9mm in .357mag revolver

[CAnnoneer]

I gather it is possible to shoot 9mm Luger rounds through .357mag revolvers. Ruger's catalog contains full-moon clips for the SP101, but I have not seen such for the GP100 series. Are there any and who sells them?

Are there any special concerns, considerations, precautions, etc. to keep in mind in such use of 9mm?

Specifically, are there any "bulging" problems due to inadequate chamber support if any? Cycling problems? Danger to the revolver? Specific types of ammo, e.g. casings, hollow-point, specific jacketing etc.?

I am asking because I recently ordered my first wheelgun (a Ruger KGP161), while it seems commercial 9mm is cheaper than .357mag, and .38spl is not that common anymore. I don't reload and don't plan to any time soon.

Many thanks in advance.

 

[roscoe]

9mm is wider than .357 at the base, so it is the .357 cases that bulge slightly, but apparently not dangerously. You need to get the chamber reamed. These guys do it:

http://www.moonclip.com/9x23.htm

 

[Geister]

Of course not.

It's a good idea to research ammo prices before you purchase a gun.

 

[Majic]

There was at one time a SP-101 chambered in 9mm that used moonclips. The moonclips are not for using the 9mm cartridge in a .38spl or .357 magnum chambered SP-101. Since the GP-100 was never chambered in 9mm that's why you don't see any moonclips for them. Please learn what your firearm is chambered for and stick to only the recommended ammo.

 

[TYY]

I get 500rds 38sp for $65-70. Not too bad. Deal with it.

I shoot them in my Gp100 4".

 

[texas bulldog]

there have been a few revolvers over the years chambered in 9mm. if that's what you want, go out and find one. you cannot, however, simply put 9mm in any ol' .357 or .38 revolver.

always, always, always use the type of cartridge that is named on the weapon itself [unless it has been re-chambered, of course]. to do otherwise is a recipe for disaster.


personally, i have no problem finding .38 special for sale. try any wal*mart or sporting goods store. they're sure to have some.

 

[Geister]

For $100-$150 you can purchase a reloading kit and .357/.38 die set. In the long run you can shoot .357 Magnum for as cheap as 9mm.

Right now using 158 grain copper bullets, I can reload full-house loads for about $7.75 per 50. The local Wal-Mart sells wimpy 9mm FMJ for about $0.25 to $0.50 more per 50.

The medium load .357 sold by Wal-Mart costs at least $21.37 per 50 so after only about 750 rounds or so I've already made up the money for the reloading kit and I'm shooting hotter ammo.

 

[lensman]

I shoot 9mm in my .357 all the time ... BUT

I have the Ruger New Blackhawk .357/9mm convertible! You can do that. However, it uses a seperate cylinder for each.

This is probably my very favorite gun to shoot -- how versatile can you get? .38 Special, .357 Magnum, and 9mm in one gun.

 

[YodaVader]

I shoot 9mm in my .357 all the time ... BUT
I have the Ruger New Blackhawk .357/9mm convertible!

Yep , probably the easiest way to shoot 9mm and 357 in the same gun. I have one myself in the 4 5/8" length.

 

[Brian Williams]

NO, you cannot shoot 9mmx19 or 9mm Luger in a 38 spec or 357mag. But, you can have the charge holes reamed to 9mmx19 to be able to load 9mm's in it. The problem is that the base of the 9mm's is a larger diameter than the 357/38, this would cause any 357s or 38 specials to split. Also the 9mms would have a messy chamber to go thru with the old 357 or 38spec chambers.

 

[CAnnoneer]

Great, thanks!

Does Ruger sell a 9mm cylinder for the GP100 series?

 

[Majic]

Does Ruger sell a 9mm cylinder for the GP100 series?

No!!

 

[Geister]

No offense, CAnnoneer, but I think it would be in your best interest to do more research before you make your next firearm purchase.

 

[logical]

.38 special is not common? What? It's everywhere and probably the second cheapest centerfire round after 9mm to shoot.

 

[CAnnoneer]

Nah, if there is no commercial 9mm cylinder for the GP100, then so be it; I am not going to mess with reaming the .357 cylinder. Instead, I'll just shoot .38spl or .357mag as intended.

For the record, I am mostly a 9mm guy (KP89 & PT92AFS), but also have a .22 (MkIII) for practice. As I said, this is my first wheelgun, and probably will be the only one for a long while. I've shot an identical one as a rental with .357mag, and have also tried a Redhawk, but the .44mag kicks too much for me, although I love the Redhawk itself. The .357 is just about right.

Guys, thanks for the info.

 

[Geister]

Cannoneer, I still think you should consider getting into reloading; it'll allow you to shoot your .357 as often as a 9mm.

 

[Brian Williams]

you should consider getting into reloading; it'll allow you to shoot your .357 as often as a 9mm.

more often

 

[Okiecruffler]

Seems like I remember a story from way back in my mind about a fella that took a 38 revolver and some 9mm ammo in a burglery. Was going to rob a liquor store, but the ammo wouldn't completely chamber in the cylinder. But he found this rock....you can probably finish the story.