A friend just gave me 500 lead bullets 158gr .358" size. (Meant for 38/357 I know. But I only own two 9mm pistols. Even though these bulleys are .002" over 9mm bore specs , because they are lead, can I assemble some 9mm plinking loads with them? If so, can anyone that has done it suggest a load? Powder/primer/load weight/coal? Thanks everyone!
Can I load .358" 38/357 lead bullets in 9mm?
- Thread starter sgt.rock
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BattleRife
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- of No Fixed Address
As above, the diameter is no problem. The bullet weight, length and profile may be.
I've done that for my S&W 929, but only because I slugged it and found the cylinder throats to be .357" and the barrel bore to be .356". Ideal obturation is ~.001" (bullet dia swaging down through a smaller bore). I slugged my semiauto 9mm barrels at .354", so I wouldn't try to push something .358 through them. Pressure buildup would be unpredictable and you could be looking at a lot of leading through the barrel.
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what would be bold about using a slightly heavier bullet that is a fine diameter for the gun?( they are cast and you are supposed to load cast bullets 0.001-0.004 big to stop leading, actually you can load the max diameter that will fit in the chamber/throat for the least amount leading and often best accuracy) as long as you use load data for that weight bullet. people play with bullet weights all the time as well as COL's. With a mag your a little more limited to what max COL you use though
op, you can also size the bullets if you wish to .357, as long as they feed in your handgun, 500 is enough to work up a load for if they function well.
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Snakehunter
CGN Regular
- Location
- Kenora, Ontario
Too bad you aren't close - I'd trade you some 9mm for some .38
Also, that is a pretty big difference in weight. I use 115gr in 9mm mostly. Sometimes 124gr. Rarely over 140.
As for using those - I wouldn't. Just my opinion.
Also, that is a pretty big difference in weight. I use 115gr in 9mm mostly. Sometimes 124gr. Rarely over 140.
As for using those - I wouldn't. Just my opinion.
1873shootist
Regular
The diameter is fine. However, the length of the bullet due to it's weight may be a problem.
If you simply seat the bullet further into the case so that they will function in the magazine and chamber properly, the chamber pressure will soar.
Standard factory 9mm Para already has a chamber pressure comparable to .44 magnum.
Simply setting a standard 115 factory jacketed bullet back .100" into the case can double chamber pressures.
That can and has blown up guns. With 158 grain bullets the problem would be worse.
Still, according to that Shooting Times article, with the right powder and charge, it's possible. It just doesn't work all that well.
If you simply seat the bullet further into the case so that they will function in the magazine and chamber properly, the chamber pressure will soar.
Standard factory 9mm Para already has a chamber pressure comparable to .44 magnum.
Simply setting a standard 115 factory jacketed bullet back .100" into the case can double chamber pressures.
That can and has blown up guns. With 158 grain bullets the problem would be worse.
Still, according to that Shooting Times article, with the right powder and charge, it's possible. It just doesn't work all that well.
I am currently loading from a NOE mold 358-155-TC which throws bullets at 158 grain from range scrap, Linotype and a little tin. I coat and size to .357.
3.0 gn Titegroup at 1.10 for my gun works well. 850 fps. WORK UP YOUR OWN LOAD. MINE MAY SEVERELY DAMAGED YOUR GUN OR YOUR BODY.
You can look at Power Pistol, hs-6, 800x or blue dot for alternate powders BUT figure out what volume you can put in the case without compressing the load. It was suggested that you can't put enough power pistol powder into a case to exceeded safe pressure, but I haven't tried it.
3.0 gn Titegroup at 1.10 for my gun works well. 850 fps. WORK UP YOUR OWN LOAD. MINE MAY SEVERELY DAMAGED YOUR GUN OR YOUR BODY.
You can look at Power Pistol, hs-6, 800x or blue dot for alternate powders BUT figure out what volume you can put in the case without compressing the load. It was suggested that you can't put enough power pistol powder into a case to exceeded safe pressure, but I haven't tried it.
What he said. 100%.
I understand the feelings - free bullets are always good. On the other hand, given that you will absolutely be walking on the knife-edge of very serious overpressure, you really, really need to ask yourself how much your pistol is worth. How about your hands, eyes and other associated body parts?
A round-nose bullet might work; my experience is that SWC or TC shapes of that weight generally will not allow you to put together a round that fits. You can make up a dummy round to dry different lengths to see if you can come up with something that simultaneously does not jam into the rifling and does not bulge the case.
The Shooting Times article above looks like a good starting point for powder charges.
The Shooting Times article above looks like a good starting point for powder charges.
