.380 and 9mm

People have done it. Just like some shot 40sw out of a 10mm. I would not recommend it though. It's not worth breaking your gun or getting injured over a box of ammo.

If you're asking if you can handload 380 bullets in 9mm cases, yes. Are they Berry's bullets?

This might raise an eyebrow but:


I have loaded 95gn HP Montana's in 9mm. It's been years though and way before I had access to the internet. I thought .355 is .355 right so why not? I remember doing a few calculations regarding case volume with the shorter projectile and adjusted the charge accordingly. I was probably using 231 or bullseye. Not recommended by most but definitely doable for sure, just be smart about it.

Be Safe-

As long as you keep them under 1250 fps. Western Powders list a 100 gr. in some 9mm data. Not the same bullet. But I would think a load could be worked up o them.

Yup, they'll be fine. Just follow Berry's advice and keep them under 1250 fps since they are not thick plated.

For those that don't know, 380 bullets are fine in 9mm, or 357 SIG or 38 Super, or anything that shoots a .355-.356 bullet. Hornady has data for their 90 and 100 grain 380 bullets in 9mm Luger, and 357 SIG and 38 Super.

CMB said:

This might raise an eyebrow but:


I have loaded 95gn HP Montana's in 9mm. It's been years though and way before I had access to the internet. I thought .355 is .355 right so why not? I remember doing a few calculations regarding case volume with the shorter projectile and adjusted the charge accordingly. I was probably using 231 or bullseye. Not recommended by most but definitely doable for sure, just be smart about it.

Be Safe-

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Why is it not recommended by most? And who are 'most'?

I have more 124gr rn than I need if you want to swap.

Ok i see now. I thought you were asking to shoot .380 ammo in your 9mm. I loaded some 105 grain bullets today in 9mm casings. 4.6 grains of bullseye. I did try one time to load some 9mm at .380 recipes for my Keltec PF-9. They fired fine. But would not cycle the slide. Sold the pistol later. I hated the slide bite from it.

Captain Quack said:

I know the diameters are the same but the bullet length is shorter.

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"Bullet: The missile used in firearms systems. Technically, it becomes a projectile when in motion. Not to be substituted for the term 'cartridge'. See also ball."
Speer Reloading Manual #14.
I'm pretty sure .355" diameter ".380 100gr HB bullets" are the same length as .355" diameter 9mm "100gr HB bullets."

fxvr5 said:

Why is it not recommended by most? And who are 'most'?

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Based on if its not in a published data set "DON'T DO IT". At one point the only data we had was books we purchased or the data we created. Things have really changed with the internet, now we have access to almost all published data.

I guess this would be considered an advanced load because it's outside the box and requires advanced attention to detail.

The message is safety first - when in doubt don't do it.

CMB said:

Based on if its not in a published data set "DON'T DO IT". At one point the only data we had was books we purchased or the data we created. Things have really changed with the internet, now we have access to almost all published data.

I guess this would be considered an advanced load because it's outside the box and requires advanced attention to detail.

The message is safety first - when in doubt don't do it.

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This is not an "advanced load", whatever than means. This is NOT outside the box, because load data exists from the companies listed below.

Hornady, Lyman, Hodgdon, Sierra, Western Powders and Vihtavuori have load data for light '380' bullets for 9mm Luger and other calibers that include 357 SIG and 38 Super.

There is no danger to do this. Let's not spread the myth that it is.

Captain Quack said:

It sounds like this is outside my skill set. Best be safe and just pass on that. Thanks for all you guys's help. Saved me from a potential bad boom in a new pistol.

Captain Quack.

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There is no special skill set required for loading these bullets any more than there is for ANY bullet. They are bullets. That's all. Let's not start BS myths.

As with ANY bullet, follow load data, and there's plenty in the manuals I posted above.

That wasn't ment to mislead. Sorry fellows.

Captain Quack, just for future reference on Berry's hollow base bullets. The Hollow Base bullets are not the same length as their flat base/solid base bullets. The Hollow Base bullets are longer. Though they are loaded the exact same way, as the Hollow Base seats deeper they still develop the same interior case volume because of the hollow base. There is also a very slight pressure difference because the Hollow Base has a longer load bearing surface.

Captain Quack said:

I'm still not sure these are Berry's. I haven't checked bullets with Berry's since I'm only 35 miles from RMR. Thanks for the information though. I do know that I went with low power loads for the FEG (?) PPK clone I had and it kicked like a mule. One of the reasons I sold it.

Captain Quack.

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Ah, yes! The PA63 thumb-breaker. A classic. Originally designed as an homage to the Pistole Polizei. I had one for nearly ten minutes after the first time I shot it.

I still have my FEG, but its in 32acp. Pretty docile in 32.

You can load them, just have to find your own COAL. Load them as long as possible.
For the load stick with plated data, maybe a berry's load.