I also use 9mm bullets in my 38 Special's. I cast my own bullets so I use a Lee mould and drop a .356 bullet and powder coat it. The coating adds .001" to .0015" and they shoot great in my pistols, especially my S&W 642. Measure the bores on your revolvers, my 642 has .355 bores in it's cylinder so it shoots just fine. I also bought a 38 Special taper crimp die, I imagine you could use a 9mm die and IMHO it really wouldn't make much difference, they work fine. I have a Lee FCD for 38/357 and it would crimp plated bullets but was difficult on jacketed. I shoot medium loads mostly in the 850+ fps range with CFE Pistol powder and I don't even resize the cases, just decap with a Frankford Arsenal Hand Deprime tool, reprime, add powder and set a bullet in the case and taper crimp. The brass lasts forever (I have some that has been reloaded 20 times or more) because you're not working the case by skipping the resize and expanding steps and it's also very fast and I never had a bullet jump a crimp.
@30-06john2 жыл бұрын
Looks like you have a good system there! Yeah, keeping the loads mild has the brass lasting many reloads. Hey, thanks for the comments and watching!
@williamgaines97843 жыл бұрын
The lead bullets, if not cast super hard, will deform enough to fill the grooves. Even jacketed should. That was one of the reasons hollow based bullets were made, that a good tight fit to the grooves would occur. For practice, or even small game/pest bullets, the 9mm would work fine in 38 spl or 357 as long as one keeps the velocity of those plated bullets within spec. One can't shoot what one doesn't have.😉
@30-06john3 жыл бұрын
Absolutely! I just wanted to show that one can use 9mm bullets for reloading 38 Special so that we can still shoot during these times for shortages. Thanks for watching!
@R.E.Parker8 ай бұрын
I was doing this 30+ years ago using Sierra JHP bullets. Never had a problem. Lee Juras with SuperVel got this started...higher velocities/lower pressures. Works fine but work up your loads carefully and watch for signs of excessive pressure.
@30-06john8 ай бұрын
Yep, works pretty good, but I am using 38 special load data with equivalent 9mm bullets. Not trying for hot loads. Thanks for watching!
@mckwilly3 жыл бұрын
awesome to be able to improvise and continue the hobbies, component availability is better than few months ago, but we got alot more to endure
@30-06john3 жыл бұрын
I agree! Thanks for watching!
@freedom-vc9wi2 жыл бұрын
You bet i found powder and primers today and a ton of reloading supplies
@rbm61847 ай бұрын
I have loaded some 9mm in my .38Spl. because the .357 diameter 115gr. LRN polymer coated did not shoot well in my 9mm pistols. With the right size diameter for .38Spl. I decided to use them rather than let them sit unused. Since polymer and powder coated lead bullets can be shot to higher velocities I used the Hornady load data for 110gr. JHP using Unique powder. It is essentially the same load as I use for my 9mm reloads but at a lower velocity. I do use a lower or mild velocity charge for my pistol reloads. I agree with your best results. That lower powder charge is just right and pretty close to what I use.
@30-06john7 ай бұрын
Yep, works pretty good! Thanks for watching!
@SCSlimBoiseID2 жыл бұрын
It certainly will work. The popular notion that a 1/1000th of an inch too small bullet will "rattle down the barrel" probably belongs in the realm of mythology. I've done it and obtained reasonable accuracy at combat distances. If you could recover a fired bullet and check it for rifling striations, it might serve as a mythbuster of sorts. Pressure would probably be somewhat less and velocity might be pretty close to what's published - maybe a bit higher, which could account for groups printing lower than point-of-aim. Switching things up the other way might be interesting - probably doable, but I'd want to use a jacketed .357 diameter slug rather than .358, in a weight that was around the 115 grains that is sort of standard for the 9mm Luger cartridge, and I'd back off on the powder charge too - maybe start down at the bottom of the tables. Nice video! Cheers.
@30-06john2 жыл бұрын
That would be interesting to use .38 bullets in a 9mm, maybe in the future! Hey, thanks for the comments and watching!
