9 vs .38Spec?

[Labguy47]

You have one of the FEW revolvers that will do this, chamber 9mm in a .357 cylinder. Now, please explain how you think that shooting .38 spl in a .357 cylinder damages the gun.

I never said that, and I know that .357 is a higher pressure cartridge that is slightly longer. I was advocating you could shoot multiple shorter cartridges that where roughly the same diameter out of the .357.

 

[Texas10mm]

My point being you can shoot a 9mm safely through a .357 all day without damaging the firearm. I’m not gonna say the same for a .38

I never said that, and I know that .357 is a higher pressure cartridge that is slightly longer. I was advocating you could shoot multiple shorter cartridges that where roughly the same diameter out of the .357.

Yeah ya did.

Now please explain how shooting a .38 special through a .357 magnum damages the gun.

 

[GRIZ22]

I don't think there's any real difference between the two if you're using a comparable bullet. The 9mm will have more velocity. The 38 bullet will probably start expanding sooner as it can have exposed lead and start expanding sooner.

 

[TN Outlaw]

Maybe he meant you can shoot a 9x19mm safety from a 357mag but can't shoot a 9x19mm safely from a 38spl.

 

[reddog81]

Maybe he meant you can shoot a 9x19mm safety from a 357mag but can't shoot a 9x19mm safely from a 38spl.

I assumed this was what was meant by the post in question. However it could be read either way.

Either way there are so few revolvers of such configuration in circulation it is all but irrelevant for any normal discussion regarding caliber performance.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

D

Almost any modern double action revolver can be converted from 38/357 to also shoot 9mm. TK Custom and a few other revolver gunsmiths will run a 9mm chamber reamer into a 38 Special or 357 Magnum revolver along with cutting the cylinder face and star for moonclips. When finished the revolver will safely fire 38 Special and 357 Magnum (Assuming it was a 357 not a 38 to begin with) with or without moonclips and 9mm with moonclips. The only caveat being that if you shoot really hot 357 Magnum or 9mm +P you will likely have case sticking issues. An option if your looking for flexibility at the sacrifice of pushing the power.

Do you see early case head failures or excessively difficult case resizing with 38 Special or 357 brass as a result of the reaming? Personally, I have no desire to shoot 9mm from a revolver, because I just don't care. But I'm curious, as reloading my brass for a good long time is important to me. It's a major cost saver to me.