380, 9mm, 38 super diameters interchangeability?

[tacxted]

I did a forum search and my reading didnt directly answer my question. I am new to reloading and this is part of my research prior to buying components. I have the package in the mail with my reloading gear and I own and have read the Lyman 49th already.

What I want to know is :

Are bullets of 380, 9mm and 38 super interchangeable?

The range seems to be .355-.356 (says midwayusa). I want to know because i would find it interesting to put a light 80ish grain bullet in a 9mm case. Im not interested in the practical use of doing so, as much as being able to do it just because.

 

[Texan Scott]

You can load 380 into 9... from a practical point of view, might not work well the other way around. People put 90gr bullets in 9x19 cases all the time. Actually, you can buy them that way. Work your loads up carefully, and have fun.

 

[RandyP]

I reckon most anything 'can' be done, though load workup to avoid excess pressure could be a concern?

I don't know that a .380 bullet sitting in a 9mm case is going to produce anything different than it would in the correct .380 case using the same powder charge?

As usual the best recommendation when a person wants to 'experiment' is to take lots of videos throughout the process. That way even if it is a total failure, it can always serve as an example of what not to do - LOL - maybe even get the coveted Darwin Award.

 

[beatledog7]

When I started loading .380 I decided to try some 100-gr plated flat nose bullets in 9mm cases. My primary concern is how little of the bullet shank is in the case neck when these are seated to spec depth. Conversely, I'm concerned that making them shorter may adversely affect feeding. I haven't shot any of these yet.

I might also try some 115-gr FMJs in .380 cases. If those work and are accurate, I'll try JHPs. Either of these might make really good carry rounds, though I doubt I'd get good expansion at the kind of velocity a .380/115-gr combination can manage.

 

[56hawk]

They are all the same diameter, but might not work depending on what gun you are shooting them out of. Heavy bullets in a 380 can bulge the case when seated too deep. I've had that problem loading 115 grain bullets. On the other hand light weight bullets in 9mm or 38 Super can be too short and not feed properly.

 

[Float Pilot]

Some 38 Super guns have a 357 diamater barrel.
When I rebarreled my Colt Commander with a BAR_STO barrel, they asked me if I wanted a .355 or .357 diameter barrel. Some guys like the 357 barrel because they can find heavy bullets. I went with a .355 barrel.

 

[helotaxi]

The problem most often encountered with loading the light bullets intended for the .380 for the 9mm is that the load doesn't have enough oomph to cycle the action. You have to load them pretty hot just to get them to function the pistol.

 

[tacxted]

Good responses everyone!

It looks like the problems Ill run into will be seating depth being to short or OAL being to short. And the smaller bullets may not work the slide unless loaded hot. hmmm interesting.

I bought some regular 115grain 9mm bullets to learn how to load with. Ill be following the tables to the letter, then when Im ready I may try using 380 bullet weights.

Thanks for the info

ted

 

[Twiki357]

I've been loading for quite a few years, but just got my first 38 Super (1911) a few weeks ago. I tried some 115gr 9mm bullets sized at .356 using 6.0gr of Herco and it was not enough to properly function the action. This load was just below midpoint (5.6 to 6.9gr). I've loaded some hotter ones with Herco as well as some with Bullseye, but haven't had the chance to try them.

From what I've experienced so far with 380, 9mm, & 38 Super, lighter 380 bullets in a heavier 9mm gun requires a hotter load and the same for 115gr 9mm bullets in a 1911 size 38 Super in order to properly work the action. But just remember to start low and work up. That's what I'm just starting to do now with the 38 Super.