158gr 9mm

M16LR.50

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Does anyone here have experience loading 158gr 38/357 bullets in 9mm? Which bullets worked well and what speeds did you get?

It will need to meet and exceed a 125 power factor for my usage.


Thanks
 
I used to shoot a DRG 130gr lead bullet which was a 38 out of my CZ Shadow. It worked since the CZ can handle a larger diameter bullet and the bullet was lead allowing it to compress. Trying to shoot a jacketed 38 out of a 9mm will give you issues. Some of the 38 bullets have a lot more of the mass inside the case vs a 9mm, which can lead to pressure issues in the smaller 9mm case.
 
Slug your barrel to determine if you can safely use 0.358" bullets, some barrels are looser than others and you may or may not be able to safely run larger bullets.
If your barrel ends up on the tighter side, you can always get a bullet sizing die and size down to 0.355/0.356".
I'd also recommend a slower powder like HS-6 when pushing heavier bullets, you can find some second hand data online but you'll need to work the loads up to be safe.
 
Does anyone here have experience loading 158gr 38/357 bullets in 9mm? Which bullets worked well and what speeds did you get?

It will need to meet and exceed a 125 power factor for my usage.


Thanks

I shot Classic-minor for one year with an STI Sentry in 9mm. The load that I used was:
- Berry 158 RN
- OAL 1.160
- VV N320 3.5 gr
- Fed 205
This load worked for me in my gun with a PF of 135-138. The load was very accurate and the recoil felt incredibly light. I have gone back to Classic-MAJOR, so I have not done any additional experimenting.

The above load data is provided for information only. You will need to start at a lower load and adjust to match your gun.
 
I shot Classic-minor for one year with an STI Sentry in 9mm. The load that I used was:
- Berry 158 RN
- OAL 1.160
- VV N320 3.5 gr
- Fed 205
This load worked for me in my gun with a PF of 135-138. The load was very accurate and the recoil felt incredibly light. I have gone back to Classic-MAJOR, so I have not done any additional experimenting.

The above load data is provided for information only. You will need to start at a lower load and adjust to match your gun.

Thanks! Need to determine if my SIG226 will allow those big pills... but this is definitely the kind of info i was hoping to get
 
Thanks! Need to determine if my SIG226 will allow those big pills... but this is definitely the kind of info i was hoping to get

I have shot lead coated that were .360". Normally size to .357 but buddy game me some that were almost pure lead to try and I wanted to see if not sizing would help leading. It didn't.
 
I have been shooting a NOE 358-155-TC in a Sig P320 and P320x5 with fantastic results. Dropped at 157grains. Sized .3575. Tried both hs6 and titegroup as powders, preferring titegroup working up to 900fps.

Be sure of your remaining case volume after finding a seating depth that works. You should have lots of room, but double check it anyway.

I'f your coating of choice is thick, you'll have to seat deeper in the case. Be aware of the powder choices. If you're overly cautious use Power Pistol. TG meters very well, but the small charge weight can be hard to double check. HS6 is a bit more bulky but is more forgiving of a dangerous pressure spike.

Be careful
 
I have been shooting a NOE 358-155-TC in a Sig P320 and P320x5 with fantastic results. Dropped at 157grains. Sized .3575. Tried both hs6 and titegroup as powders, preferring titegroup working up to 900fps.

Be sure of your remaining case volume after finding a seating depth that works. You should have lots of room, but double check it anyway.

I'f your coating of choice is thick, you'll have to seat deeper in the case. Be aware of the powder choices. If you're overly cautious use Power Pistol. TG meters very well, but the small charge weight can be hard to double check. HS6 is a bit more bulky but is more forgiving of a dangerous pressure spike.

Be careful

Thanks... I'm not currently setup to make my own bullets... Will a Lee 0.356 sizing die be sufficient to resize 357/38 projectiles?
 
Thanks... I'm not currently setup to make my own bullets... Will a Lee 0.356 sizing die be sufficient to resize 357/38 projectiles?

Yes. A little lube will make the process easier.

FMJ may experience some spring back but plated will remain at the size.
Depending on the sizing die and the worn down tooling used, it is not uncommon for the die to be undersized. This is not a process to take lightly. There is a good chance that taking a bullet not intended for the barrel can cause messy results. Be cautious.
 
Came across Campro 158gr 9mm from a sponsor site... bought two bags, loaded em and ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!... However, site sold out by time I returned to hoard the rest LOL... Campro's website has not been updated yet, but apparently these 158gr 9mm projectiles are new to the market... cant wait to find more!
 
The larger diameter is not likely to be a problem, provided that you can put together rounds that fit freely into the chamber. I've used Campro .357 125 grain bullets in 9mm just to see if it could be done.

The shape of some 158 grain .357 bullets is a potential pitfall. For example, some SWC or TC bullets would have to be seated so deeply that the case bulges. A round nose bullet that does not have too long of a bearing surface is your best bet.
 
If you think the 158gr bullets loaded for minor power factor are soft recoiling, try some 200gr .40 minor loads or even some 230gr .45 minor loads. Powder puff recoil. I shoot classic-minor and my backup gun is a .40 and I load 135PF loads for it. The recoil is comical; I needed a reduced power spring for it though.

That being said I may give the new Campro 135gr a try. I switched to 147gr last year and like the lower recoil but dislike the drop at farther distances. Apparently the 130-135gr bullets from various manufacturers are excellent compromise bullets where you don't need to worry about drop as much as 147gr but they aren't as snappy as 124gr.
 
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