Blackhawk convertible loads, .357 bullets in 9x19 cases.

[GJgo]

Since I really haven't come across to many resources on the subject I wanted to start this thread. I know there are quite a few people out there with 357/ 9mm convertibles. I've got both cylinders, so why not use them? Let's see what we can come up with. I've seen some articles talking about doing this with cast bullets, however I've read that Ruger doesn't recommend using cast bullets in the 9mm cylinder & frankly I prefer jacketed bullets anyway.

I love shooting 357 mag but let's face it, for a full day of plinking fun it's a bit much. We've also heard that 9mm isn't very accurate out of the gun. Yes & no, but point taken.

So I measured & the business end of both cylinders are the same size. Physically, yes, I can load 357 bullets in the 9mm cases & shoot them in my convertible. So, I'm thinking of using 110gr XTPs & use 115gr XTP load data, or using 125gr XTPs & using 124gr XTP load data. Start low & work up. This should solve the issue of bore size & accuracy.

Why bother shooting 9mm from a revolver you say? Well..
- I have piles of brass. It's everywhere.
- Loading it is cheap, doesn't use much powder.
- I hate chasing brass kicked out of semi autos, so I sold them all off in exchange for revolvers.
- It's easy to shoot all day.

So has anyone tried this? Good luck or bad?

One other question this has led me to is regarding lightweight bullets. It seems to be documented that running 110 & 125gr bullets in hot 357 loads is hard on top straps & forcing cones, since the bullet leaves the case before it engages the rifling so unburnt powder blasts the steel. Is this due to using lots of slow powder like H110? In other words, if you run these same bullets out of a 9mm case with a much faster powder like Power Pistol would you experience the same issues? Hmm.. In this gun the bullet from a 9mm case will have a looong jump before engaging the rifling, possibly it's best to use a real fast powder that will burn before the bullet leaves the case? Interesting to ponder.

Curious to see what y'all think about this.

 

[J_McLeod]

Deleted Post. Should have read the whole comment.

 

[Galil5.56]

Power Pistol and .357" 125 grain XTP bullets work great in my Beretta 9mm, and accuracy is tops. As with any other firearm, bullet to groove diameter fitment is important for best accuracy, and since my Beretta has a groove diameter of .3572", and a generous throat/leade, all is well. FWIW, I routinely use .358" and .359" cast bullets I make in the same and other 9mm pistols I have with great results too.

I seem to recall Hornady at one time had published data using one of their pre XTP 125 grain .357" bullets, and continue to size their "9mm" HAP bullets to .356". IMO and experience you are very good to go, especially in a revolver where any potential feed issues are a non-issue. As for propellant choices you could also try WW231, WSF, HS-6, AA#5, and other ball propellants if you subscribe to the belief that they "burn cooler" than flake/extruded. Good luck.

 

[FROGO207]

I have several Ruger revolvers that use auto brass. 30 Carbine, the same 357/9MM, and 45 Colt/45ACP. When I started out I figured this would allow me a lot more flexibility with the standard revolvers. One thing that you will find is if you have any sort of a dirty load then the ammo that headspaces on the mouth will need to have the cylinder cleaned after 12 to 18 rounds or they will not insert fully. This is especially prevalent in the 30 Carbine. I also have had issues with the 9MM but the 45 ACP has not bothered much at all. Now I really try to shoot lead bullets as that it is the most cost effective way if you shoot a lot. With the 9MM I was using jacketed and loads that were in the +P range to try and clean up the residue and those were better behaved than the starting to mid range loads. Still I was not happy and have my automatic cylinders saved in reserve "just in case" I run out of the standard ammo. Yes the accuracy was good when things worked OK with a dialed in load but I got tired of having to clean the darned things after every 2-3 cylinders so I could keep shooting. YMMV

FWIW I reload for the 357 using 38 SPL brass and light loads with lead bullets and enjoy shooting this all day long.

 

[MMCSRET]

The only problem I have experienced in loading a .358 cast bullet in 9MM cases to be fired in the Ruger convertible was the chambers were cut a little tight for a .358 bullet in the 9MM case. I opened the throats in the 9MM cylinder just a hair and it works really well. I use the old Ideal 358345 cast bullet in 9MM, 112 grain SWC and very accurate.

 

[chanson88]

It might be easier to find somebody who wants to trade 9mm brass for. 38 special brass, then you can load them in cases they were made for and still have light practice loads.