@UncleDuncan5092 Жыл бұрын
Good video for proving the concept by comparing the results on paper.
@30-06john Жыл бұрын
Thanks! Glad you found it useful.
@michaelhenderson50983 жыл бұрын
Thanks for posting this video. I just finished loading some 38 Special for my Ruger revolver. I used Berry's 124gr Round Nose, and some Hornady 124gr JHP like you did. My intentions were to go to the range which is fairly close by, but it is raining! :( Before loading any more, I want to do a test shot or two!
@30-06john3 жыл бұрын
Glad you found it useful!
@Russianpaintrain3 жыл бұрын
Its been working for the past 53 years , accuracy's been fine.
@30-06john3 жыл бұрын
Yep, works fine!
@boozeandbullets20843 жыл бұрын
Cool test results
@30-06john3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! I might try using regular jacketed bullets in a week or two.
@emoryzakin25762 жыл бұрын
Man thanks for confirming this idea I’ve got a ton of berrys 147s and just picked up a 357 I’m dying to shoot! Mucho gracias!!
@30-06john2 жыл бұрын
Thanks, glad you found the info useful!
@emoryzakin25762 жыл бұрын
And putting it to use tonight, I’ll definitely let you know how it goes!
@ChineloBelicoАй бұрын
So how did it go?
@emoryzakin2576Ай бұрын
@@ChineloBelico kinda disappointed, at least compared to fmj. But my bulldog has a short barrel and apparently only likes light bullets. 2 years later this is what I've learned lol
@ChineloBelicoАй бұрын
6 inch 357, 7gn longshot and same bullets... let's see if the longer barrel do a better job. 😬
@USAACbrat Жыл бұрын
Hi John, I am running low on 125 Berry's 357's I shot 5.0g HP-38, in 357 Magnum cases with Mag pistol primers. I measured the base of a slugged 125g .03510 barrel dia. Speed was the problem 28-2 6.5 inch bbl.
@30-06john Жыл бұрын
Since it is a .357M revolver, try a bit hotter load. I am not sure of how accurate it can get using 9mm bullets at 25 yards. Good luck!
@sylviacandler554111 ай бұрын
I use 9mm 124 and 125g Gold dots in the 38 special with top end loads of AA#5. These loads are very, very accurate in the Taurus 85, S&W 60, and Combat master piece
@30-06john11 ай бұрын
Thanks for the info, and thanks for watching!
@Hisslave13 жыл бұрын
Make do with what you've got. Accuracy does not seem to suffer at all either. I've been using small rifle primers in pistol cases and they work just fine too.
@30-06john3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! I might have to try using small rifle primers!
@brycet68663 ай бұрын
Seillor and Belloit uses 9mm .356 in their range ammo for .38 and 357. No sure what powder they use in either , I remember reading somewhere that they used to use herco, but the stuff they use now looks more like 231 or maybe AA 2,5
@30-06john3 ай бұрын
Thanks for the info, and watching!
@ejsocci26302 ай бұрын
Thank you for sharing this information
@30-06john2 ай бұрын
No problem, and thanks for watching!
@ericlaird75082 жыл бұрын
John ,thank you for the info and taking the time to share this video..I was wondering since it's only 1000th off maybe I could get away with loading 9mm in a pinch.....you answered my question....KEEP ON ROCKING IT!...30-06JOHN,GUNS AND RELOADING..........
@30-06john2 жыл бұрын
Eric, Thanks! That is exactly why I made this video. Glad you found it useful! John
@ericlaird75082 жыл бұрын
John, I have a question ,because of our current situation...components are becoming a little hard to find.... is it possible to load (.355) 9mm in .38 without hot gassing the bullet and leading the barrel... because of the 2 thousands differance?.....also would it be unsafe?
