Use .38 bullets (.357) in a 9mm (.355)?

[woolfam]

I bought some Speer GD 135gr. Short Barrel bullets (.357) to work up a load in a Taurus M85. I traded the Taurus for a Kel-Tec P-11. Can I use the Speer Bullets in my 9mm reloads seeing that 9mm bullets are typically .355? Will the .002 difference cause the potential for pressure problems in my Kel-Tec (assuming I follow the recommended primer / powder guidelines)?

 

[only1asterisk]

The majority of 9mm's actually have bores of .356-.358". Even so .001" isn't going to make a big difference although you will see a pressure increase.

David

 

[woolfam]

Thanks for the info. I'll give them a try.

 

[Clark]

The real trick is seeing if the loaded ammo will drop in the chamber all the way and fall out again.

When I use .357" 158 gr XTP or .358" 158 gr LSWC in a 380, 9x19, or 9x23 I have to make sure the throat is long enough. If the bullet is jammed into the lands the powder charge at the threshold of trouble is much lower.

 

[woolfam]

Thanks, Clark. I'll check that out.

 

[bl4ckd0g]

I load for a .38 Super Auto with a barrel cast and miked to .356. I can get away with using .358 bullets under 125 grains or hardcast cowboy 160 grain lead bullets with no real cycling issues.

Anything larger, and I get chambering issues (aside from my bad, quick and sloppy handloading technique).