Bullet size for reloading .38 Special / 357 Mag

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Bullet size for reloading .38 Special / 357 Mag

Postby VMAX97 on Tue Sep 26, 2017 8:30 pm

Has anyone used .355 (9mm) projectiles when reloading .38 special (.356 to .357), I do not have a ton of .356 projectiles and want to reload a batch of .38 Special, .38 +P and .357 Mag bullets.
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Re: Bullet size for reloading .38 Special / 357 Mag

Postby mmcnx2 on Tue Sep 26, 2017 9:19 pm

The short answer is not really

Issues:
1. the crimp die being able to put enough tension on the bullet to prevent setback
2. lack of a cannalure on the bullet to roll crimp them
3. the .001 of slop may cause accuracy issues
4. if the 9mm bullets have exposed lead bases be careful pushing them as full 357 loads
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Re: Bullet size for reloading .38 Special / 357 Mag

Postby crbutler on Wed Sep 27, 2017 12:59 am

I've done the reverse... using .358 sized lead in 9mm for bowling pin loads in the past. That worked ok, once I found something that cycled.

Generally I shoot jacketed bullets in 9 mm.

If the bullet is soft enough, it will work via obturation, but you will have leading issues.
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Re: Bullet size for reloading .38 Special / 357 Mag

Postby VMAX97 on Wed Sep 27, 2017 6:44 am

VMAX97 wrote:Has anyone used .355 (9mm) projectiles when reloading .38 special (.356 to .357), I do not have a ton of .356 projectiles and want to reload a batch of .38 Special, .38 +P and .357 Mag bullets.


I found more data indicating its not a good idea, mostly with potential setback on the cases.
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