@30-06john2 жыл бұрын
I think you are talking about using lead bullets, not plated or jacketed, correct? I would say using a hard cast bullet you will be OK. Using a soft lead, or swaged lead bullet, you would want to check, clean the barrel more often. Some powders burn hotter, like Lil'gun, but that really is not a 38 Special powder. Using normal 38 Special powders and loads I think is OK. Hey thanks for the question and watching!
@markgotschall29146 ай бұрын
I buy the Berrys 357 125 target bullets and load them as is for the 38, size them down to 356 for my 9mm, saves having a lot of different bullets on hand.
@30-06john6 ай бұрын
Great idea, and thanks for watching!
@seantu14962 жыл бұрын
When it comes down to it, if you measured the bullets as you take them out of the packaging while loading, there will be a lot more than a +/-.001 variance through the bulk box of the things, with some being under and others over spec. More of a concern is the actual length of the bullet, and what you are loading for COL and the actual volume in the casing, but if you use some common sense and start with a light load and work your way up you'll be fine.
@30-06john2 жыл бұрын
Yeah, the actual case capacity and not seating the bullet too deep is important. Hey, thanks for watching!
@USAACbrat Жыл бұрын
I am shooting 115gr 9mm Berrys round nose, thing I will tr about 850-900fps. I am shooting on a rifle range and to shoot there it has to be Mag. cases and 25 yds is minimum. Book values, spent the chrono money on reloading bullets and primers.
@30-06john Жыл бұрын
Yeah, accuracy might be poor with those limitations. You can try a litter hotter load since it is 357M.
@johnwalters74152 жыл бұрын
They are still close enough to use for self-defense if it cams down to. Better than not having anything
@30-06john2 жыл бұрын
Yep, have to keep shooting!
@DummyRound3 жыл бұрын
Great stuff 👍 I was always curious how well that might work
@30-06john3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! In a week or two, I might try regular jacketed bullets instead of copper plated lead and see how they work!
@eddiemiranda12247 ай бұрын
They work just fine. Did this year's ago.
@30-06john7 ай бұрын
Yep! Thanks for watching!
@randybichsel42448 ай бұрын
I do it all the time, I use ACME bullets polymer coated love em...
@30-06john8 ай бұрын
Yep, works pretty good! Merry Christmas and thanks for watching!
@magnum_071011 ай бұрын
I just tried this, I got a bunch of pulled/blemished HSTs and wanted to load them in 38/357. The 124s worked but the 147s didnt work too good. Itd probably work better with a different set up but im using a Lee Classic loader. At least I know they'll work in a pinch
@30-06john11 ай бұрын
Yeah, what I did was a quick test, so results will vary. Thanks for your info and watching!
@garyK.45ACP2 жыл бұрын
I just discovered your channel and your videos look interesting. Subscribed. 👍
@30-06john2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for subscribing! If there is any topic that you are interested in, let me know and I'll see if I can work and schedule a video on it!
@bustabass9025 Жыл бұрын
I bought some Berry's 9mm .356 dia. 124 grain flat nose bullets. They will not shoot in my Taurus g3x for love nor money. They will function in my Glock 43. Gonna give 'em a go in my 38 Special handloads with some HP38, see what I come up with.
@30-06john Жыл бұрын
Hope it works for you, let me know!
@juantoomany72023 жыл бұрын
That .001 means nothing as you probably well know sir. You will find greater differences in bore dimensions between manufacturers for the same cartridge. (If .001 mattered much every smle on the planet would have exploded by now 😈)
@30-06john3 жыл бұрын
Absolutely! I just wanted to show everyone that in this time of shortages, there are options so one can reload and shoot. Thanks for watching!
@cuda409410 ай бұрын
@@30-06johncan I use 9mmm for a 357?
@30-06john10 ай бұрын
Probably. Many variables but I think a load can be worked out, just follow standard loading guides for working up a load. @@cuda4094
@cuda409410 ай бұрын
@@30-06john Thx
@USAACbrat Жыл бұрын
I tried this 115g Berrys, hitting sideways at 25 yds. need more powder?
