Difference in 38/357 and 9mm

[StressPuppy]

What is the difference, if any, in the bullets used for loading 38, 357 and 9mm??

I went to a show a couple of weeks ago and bought 1000 TMJs for loading some 38s. I now want to do some 9mm and I am wondering if I can use the same bullets.

The bullets I have are .630 in length, .355 in diameter and are flat nosed.


Thanks!

 

[StressPuppy]

Oh, and they are 158 grain (maybe a little heavy for 9mm???)

 

[StressPuppy]

Well, I think I answered my own STUPID question with my reply to my post, but I would still like to hear any input you might have on this issue.

There is another local show coming up in a week, so I guess I will be trekking out to get some 9mm bullets.

 

[jjmorgan64]

well if they're .355 then they are 9mm bullets, 38/357 use a .357 bullet. The .355's will work but normally arn't real accurate.

The biggest difference is the 9's are normally shaped to feed in a semi, where the 38's don't have that desighn constraint.

 

[jjmorgan64]

Just did a quick look and didn't see any 158 gr 9mm loads, if they are truly .355 try contacting the manufacturer for load data, or ask here, somebodie's had to have tried them.

 

[StressPuppy]

I'll re-check the diameter. I may have just misread or something.

I thought 158 was a bit heavy for 9mm anyway, and I wasn't thinking about that part.

What is the typical dimensions of a 9mm 115 grn bullet?

 

[blowsomethingup]

I would consider using them but they are too heavy,1156 and 124 work best,147 is really pushing the envelope,and higher pressure is not good either,just shoot the 1000 in 357.
yum!

 

[moxie]

From your questions, it sounds like you may not have access to a good reloading manual. I recommend you obtain one, such as the Speer or Lyman versions. They give dimensions of all components and proven, safe, load data. They also offer a lot of "how to" information which will save you a lot of grief.

 

[Tony Z]

Here is a link to a page with some 9MM 153Gr loads. I would'nt push them very hard. Scroll to the bottom of the links web page.

http://www.loadyourown.com/loaddata/sresults.asp


Tony

 

[dodgestdshift]

Stresspuppy:

The .355 measurement is the correct size for 9mm. If the bullets have a cannelure they probably are for the 357/38.

I once got 9mm bullets instead of 357 (the box mislabeled). They shot horribly in my 357 mag. After about 18 shots I could shoot any more the gun was so dirty it wouldn't function. When you shot your bullets in your 38 special how did they shoot. If they shot poorly and very dirty they probably were 9mm.

Remember it is probably safe to shoot 9mm bullets in a 38/357 but the other way around you have a larger bullet than the gun was designed for.

You are always safe if you don't shoot them.

 

[StressPuppy]

Thanks to all for the input.

I went back and rechecked the bullets diameter and they are for 38/357. I just mis-gauged or mis-read them. They work fine in my S&W Model 65, so I am not worried there.

As for using them as 9mm, I guess my brain wasn't functioning when I started this email because I wasn't even thinking about the weight. I have no intention of using 158 gr bullets in my 9mm, even if they were the same diameter.

So, I have already used all the 158 grn bullets to make 38s (about 1000), and there is a show locally the weekend that I will go to and get a some bulk FMJ or TMJ 9mm, probably 115 grn.

Sorry my brain wasn't engaged!!!!

 

[jjmorgan64]

Sorry my brain wasn't engaged!!!!

Happens to me all the time

 

[StressPuppy]

Just so long as it IS engaged while actually reloading, I guess I am ok!!!