9MM in a .38/.357 mag?
- Thread starter DynoDan1
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I've seen those, don't own one.
I loaded some 9mm bullets in some .38 special cases along with some .357's and they worked.
Had to guess at the load though. 38 specials and .357's seem to like 158gr bullets more than they like 115 gr 9mm's though.
Had decent results out to 15 yards, beyond that they kinda sucked. Perhaps if I played with the charge weight/powder I'd see better results.
I used Unique/TiteGroup/Accurate #2. I'd have to dig through my notes as to what charges I used.
I loaded some 9mm bullets in some .38 special cases along with some .357's and they worked.
Had to guess at the load though. 38 specials and .357's seem to like 158gr bullets more than they like 115 gr 9mm's though.
Had decent results out to 15 yards, beyond that they kinda sucked. Perhaps if I played with the charge weight/powder I'd see better results.
I used Unique/TiteGroup/Accurate #2. I'd have to dig through my notes as to what charges I used.
LiveLife
Member
Yes.
I loaded some MBC 18 BHN 9mm 124 gr RN (SmallBall) sized 0.356" with 3.0-3.5 gr Promo into .38 Spl cases for a friend's .357 Mag revolver. Powder charge came up almost halfway up the case and OAL was 1.445" and taper crimped only (no roll crimp). Accuracy was good and recoil was mild with no noticeable leading.
2004 Alliant load data - http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=182147&d=1364769070
- .38 Spl 125 JSP Red Dot OAL 1.44" Max 3.9 gr (950 fps)
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Hooda Thunkit
Member
So you're an old, unmarried woman ? With no prospects ?
Even so, I'm sure you are welcome here.
Cheesemaker
Member
This was talked about a week or so back: https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/357-noob-question.894646/
They will work. Just be aware of how you will crimp the bullets - 9mm are usually do not have a cannelure. Also, check speed ratings for the bullet compared to the velocity you will likely achieve.
Spinster?
They will work. Just be aware of how you will crimp the bullets - 9mm are usually do not have a cannelure. Also, check speed ratings for the bullet compared to the velocity you will likely achieve.
Spinster?
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kerreckt
Member
I load 125gr. 38/357 for my 9mm all the time. They work great. I know that is not quite your question but I think it applies.
AJC1
Member
This is just a tolerance and material game. If your using jacketed I believe you will be successful most times. The nominal of .355 vs .357 being close enough. Shooting cast at max loads might get ugly with bad leading and terrible accuracy. If I had no available bullets and I didnt cast I would likely try it. The difference between a large 9mm round and a smaller 357 being even closer.
Not all spinsters are woman!
As for prospects? I got lotsa prospects, just none that are into guns like I am, bummer huh?
Old? Yeah, well you'll get there eventually!
25-20 WCF
Member
You sure about that?
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spinster
I guess it depends on how you identify. Regardless, the biggest reliability/accuracy issue I see with using .355” bullets would be bullet movement in the cylinder under recoil. No crimp groove, and much less neck tension - but lighter bullets so less inertia. I’m sure they can be made to work.
.
Jim Watson
Member
I tried it with mixed results.
My .38 sizing die would not reduce the brass enough to hold .355" jacketed bullets, even if I did not use the expander die.
I could get enough grip on .3565" cast bullets to get by.
My antique .38-44 Target with bullets seated below the mouth did great with those cast bullets even though supposedly way undersize.
C.E. Harris did an American Rifleman article with similar results.
He would not take no for an answer, so he had RCBS cut a .38 sizing die with a tighter neck.
He wrote that worked in .38 Special but full charge Magnums would deform or break up 9mm bullets and was not worth having.
My .38 sizing die would not reduce the brass enough to hold .355" jacketed bullets, even if I did not use the expander die.
I could get enough grip on .3565" cast bullets to get by.
My antique .38-44 Target with bullets seated below the mouth did great with those cast bullets even though supposedly way undersize.
C.E. Harris did an American Rifleman article with similar results.
He would not take no for an answer, so he had RCBS cut a .38 sizing die with a tighter neck.
He wrote that worked in .38 Special but full charge Magnums would deform or break up 9mm bullets and was not worth having.
Jim Watson
Member
Oh, good, I didn't know they made a .38 Special U die although I have 9mm and .45.
fxvr5
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They make U-dies in 8 flavors.
https://leeprecision.com/undersize-sizing-dies/
https://leeprecision.com/undersize-sizing-dies/
mcb
Member
When I first started shooting USPSA with a S&W 627 (switching from a 610 and 625) I wanted a round nose 160gr bullets. I was using Ibejiheads 160gr coated lead bullets but at the time it was only sized for 9mm sized .356. I ran 2500 rd of those before they started offering it sized .358 for us 38/357 mag shooters. I never really saw a change in performance when I changed diameters. I think the heavier 9mm bullets work better in 38/357 due to the extra bearing area touching the barrel. With my Ruger Blackhawk the heavier 9mm always shot better in it then the lighters bullets too.
I taper crimped them and they did fine, no issues.
I think you need to find a different forum.
There are only 2: male/female anything else is just icky and confused.
They did and do work. I Googled "can a 9mm bullet be shot from a .38 special" and Google sent me to the Smith&Wesson forum where someone
had addressed the issue so I tried it and it worked.
How accurate are they? Well since I practice with my rifles waaay more than I do with my handguns, for me it's hard to say.
Out to 15 yards they weren't bad. Beyond that?
GeoDudeFlorida
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Sure quite often. Lead and jacketed. Works great.
GeoDudeFlorida
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Why not? Just because there’s no cannelure doesn’t mean a lead or soft jacketed bullet can’t be roll crimped. I use Remington Golden Saber 124gr BJHP bullets for .357mag and a Lee FCD to roll crimp.
FROGO207
Member
I even tried with 9MM sizing, expanding, seating dies and it worked just fine. Just have to use a 38 SPL shell holder and expect the brass to be sized down smaller in diameter where the die works it.
Bcwitt
Member
I used 9mm dies exclusively for 38s until my brass got too tight.
Riomouse911
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