Anyway Loading .38 Super Projectiles in 9mm Luger?

[markr6754]

With nearly every source drying up for 9mm projectiles I've started looking for alternatives...just in case this drought continues.

My Berry's coated bullets are .356" diameter, while all of my 9mm jacketed projectiles are .355".

I found jacketed rn and jacketed hp for .38 Super...121gr JHP and 125gr JHP and FMJ. They cost a bit more than the standard weight jacketed and hp 9mm (115gr, 124gr), both of which are out-of-stock.

Aside from the price, is there a reason not to use them in 9mm loads? (with proper load workup)

 

[Demi-human]

is there a reason not to use them in 9mm loads? (with proper load workup)

Nope.

 

[markr6754]

Nope.

Ummm...is that a "Nope" as in not using them, or a "Nope" no reason to not use them?

 

[Demi-human]

No reason not to.

The ogive may be different. They may be a different weight. They may have a shorter COAL to avoid the rifling.
But they also may be great!

Provided careful load work up is followed, knowing a larger diameter bullet may create more pressure, needing less charge for the same pressure.

I, in fact, prefer fat bullets, finding greater accuracy in the bore filling bullets of various manufacturers, as compared to the more slender offerings.

 

[Chuck R.]

No reason not to.

The ogive may be different. They may be a different weight. They may have a shorter COAL to avoid the rifling.
But they also may be great!

Provided careful load work up is followed, knowing a larger diameter bullet may create more pressure, needing less charge for the same pressure.

I, in fact, prefer fat bullets, finding greater accuracy in the bore filling bullets of various manufacturers, as compared to the more slender offerings.

Agree and I've done it with 357SIG bullets in 9mm also.

As long as it's not a JHP designed to expand in a particulate impact velocity range, and you need expansion, there shouldn't be any issue at all.

 

[GoldieMI]

I actually do load 357Sig/38Super/9mm with the same projectile in some loads.

 

[AJC1]

Load one long test for oal if it's good to go load a box and send it

 

[fxvr5]

Some folks even load .357 and .358 bullets in their 9mm as long as they fit properly in the chamber.

 

[PO2Hammer]

Loaded some plated 357" revolver bullets in my 9mm last night. In a pinch I've used Super bullets in 357.

 

[greyling22]

Some folks even load .357 and .358 bullets in their 9mm as long as they fit properly in the chamber.

That's me! My witness match keyholes with anything lead smaller than .358, so all the 9s and 357s get the same .358 125grn lead bullet. They work well with the coated lead too.

 

[markr6754]

Thanks to all who responded. I have made assumptions in the past that bit me, didn't need any more bite marks.

 

[rfwobbly]

You need to slug your barrel to be sure. Bullets sized for 9mm is all I shoot in my Kimber Target II, but it slugs at 0.355".

Additionally, since some 9's choke on the long OALs needed for 147gr, I've been shooting the Berry and MBC 135gr (found under 38Super) when I need a "heavy" 9mm bullet. So 'yes' you can go both ways.

 

[Mr. Zorg]

Or buy a .38 Super +P pistol and brass to go along with the bullets

 

[DocRock]

Don't use those!

They are only for the cognoscenti and aficionados of the 38 Super. Using them in 9mm may be perfectly safe and clever, but doing so would be a violation of taste.

 

[TonyAngel]

For a long time, I used the same projectiles interchangeably in the 9mm and Super. I used Super for open class and 9mm for local plate matches. In fact, my super was just a 9mm barrel with a .38 super chamber.

 

[markr6754]

Or buy a .38 Super +P pistol and brass to go along with the bullets

It’s actually funny you say this. About 15 years ago I accidentally bought .38 Super ammo, instead of the .38 Spl I wanted. Didn’t realize my mistake until the order arrived, then I thought the vendor shipped the wrong ammo...until I reviewed my original order.

I still have the ammo. Keep thinking I need to buy a .38 Super pistol, just so I can finally shoot the ammo. So far, my wife isn’t convinced that that is a sensible action. So the ammo sits...unopened, unloved.

 

[armoredman]

With nearly every source drying up for 9mm projectiles I've started looking for alternatives...just in case this drought continues.

My Berry's coated bullets are .356" diameter, while all of my 9mm jacketed projectiles are .355".

I found jacketed rn and jacketed hp for .38 Super...121gr JHP and 125gr JHP and FMJ. They cost a bit more than the standard weight jacketed and hp 9mm (115gr, 124gr), both of which are out-of-stock.

Aside from the price, is there a reason not to use them in 9mm loads? (with proper load workup)

I used up a box of MBC 125gr 38 Super IDP#6 projos in my 9mm pistols and they were excellent.

 

[Demi-human]

As are all of their offerings...

 

[Walkalong]

A lot of 9MM barrels have grooves over .355, I have routinely shot Zero .356 ".38 Super" bullets in 9MM hand guns.

 

[Howland937]

It’s actually funny you say this. About 15 years ago I accidentally bought .38 Super ammo, instead of the .38 Spl I wanted. Didn’t realize my mistake until the order arrived, then I thought the vendor shipped the wrong ammo...until I reviewed my original order.

I still have the ammo. Keep thinking I need to buy a .38 Super pistol, just so I can finally shoot the ammo. So far, my wife isn’t convinced that that is a sensible action. So the ammo sits...unopened, unloved.

If your Super ammo gets lonely and depressed, I'd recommend sending it on a trip. That's the therapy I usually recommend for unappreciated ammo...doesn't need to be a long trip. Something in the 25 yard range should work. If you don't have the means to send them, I'll volunteer to be their travel agent.

 

[Dudedog]

I still have the ammo. Keep thinking I need to buy a .38 Super pistol, just so I can finally shoot the ammo. So far, my wife isn’t convinced that that is a sensible action. So the ammo sits...unopened, unloved.

But Honey, I need to dispose of the ammo somehow.......
(you can tell I'm not married otherwise I would realize the danger of a statement like the above)