super +P and SuperComp brass and SC is THE way to go. Heck, just loading a mag you can feel it's smoother without that pesky rim.

ChrisLunker · 2025-09-17T07:27:28-0400

Thanks for all the replies. I ended up going with the +P brass mainly for a practical reason. It uses the same shell plate on my Dillon 550 as 9mm, and I already own one. And the guys at my club shoot the +p marked brass as well. It seems like it will be easier to manage. I am only shooting single stack, so I am not sure I would see a ton of benefit from the supercomp.

Merton · 2025-09-17T10:31:19-0400

In three 9mm/.38 Super switch barrels, neither breech face nor extractor needed to be swapped. Standard Super brass was just fine. At the same time, if starting brand new and choosing one or the other, the Comp brass only makes sense.

Reloader · 2025-09-17T16:31:14-0400

Technically the 38 Super is supposed to be semi-rimmed while the SuperComp is rimless.

I say "supposed" because I have seen a very wide difference in Super case rims.

I would go with the SuperComp these days.

bladeandbarrel · 2025-09-18T09:51:55-0400

Buy starline

ChrisLunker · 2025-09-18T15:18:15-0400

Waiting patiently for my Starline brass to arrive.
Now I need to go buy a gun to shoot it with. 😀

Still on the fence about full length versus commander and steel versus aluminum frame.
I’m leaning towards government length just to allow the powder in the case more room to burn off, and stainless so the flame doesn’t scorch the bluing.
I used to own a model 66 357 snubby that I would put hot loads with blue dot powder in, and then after not too long the flames wore the bluing off the end of the barrel.

38 Super Brass

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