I'm just about out of my lead 38s and I would like to try some plated bullets. Before I fork out an additional $30/K for the plated I would like to try some 9mm I have. The weight is the same but they are about 1-2 thousands smaller. Any inherent problems you can think of with using these? TC
9mm bullets in a 38 Special?
- Thread starter trky chsr
- Start date
I tried some 124 grain 9mm cast bullets in my .38. The accuracy was so-so, but the leading and fouling even after 25 rounds was unbelievable. I imagine if I continued, the accuracy would have gotten worse due to the crud accumulating in the barrel.
You may have different results using plated bullets though.
You may have different results using plated bullets though.
you should be fine, obviously it's a smaller diameter bullet, but it will fire. i've fired 9mm from a 38, and 38's from a 9mm. both worked fine.
i don't understand how they work would effect your buying proper sized bullets for your 38/357 though?
i don't understand how they work would effect your buying proper sized bullets for your 38/357 though?
It's not the proper size thats I'm thinking about. It's more of a budget thing. I like the plated 9mm bullets in my Spartan but since I really like shooting the 38 I'm not sure if it's worth the extra cash to spring for plated 38s or if it's in the budget. If I find the 9mm bullets shoot well out of my S&W then I will probably spend the extra for the plated 38s. I've only had the 38 for a couple of months and put 2 different weights of DRG lead bullets through it. TC
I have loaded 9mm in bullets in .38 spl. cases and the accuracy, though not great, was not that bad either. Once, by mistake, I loaded .357 bullets in 9mm cases. After a couple of rounds I knew something was wrong so checked the bullets and noticed the error. Shooting the .355 bullets in the 9mm cases, same powder charge and bullet weight, there was noticeable difference in felt recoil and noise.
the 9mm bullets will be undersize for your throats and bore--may not give you a true picture of the accuracy. The other way around sometimes works wonders for a 9mm though with CAST bullets--I use .357 diameter cast bullets in any of my 9mm's that will chamber them.
ah, makes sense now.
i used the 158gr DRG SWC's in both my 9mm's and they feed properly and are fairly accurate. the only issue is they smoke like crazy! which is fun when you dump 10 rounds quick
ever think about getting into casting? i probably should not advocate it what with the lack of lead WW's now, but it does save a good chunk of change if you get it at a good price. it's also not that hard to do, at least not for quick target ammo. 100lbs of lead = 4700x 147gr 9mm's, or 4400x 158gr .357's.
