[akashooter]

iam new to reloading, and was wondering if i can use a .357 mag casing and a .38 bullet?

thanks

[Bullet]

357 Magnum & 38 Special both use the same bullets.

[Steve C]

The correct diameter of bullet for both the .357 mag and the .38 spl is the same .357" dia for jacketed bullets and .358" diameter for lead swaged or cast bullets.

[mc223]

Some weapons will readily handle 9mm projectiles as well. I have a 38 super with a 357 dia. bore that shoots all bullets in the proper weight range from 115g 9mm thru 180g cast 358s.

[Master Blaster]

Some weapons will readily handle 9mm projectiles as well.

You can try it but I would not recommend it. 9mm =.355
.38/.357 magnum =.357.

The bullets may tumble, or if you are using lead cause excessive fouling because they are smaller than the bore diameter.
The other problem wit using 9mm bullets is that they lack a crimp groove, which is a necessity for a good roll crimp. Revolver cartridges need a good roll crimp, to insure consistent ignition and to insure that the bullet does not back out of the case under recoil with heavier loads. 9mm bullets are also shorter which will affect crimping and accuracy.

Use .357 bullets for .38 or .357 magnum, all of the revolvers I own and load for shoot 158 grain bullets best.

[m0ntels]

Doesnt Speer make 2 different GoldDots for 38 and 357? That's the only one I can think of where they are different. Pretty sure they're made to expand at the different velocities of the 2 rounds. Still the same size though.

Randy

[akashooter]

thanks alot

[Johnny Guest]

Doesnt Speer make 2 different GoldDots for 38 and 357? Dunno about Speer, but the Hornady XTP bullets used to be packed with a slip denoting best velocity ranges for that particular projectile.

akashooter, the lighter weights (110 to 125) particularly are said to be sensitive in this regard. Personally, I don't care to shoot a deer-sized animal with a bullet lighter than 158 grains, wishing to ensure good penetration.

I agree with above comments concerning proper diameter.

Best,
Johnny

[ACP230]

My first .38 reloads were made with lead 125 grain truncated cone 9mm bullets. A buddy said they looked "odd" but they shot very accurately from my Ruger Blackhawk.

I went on to use the same 158 grain lead semi-wadcutter bullets in both .38 and low-end .357 reloads. They also shot very well in the Blackhawk.

Guns will generally tell you what bullets they like.

[vega]

You can try it but I would not recommend it. 9mm =.355
.38/.357 magnum =.357.

I have to ressurrect this thread, I will be getting my revo in a few days and I don't have time to buy 357/38 bullets. I have lots of 9mm/124 gn and this is what I plan to use temporarily to test my revo.

Without flaming you, why is it not recommended?
Ruger came up with SA for both calibers.
http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FA-Family.jsp?type=Revolver&subtype=Single%20Action&famlst=19&variation=Blued

[ChristopherG]

Ruger came up with SA for both calibers.

Indeed they did; and people who own them widely report substandard accuracy when using the 9mm cylinder, for the exact reason Master Blaster gave; the bullet is too small to correctly engage the rifling in the barrel.