Similar Dimensions and Dies

[Brass Rain]

Have recently gotten into reloading, finally (really, what took me so long?) and am awaiting a single stage press kit ordered online, but in the meantime I have a question. I found a video online of a person whom used 9x19 brass simply trimmed down to be used as pseudo-9x18 Makarov (marked as such, for safety) and I thought, well what a great idea. Should have been obvious, but since they're the same dimensions only 9x18 is shorter, it makes plenty of sense. I imagine the same could be done for .380 ACP. My question is: since die length is adjustable within a press, could one buy 9x19 dies and adjust the lengths to properly flare/seat/fit 9x18 Makarov or .380 ACP in appropriate cases with appropriate bullets?

 

[dmazur]

Here's .380 ACP

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.380_ACP

and 9mm Parabellum

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/9%C3%9719mm_Parabellum

and 9mm Marakov

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/9%C3%9718mm_Makarov

If you check neck and base diameters, as well as case length, you'll probably agree that .380 ACP just isn't going to work with 9mm Parabellum dies, and that the 9mm Parabellum shares base diameter with 9mm Marakov, but has more taper (so the neck diameter is 0.010" smaller).

IMO, while it may be possible to "force" various reloading components using the wrong dies, and perhaps chamber and fire them successfully, it just isn't a wise idea.

I believe the goal is to assemble ammunition to match factory specs, at least as far as dimensions go.

Also, using once-fired 9mm Parabellum brass, cut down and resized in 9mm Marakov dies is not the same thing as trying to use a 9mm Parabellum die to create 9mm Marakov ammo...

 

[Walkalong]

Yep, 9MM dies won't work for .380, and 9MM brass cannot be trimmed down to use as .380 brass.

 

[rfwobbly]

9mm Mak is not really 9.0mm. It's more like 9.2mm which means for that particular caliber you need a new die set. However you can use 9x19 brass trimmed down to 9x18 and then re-sized in Mak dies. Good luck finding that special brass at the range after shooting it, but it can be done.

9x19 Luger dies can usually be used on 9x21 also. And the shell holder is good for a whole handful of calibers.

 

[Brass Rain]

Hm, well it's a shame it doesn't work the way I thought it would. Oh well, better safe than kB!-ed. Thank you for your insight, I'm still learning this stuff.