Question for 38 reloaders, will 9mm die set work?

[wpage]

Hey guys, 2 questions... Reloading 38
Want to save a little. Is it possible to use my Lee 9mm die set (90963) ?

Similar question on the Lee molds for 9mm the diameter is the same .356 and 102 grain. (356-102-1R) ?

Thanks for looking.

[Sandspider500]

Nope

[wpage]

On both count?

Nope

Is that no on each?

[ysr_racer]

Is that no on each?

Yep, nope .

[hermosabeach]

The .38 case is longer - no go on resize

The bullet can be loaded into a 38 especially if shooting from a 357

Here is the fun part, OAL or COAL is from the bottom of the case head to the end of the projectile.

If you use a longer or shorter bullet, the space in the case can be off.

More air or more compressed.

People have shot 9mm from 38 and the universal comment was - accuracy suffered.

Lots of people created new calibers. New loads.

I am not a wildcatter so it scares me to play around too much.


Evidently people are now loading 160 grain lead powder coated bullets over 700x

Gentle push vs snappy 115 +p

Some had keyhole issues and others claim they have solved the keyhole issues.

[hermosabeach]

Videos on 9/38

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=64EM85C94fY

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=64EM85C94fY

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1e6z_aBN5u4

[Sandspider500]

You may be able to use the bullet molds if you powder coat, it will bump the size up but 102gr? Those will probably hit real low even at 10 yards.

Hmm just found load data in Lyman cast #4 with a Lee 358 105gr swc and a 90gr bullet.

[ysr_racer]

.


Evidently people are now loading 160 grain lead powder coated bullets over 700x

Gentle push vs snappy 115 +p

Some had keyhole issues and others claim they have solved the keyhole issues.

I'm shooting a 160gr bullet over 2.9gr of Clays going 780fps in a .38 short colt, which is basically a rimmed, straight wall 9mm.

No keyhole issues.

[pacrat]

Hey guys, 2 questions... Reloading 38
Want to save a little. Is it possible to use my Lee 9mm die set (90963) ?

Similar question on the Lee molds for 9mm the diameter is the same .356 and 102 grain. (356-102-1R) ?

Thanks for looking.

Actually the diameter isn't the same. Just close to the same.

I suggest you slug the barrel of your .38. If it's a 38 spl. the diameter varies a LOT. Especially between older revolvers.

Typically cast bullets shoot best if they are .001-.002" over nominal groove dia. Undersized cast bullets perform poorly because the don't have good bore seal. Causing excessive leading. And poor stabilization to the point of keyholing.

For case sizing ..... There is .012" difference in the web diameter of the 2 cases. 9mm is .391" @ web. 38spl is .379" @ web. Mouth dia is within .001". You could theoretically use a 9mm sizer to "NECK SIZE" 38 spl cases.

But why bother?

Rule of thumb is that .357-358" cast slugs shoot OK in 9mm. Because they are same as, or slightly larger, than groove dia.

9mm .355-356" slugs shoot crappy in 38 spl bores. Aforementioned sloppy fit and leading.

Do a measurement comparison between pg 27 and pg 48 of this SAAMI pdf.

https://saami.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/ANSI-SAAMI-Z299.3-CFP-and-R-Approved-2015-12-14-Posting-Copy.pdf

[hambam105]

Yes. Lee 9mm dies will work for reloading 38 Special, but there's only 1 trick.

Buy a new three die 38 Special set from your favorite manufacturer, take the new 38 Special dies out
of their new box, put them in your old Lee 9mm labeled plastic container and now you're in business.

[newbie1234]

I watched the youtube video, but they did not show how to set up the dies of 9mm on .38SPM dies and vice versa. Since I am new in reload so I did not do it.
How much do I save by not buying one set of dies ? used to be $45 now is $60-$70, it is not worth it.

[pacrat]

I watched the youtube video, but they did not show how to set up the dies of 9mm on .38SPM dies and vice versa. Since I am new in reload so I did not do it.
How much do I save by not buying one set of dies ? used to be $45 now is $60-$70, it is not worth it.

Check the link I provided. 9mm Para and 38 Spl dies are NOT INTERCHANGEABLE.

The cases are DIFFERENT DIAMETERS.

[wpage]

Thanks guys. So it appears there is no getting around buying the die set for 38's 9mm dies will not work.

However, with some care the 9mm molds may be workable with some range accuracy and performance issues.

[ysr_racer]

Ok, we're just having fun here here. Since you're just starting out don't try any shortcuts. 9mm and .38 are two very different cartridges.

You need separate dies and shell holders for them. As well as separate brass and bullets.

The only thing that's interchangeable is the powder and the primers.

[ysr_racer]

Also, making bullets isn't for beginners. Order a thousand coated .38 bullets from Bayou Bullets. You'll be happy.

Or for 9mm RMR or Zero usually have the best price.