38 bullets in a 9mm

[Giant81]

As far as I know there is no problem at all using 38 (.357) bullets in a 9mm (.355/356) load at all but I thought it worth asking those that know more than I.

I can't find any good 124gr .356 bullets but did happen to find a source of some 125gr .357 and figured I'd try those and see how they would work.

[wgj3]

I know some folk use the "oversize" bullets in super and SC, just have to be mindful of pressure, and could have some effect on accuracy, good or bad.

[Round_Gun_Shooter]

From my Sig 226 they work great, When I had a CZ Shadow, they worked great. S&W M&P did not like the same loads. The barrel did not stabilize the bullet so they tumbled.

I now use 160gr Bayou sized 356

[Hammar]

I have used the Montana gold 125 grain .357 bullets in my .356 barreled 38 super without any issues and with great accuracy.

[tambarika]

be careful with OAL. the .38 has a different profile than the 9mm. too long and the bullet will jam in the lands.

[rback]

I have had some success with Montana Gold 158 JHP in a Glock 17 using 3.6gr WSF and Win SPP at 1.12OAL. They shoot softer than 147gr and N320, but accuracy is poor.

edit to add: I have mic'ed rounds from several different boxes of MG 158gr and they have all measured .356

Edited February 7, 2013 by rback

[Giant81]

Anyone know if glocks (Gen 4 26) tend to be less or more tolerant to the slightly over-sized bullet? I'd think the rifling would be a bit more forgiving.

[rback]

I honestly do not know if Glocks are more tolerant to oversized bullets. I have however fired thousands of .356 lead 147gr downrange with no issues other than some minor leading just ahead of the throat(clean every 3-500 rounds).

The lead in the MG 158gr is extremely soft, which is what gave me the idea in the first place. I was more concerned with finding a powder that wouldn't be compressed by the longer bullet than I was with the extra .001 diameter.