Alternative 38 Special bullets

[Howard B]

Has anyone tried using 9mm plated bullets in a 38 Special? I would think with the small diameter difference any issue would be accuracy rather than safety. I ask because I have some 147 plated 9mms that I have decided I really dont want to use for 9mm loads. Thanks, Howard

 

[Howard B]

Has anyone tried using 9mm plated bullets in a 38 Special? I would think with the small diameter difference any issue would be accuracy rather than safety. I ask because I have some 147 plated 9mms that I have decided I really dont want to use for 9mm loads. Thanks, Howard

 

[Ignatz]

I've used bullets sized .356, but never gone as low as .355. You got to watch how tight you can grip the bullet or else it might move back. A bullet that moves back too far can cause a pressure problem. I used the Remington or Winchester 130 grain round nose for the 38 supers sometimes. It works, but I went back to the Berrys 158 round nose for 38's. You amost have to use a 9mm or 38 super belling die so you don't open up the 38 case too far for the smaller bullet. Also different brass might grip the smaller bullets tighter than others. And different sizing dies might have a different effect.

 

[max]

As long as you can get a crimp on them, they should work fine.

 

[jjones33]

It was a fad in the seventies to use very light weight bullets designed for .380 autos in .38 special. You could drive those bad boys up to rocket velocities but they were as stable as my drunken Indian cousin Ricky. Try a few and see how they do at 15 yards but you'd be better off trading them to someone for what you really need. Just my 2 pennies here.

 

[John R]

Originally posted by jjones33:
It was a fad in the seventies to use very light weight bullets designed for .380 autos in .38 special. You could drive those bad boys up to rocket velocities but they were as stable as my drunken Indian cousin Ricky. Try a few and see how they do at 15 yards but you'd be better off trading them to someone for what you really need. Just my 2 pennies here.

+1

 

[Skip Sackett]

They will work. Not much difference between them and the 158gr 38 caliber version really.

What do they actually measure?

 

[Howard B]

Skip - good question. I'll dig out the mic and check.

I hadn't thought about the case belling or taper crimp issues either. Thanks to all. I shall report back on the results.

 

[Jellybean]

After you've prepared your cases run a 9mm sizer die, with the decapper removed, down the case. Go only as far as the bullets will be seated. Then use a 9mm seat and crimp die to finish them.

 

[Howard B]

Yet another excellent idea. Thanks Jellybean.

 

[1x2]

Remember that Ruger used to sell a Blackhawk that was advertised as 9mm/357. I don't remember now whether they provided a different cylinder for each, or not. That said, I'd wait and trade them with someone, or simply give them as a gift to someone with a 9mm. A little good karma shouldn't hurt...

1x2

 

[Groo01]

Groo here
When we wanted a high speed load in the old days
a 9mm bullet was used often.
It will depend how tight a barrel you have as
to how well the bullets will shoot.
My gun was a Python and they have smaller
bores.
I think they were really tapered, as they usually
measured at .354 But started larger.

 

[RidgwayCO]

1x2, they still do.

http://www.ruger-firearms.com/Firearms/FAFamily?type=Re...%209mm%20Convertible

I've got one, and like it. I don't use it in 9mm much, just to screen loads that might be a little "spicy."