.356" for a 38spl?

[RSVP2RIP]

Is it possible to load a 9mm bullet (.355"-.356") in a 38 spl for accuracy? I'm sitting on a pile of 9mm bullets and got caught with my pants down for the shortage on .357 bullets. Specifically I have 115gr. Winchester JHP and 115gr. Remington JHP. I understand I can't crimp the bullet but for target work in a 4" 686 am I going to experience alot of bullet jump? I could always get a Lee Factory Crimp die.

 

[Remo-99]

It's 'do-able' , but accuracy may not be that great.

 

[something vague]

A .356" bullet would work better than .355" for odvious reasons. But I don't believe the bullets you listed are. It can be done but as stated before accuracy will most likely suffer. You would experience a lot of bullet jump not matter what bullet you load in a 38 special case, as I believe the 686 is chambered for .357 mag.

 

[NCsmitty]

Ask in the buy, sell or trade to see if anyone needs 9mm bullets and swap for some 357-358 bullets.
Or you could order some slugs from Missouri bullets who posts here. THR discount and good prices.


NCsmitty

 

[ants]

Well, you can always load some and shoot 'em.
Then come back and report the results to us.
That is what the hobby of reloading is all about.

I use 9mm bullets in my 38 Special snubby, but accuracy from a 1-7/8" barrel isn't the question.

 

[bullseye308]

I have more than enough 357 158 SWC cast from WW sized .358 and would be willing to work a trade. PM me if interested.

 

[JDGray]

I had some under sized .357 bullets once, and had to run my .357 cases up into my 9mm luger die, to get some neck tension. Only needed to run them up a 1/2" or so, and the bullets shot fine.

 

[PO2Hammer]

I've run quite a few plated .356"/130 grain round nose .38 Super bullets through my .357 Magnum revolver. They shot well but did leave a fine coat of soot or carbon black in the barrel, probably from blow by. Easy to clean though.

The only trouble I had was finding a COL that wasn't too long for the cylinder, or too short to get full bullet diameter at the case mouth for crimping. That shouldn't be a problem with .38 special brass.

Accuracy was fine.

I gave mine a light roll crimp, should be OK for jacketed too.

 

[243winxb]

use a 9mm expander or none at all to hold the bullet in the 38 case. The ruger convertible 357mag have the cylinder for 9mm. You should be ok with jacketed bullets. Not so with lead alloy. As far as accuracy, you need to shoot it to know.

 

[jfh]

The last time I tried this, I also got excessive leading--probably not the optimum BHN / power / velocity combination, but I think the smaller size also had a bearing on it.

Jim H.

 

[loadedround]

These smaller diameter bullets may work in a Colt Revolver such as Python or Diamondback since their bore diameter is a .001" smaller than a comparable S&W revolver. Only way to know for sure is to try it.

 

[Remo-99]

The last time I tried this, I also got excessive leading

Jim, that is most likely caused by using undersized lead bullets, the OP was refering to using jacketed bullets that are most likely 0.002" smaller than his groove diameter of his 686.

 

[JCisHe]

The guy who taught me said this, "don't be an idiot and use the right tool for the job. Would you use a 5/16 wrench when you need a 7/16?"

I think that answers the question. Email the guy about trading.

 

[RSVP2RIP]

I was looking for a jacketed bullet, not lead, thanks for the offer to trade though. I was just thinking about it seeing the bucket of bullets there. I might give it a try and see what happens.

somethihng vague: The bullet jump I was refering to was the bullet creeping out of the case with recoil, not the jump to the forcing cone.

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

no don't do it they will 'rattle' down the bore causing all kind of problem and inaccuracy. box them up and send to me.

 

[Quoheleth]

Suggest you contact two THR members:

- Missouri Bullet for cast lead
- Longdayjake for plated.

I can't speak for Longdayjake, personally, but the reviews of his product seem to be favorable. I can speak for Missouri Bullet. Outstanding bullet, value & service - not to mention folks!

Q

 

[longdayjake]

thanks for the free advertizing. If you are looking for some good bullets that are already .357 I have a ton in stock, some jacketed and some plated. The plated bullets I sell will out shoot any other plated bullet on the market, and it will take a crimp as well. I have had customers claim that they outshoot any jacketed bullet that they have tried. I have had others claim that they can shoot them at magnum velocities as well. I need to do some testing of my own, but with how many people that I have heard good things from I am starting to believe it. In any case I believe that you will be as satisfied with the .357 I sell as you would with any jacketed bullets.