Make 38 Special Ammo with 9mm Bullets

[@garyK.45ACP]

9mm bullets usually work well in .38 Special and .357 Magnum cases. I have done this for decades and the results are usually good. I also use my own cast 9mm bullets in .38 Special and .357 Magnum cases just to increase variety without having to buy a separate mold. For example, I have a mold for a 148 gr. DE Wadcutter and a 158 gr. SWC for .38/.357. I also have a 122 gr. Flatnose for 9mm. So if I want a lighter bullet, I just use the 9mm bullets. I either skip crimping (for light loads) or crimp just over the edge of where the bullet tapers. While I size the cast bullets differently (.356 for 9mm, .358 for .38/.357) it doesn't seem to make any difference. The cast bullets will "bump up" and give good accuracy and no leading. (When velocities are under 900 fps) These are practice loads. They are not heavy hunting or defense loads. I usually do not handload jacketed bullets in handguns (and very few in rifles). If I can't get factory loaded FMJs for a price attractive enough to skip the trouble of reloading, then I just use my cast bullets. For loading data I use data for similar weight bullets and just back off 10% and work up to safe loads that deliver velocity I want.

[@30-06john]

Thanks for watching, and Happy Thanksgiving!

[@Rushshooting67913]

I’ve done this for years. Often I cast my own a they will be .357 so I just use them in 9mm and 38 special. I seen a comment saying why would you do that when there is 38 bullets all over online. I’ll tell you the same reason I shoot 10mm and 40s&w so I don’t have to buy 50 different components. I wouldn’t use them for self defense but range ammo why not. In a pinch I’d use for defense ammo. You’re talking about a 1000th of an inch difference. Great video.

[@30-06john]

Yep, works well! Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@FUXX_UT008]

Thanks for that info ,good to know👍 if i can bother you and pick your brain for some knowledge plz ? I handload 9mm,223/556,300blk,308,45acp and 45lc and like to load mostly precision rounds or my own sub sonics. Most subs are 556 and 300blk and heavy grain . But a older combat vet i help out gave me 2 boxes of 250rnds he hand casted in .357 they are 148gr and 180gr DHP all lead. I am wondering if i can load those into a 9mm case and load them sub sonic, fig they be real heavy and good for subs in 9mm. Have you or heard anyone thats done that or Am i stupid for asking 😂? Looked in some loading books but couldnt find anything. Any info would be great Thanks. 👍

[@johnnymccann5607]

I also with some os my 9mm pistols reload 357 bullets . my favorite is Remington 110 gr ,357 dia sjhp. around 1050-1100 fps out of my Taurus g2c 9mm pistols. Flawless operation,,accurate, reliable. wonderfully expansion. Papa😊

[@30-06john]

Sounds good, and thanks for watching!

[@curly__3]

Good data! Thanks. Happy Thanksgiving.

[@30-06john]

Thanks, and Happy Thanksgiving!

[@rbm6184]

Yes I have some Badman Bullets .357 diameter polymer coat 115gr. LRN that my 9mm (.355 diameter) pistols don't like so this being the proper diameter for .38Spl. I have started using them for .38Spl. rather than having them sit unused. I use Alliant Unique powder, formerly Hercules. Medium burn rate but versatile for both pistol and shotgun. From now on I think I will stick with Missouri Bullet Company and powder coats for 9mm that work well.

[@30-06john]

Sounds like a plan, and thanks for watching!

[@luvtahandload7692]

I really like those Lightning Ammo 147gr FP in my Beretta 92 9mm Luger at about 1050 fps. The best way to maximize the ol' Parabellum imo. 😊 Thanks, John!

[@30-06john]

Yeah, those are nice bullets! Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving!

[@jmkhenka]

I loaded some 150gr 9mm bullets in 357 brass. To solve the loose bullet i ran the 357 brass in a 9mm die, as long as it would let me. This essentaly give me a 9mm case diameter. Then i flared it and seat the bullet like usual. Not tested them yet, they where 150 FMJ for 38 super..

[@30-06john]

That's a great idea! Thanks for watching!

[@jimmieburleigh9549]

You should try loading 357 in 35 Whelen and Remington the 35s in 357.. I know 100% 357 and 35 Whelen works so 35 Remington should too. The 357 with the 35 projectiles made a good hunting rounds in single shots. If memory serves me right didn't fit in revolvers and any kind of action rifles like auto or bolt but probably could if worked on.

[@30-06john]

I don't have a 35 Rem or a 35W, but there is load data for both using pistol bullets in the Hornady handbook. Thanks for watching and have a happy Thanksgiving!

[@luvtahandload7692]

I like the Speer .358" 180gr in my S&W 686. Don't know if it expanded since it was developed for rifles but I never hunted with it anyway. 'Cept gophers, which don't need much expansion.

[@jimmieburleigh9549]

@@luvtahandload7692 👍

[@brycet6866]

John- Have you done a 9mm load in 38 with +P velocities?

[@30-06john]

No, but I don't see any issues, as long as the gun is rated for +P.

[@mkshffr4936]

I had to check it out to see why one would load undersized and inferior bullets. I didn't realize proper bullets were hard to find as I see them all over the place online but I haven't looked for them in local shops.

[@30-06john]

Often times, 9mm sized bullets are less expensive. Thanks for watching!

[@Zzoro1987]

Where I’m from no one stocks .38/.357 bullets and when I asked they said they never sell. They have stacks and stacks of 9mm though so I understand what he’s doing.

[@universalfloat7788]

Nice video

[@30-06john]

Thanks, appreciate you watching!