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View Full Version : .38 cal sizing down for 9mm



dave1909
12-03-2013, 08:47 AM
Hello. I am an IDPA shooter and have been making my own bullets for about a year now. I was making a nice 126gn, but have since got a new gun and it likes the 147gn much better. I cant find a mould for 147 that I like, so here is my question. I also make bullets for my .38 special that I shoot in the steel league. I size them to .358, and I size my 9mm to .356. The 38spl bullets are 150gn, rn. Can I size the 150gn down to .356 and use them in my 9mm? Just wanted to ask before I try it! As always, thanks for the input! Dave

dragon813gt
12-03-2013, 09:07 AM
Depends on how big they are when you start. If there are any crimp grooves they could disappear. I use a bunch of molds for both my 357s and 9s. But I don't size down to .356.

varmint243
12-03-2013, 09:10 AM
My 9mm shoots 358 cast bullets just fine.
It is a service grade 9mm tho.
YMMV

lotech
12-03-2013, 09:51 AM
.356" is too small for a cast bullet in most 9mm barrels. Though there are likely exceptions to this (Glock? and perhaps custom guns / barrels ), most pistols work well with a .358" (or sometimes slightly larger) bullet. As long as the cartridge chambers fully and without difficulty, it should work fine. Of course, normal and safe load development work would be required as would experimentation with alloy hardness.

Garyshome
12-03-2013, 10:06 AM
Slug the bore. 358 should be good. Maybe size to .357. Have to load up a few and test them. I load a few to test for function,then load about 50 or so to check for leading, and chrono at the same time.


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