Can I use 9mm jacketed bullets for .38s&w?

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schmally

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I am going to get back into reloading and inventoried what I had in the "bin".
Just traded for a new Forster press and am anxious to try my hand at .38 reloads for practice in my Vacquero's. I found approx. 250 jacketed 9mm bullets and some old .38 brass. Can I use these bullets for practicing or should I look to trade for some .38 leads at a local shop? (Providing I can find any!!!) Would appreciate any guidance since I am a "new" reloader with previous experience. Thanks to all in advance. Love to read posts!! schmally
 
If you mean .38 S&W & not .38 S&W Spl, your bore is more like .364 or so. I don't remember off hand.

For .38 S&W, if you can get enough neck tension, they will go bang and shoot decent, but they are definitely not a good choice. At least go with .357/8 .38 bullets in a .38 S&W, and they make correctly sized lead bullets for it.

Since you mention the Vaquero, I figure you mean .38 S&W Special, but the advise is the same, while you might make them work, they are a poor choice with so many real .38 bullet choices out there.


Welcome to THR
 
It will work loading 9mm (.355-.356") bullets in .38 Special cases, just not real well. Many reloaders over the years have loaded 9mm bullets in .38's, including myself.

Before there was an internet, we found things out by experimenting a lot. I had a friend with one of the convertible Blackhawks with a 9mm cylinder. That handgun was actually more accurate with the 9mm rounds than with the .38's and .357's. We never slugged the bore, but I would assume it was on the tight side.

I have slugged a couple of Colt Pythons and they were both .356" in diameter through the bore. The bottom line is how well your handguns shoot the 9mm bullets, and you won't know that until you try.

Hope this helps.

Fred
 
9mm in 38 cal?

If I remember correctly, Lee Jurras used 9mm bullets in 38 spl. and .357 mag. in order to get higher velocity in his super-vel loads. The easy fit allowed the bullets to go down the bore with less friction (swaging) keeping pressures lower with hot charges. This started the revolution of light bullets going fast in pistols.
He was a bright guy that knew how to use every combination to reach his goal. Small bullets, light weight, heavy charges, and specialized powder type to get high velocity. (probably some other tricks with primers too) Dalerj:)
 
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