Reloading 38 Super using 9mm Bullets

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Benchm@rk

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Is it safe, acceptable or common practice To use 9mm bullets for reloading 38 Super? Is it just a matter of matching up acceptable diameter and grains to ensure it does not exceed the max velocity? I believe the length plays a role in it, but does that only effect accuracy? Thanks. Any other insight is appreciated, not wanting to ruin the bore or whatever else. I was looking at using this for doing it as it seams to coincide with measurements. I want to use TMJ copper plated.

TMJ 9mm .355 147 GR
 
Some of Hodgdon's reloading data for 38 Super shows using .355" diameter bullets.

Accuracy may suffer a little, maybe not, maybe not noticeable.

I've used 124 grain 9mm bullets at times instead of 130 grain bullets in my 38 Super.

As always, start at the beginning loads and work up.
 
Any projectile you load in 9mm can be safely loaded in 38 Superb. Just follow established load data and remember to work up from a reduced start load.
 
was looking at buying [X-Treme]
X-Treme recommends for loads that exceed 1200 fps to use their Heavy Plate Concave Base bullets - https://www.xtremebullets.com/Bullet-Load-Info-s/1952.htm

"Any velocities over 1200 FPS we recommend either our Heavy Plate Concave Base or Hollow Point products for superior accuracy. We recommend keeping velocities to less than 1500 FPS (Feet Per Second) and using only a light taper crimp"
So these are the bullets you should look at - https://www.xtremebullets.com/9mm-124-RN-HPCB-p/xc9mm-124rnhpcb-b0500.htm

FYI, ELEY uses RMR 124 gr FMJ for their .38 Super Comp match ammunition (BTW, RMR 124 gr FMJ are sized at .3555") - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...or-their-new-line-of-match-ammunition.854750/

Although there's about 8 weeks on back order, since RMR manufacturers their own jacketed bullets, you will get them, in time - https://www.rmrbullets.com/shop/bullets/pistol/9mm-355/9mm-124-gr-rmr-full-metal-jacket-round-nose/

index.php
 
I'm pretty sure 38 super uses .355" bullets.
It's a hot round and I wouldn't want to accidentally use .002 bigger bullets and find out what happens with the gun in my hand.
 
Is it safe, acceptable or common practice To use 9mm bullets for reloading 38 Super? YES. Is it just a matter of matching up acceptable diameter and grains to ensure it does not exceed the max velocity? Ignore the diameter, just match up weight. I believe the length plays a role in it, but does that only effect accuracy? It only effects it if your gun has a preference for OAL. Thanks. Any other insight is appreciated, not wanting to ruin the bore or whatever else. No concerns for the bore. I was looking at using this for doing it as it seams to coincide with measurements. I want to use TMJ copper plated.

TMJ 9mm .355 147 GR

Traditionally the 38 Super uses .356" bullets, but you can use any bullet from .355 to .359. No need to be concerned if the bullet is oversized. Hornady lists .355, .356 and .357 in their 38 Super load data.

The SAAMI barrel groove diameter specs for 9mm Luger and 38 Super are EXACTLY the same = .355".

There no concern that undersize or oversize bullets will affect accuracy. Accuracy will depend on what your barrel likes for a given bullet and powder combination.

You might find these articles of interest;
https://www.shootingtimes.com/editorial/super-powders-for-the-38-super/99160

https://www.shootingtimes.com/editorial/super-accurate-38-super-loads/326242
 
I'm pretty sure 38 super uses .355" bullets.
It's a hot round and I wouldn't want to accidentally use .002 bigger bullets and find out what happens with the gun in my hand.

Nothing will happen. See: https://www.shootingtimes.com/editorial/super-accurate-38-super-loads/326242

Also, Schuemann barrels recommends a jacketed bullet of .001 to .002 inches larger, and lead bullets .002 to .003 inches larger for the best accuracy. Though the article I posted found no difference in accuracy with oversize bullets.
 
So could in theory could a no thrills 9x19 use .357 bullets if that's all that was available?
 
So could in theory could a no thrills 9x19 use .357 bullets if that's all that was available?

Yes. Lots of people use .357 jacketed and .358 lead bullets in their 9mm Luger.

It's only limited by what LiveLife has outlined - they have to fit in the chamber.
 
I've slugged a dozen or more 9mm barrels and only 2 of them were less than .356". SAAMI specs for 9mm and 38 Super barrels are the same = a groove diameter of .355 +.004. So any barrel with a groove diameter between .355 and .358 meets SAAMI specs.
 
So could in theory could a no thrills 9x19 use .357 bullets if that's all that was available?

I sure hope so!

I use 135 grain plated .357 RNFP in 9mm, 38 Spl and 38 Super. I get great accuracy. I don't load for USPSA Major.

My 9mm Kart barrel Keyholes .355 LRN!

Smiles,
 
When it comes to bullet types and grain weight use, would TMJ bullet grains required be equivalent to FMJ bullet grains that are listed in manuals? HP? XTP?
 
Well damn I’ll definitely need to do more homework. So is it fair to say that this is in the ballpark using TMJ copper? 124gn/AA5: 6.7-7.6gn.

lkzly5zd03r0.jpg
 
Well damn I’ll definitely need to do more homework. So is it fair to say that this is in the ballpark using TMJ copper? 124gn/AA5: 6.7-7.6gn.

View attachment 942928

That chart for 38 Super is pretty close to what I use for reloading 9mm Largo. I use .355" 124Gr TMJ bullets with Hodgdon Universal. I do load my 9MM Largo with 5.2 Grains of Universal where as the chart says 5.5 grains for 38 Super. I know the .355" 124 grain bullets shoot well out of my old Star Super A.
 
I've yet to shoot anything other than .355 bullets out of the 38 Super I've been messing with for a few months. It's a cheapie Kimber LW 9mm that's been converted and mildy upgraded. Bought one of the Sig Sauer .38 Super barrels when they clearanced out for $30. It shoots .355's better with that barrel than it does with the 9mm barrel. Most everything I'm using is 124gr.
 
. So is it fair to say that this is in the ballpark using TMJ copper

I've used a few hundred 124gr TMJ's and used the same starting point as FMJ of the same weight. Have also used AA#7 powder with data that has a max load about .6gr higher than your table lists with TMJs. It's running in the 1450fps range and one of my most accurate loads.
 
When it comes to bullet types and grain weight use, would TMJ bullet grains required be equivalent to FMJ bullet grains that are listed in manuals? HP? XTP?

Yes, weight is weight. COL can be an issue because of bullet profile. This can be researched for specific bullet type to avoid pressure issues!

Smiles,
 
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