@30-06john Жыл бұрын
I shot at 7 yards, I think. 25 yards is sort of far and there might be a stability problem. Did you chronograph the load? I assume loading 38 Special? Maybe a tad more powder to get it to standard 38 special or +P velocity. I hope this helps.
@richarddavenport97083 жыл бұрын
Very good to know! Thanks
@30-06john3 жыл бұрын
Glad you found the video useful and thanks!
@gvet47 Жыл бұрын
I have found some bullets do not always measure to match the label listing. I would push one of the bullets on the crimp stage to insure it holds.
@30-06john Жыл бұрын
That is very true, have to check after crimping! Thanks for watching!
@billmaynard92342 жыл бұрын
John, thanks for informative video. What brand power scale are you using, where did you purchase it and do you like it?
@30-06john2 жыл бұрын
Thanks! I am using an inexpensive Lyman powder scale, about $70.00. I would get one a bit better, this one is OK but sometimes finicky. Hey, thanks for watching, glad you found it useful!
@LEXxTALIONS79132 жыл бұрын
Hi. I want to do the same but is possible to use the primary of the 9mm bullets and powder? Sorry my English. But in my case is I have a lot of 9mm ammo and I'm short on .32H&R magnum so I'm wondering if I can use the max of my 9mm ammo to convert in .32H&R magnum, in my country .32H&R magnum at the time is very hard to find, in fact is hard to find almost any tipe of ammo except shotgun shells!!!!! Is for my Ruger Sp101 in .32H&R magnum and my S&W 16-4 also in .32H&R magnum.
@30-06john2 жыл бұрын
It is hard to understand exactly what you are saying. Your issue is that you have a lot of 9mm, but need 32H&R magnum. 9mm bullets are too large in diameter to use in the 32H&R magnum. There is no way to make the 9mm cases work in the 32H&R mag. The powder can, theoretically be used, but you need to know exactly what type of powder it is. Unsafe to try to guess the powder charge. The 9mm and 32H&R magnum both use small pistol primers. Sorry that I can not be more helpful.
@LEXxTALIONS79132 жыл бұрын
@@30-06john thank you for the answer, and sorry for my English. I don't want to use the case of the 9mm, I just want to use the powder and primary of the 9mm because I have a lot of 32H&R magnum used cases, and I can't buy in my country because there isn't for sale! But I understand that maybe is a high risk and I don't want to destroy my guns! The Ruger Sp101 isn't very expensive but my S&W is very expensive. Maybe is better to wait for the 32H&R magnum back to sell! Just hope don't take to long I only have 120 bullets!!!!
@tonyholden14692 жыл бұрын
Have you reloaded any 357’s with the HSN wadcutters?
@30-06john2 жыл бұрын
I think you mean HSM wadcutters. I have used some of their others bullets in the past, worked OK.
@30-06john2 жыл бұрын
I just realized that I had a box of HSM bullets in the video. Those are not a true wadcutter, more of a flattened round nose. I probably used them for a mid power 357 magnum load in the past, but I really cannot remember.
@tonyholden14692 жыл бұрын
@@30-06john yes, HSM bullets. I’m having a hard time finding some load data for the 357 with 158 grain wadcutters using HSM bullets. Was hoping you had reloaded them before.
@30-06john2 жыл бұрын
I would use load data similar to a lead or jacketed bullet. My HSM bullets are a copper plated lead. Per Berrys Bullets that make a similar bullet, that is their recommendation per their website. Also not to get velocities higher than 1250fps. I would use mid power loads from a standard load manual like Hornady, Lyman or Hodgdon. I hope this helps.
@Zzoro19874 ай бұрын
Live in the middle of a communist state, this little trick will help me a lot
@30-06john4 ай бұрын
Yep, works pretty good! I have another more recent video on this topic also. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!
@williamgreene54882 жыл бұрын
How did it do ?
@30-06john2 жыл бұрын
Sorry for the late reply, I somehow missed your question. They work fine, especially the heavier bullets. Thanks for watching!