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380 and 9mm bullets compatible?

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10K views 26 replies 17 participants last post by  edslow  
#1 ·
Is the shortage of 380 bullets just a labeling issue? I reload both 9mm and 380.I'm having occasional trouble finding bullets labeled for 380 but numerous 9mm bullets. Assuming there is load data available for the weight bullet, can a 9mm bullet be substituted for the 380? Thanks! Off to the range for a few rounds!
 
#2 · (Edited)
This is theory, I have mot tried it, although I have loaded 9mm into .38 Spec, but that's a smaller bullet into a larger case.

Depending on whether you get lead or jacketed, the 9mm may be .001 larger in diameter, so expect the brass to bulge a bit when loaded. This might cause feed or chambering problems depending on the gun.

Your big problem will be a 22% increase in bullet weight (I wouldn't try anything heavier than a 115) and a bullet which will seat deeper.

Because of the deeper seating you will need to start with a smaller charge, don't want to set off a big boom. If that yields something usable you can try walking the charge up.

Expect some nice muzzle flip from that heavier bullet and some interesting accuracy.

It should work, but won't be ideal. Good luck.
 
#4 ·
As long as you can find data for the particular bullet you want to use, you should be good to go. Even then I'd use the starting load and work up.

The only caution I would suggest is watching your case volume after the bullet is seated, as bullets of the same weight may vary in length from different manufacturers. Some 380 bullets seem to be a bit blunter (carry more weight outside the case) and 9mm bullets look a bit more pointed (more weight inside the case).

Remington used to load their 88gr 380 bullet in 9mm. I miss that load. Perhaps with the new pocket nines coming on the market they'll bring it back.
 
#5 ·
I'll load up to 105 gn in 380. After that the COAL/seating depth becomes a problem.
I have a few 95 gn cast lead that I have loaded into 9mm cases. I wasn't impressed with their performance and probably won't do it again unless I'm desperate for something to load.
 
#6 ·
They are interchangable, they are both .355 diameter. I have loaded both, and see no difference. If you find load data for a bullet weight, go ahead........Robin
 
#7 · (Edited)
The short answer is Yes. I reload for both calibers & the bullets I use are either .355" or .356". I favor a 100 gr. round nose flat point or a hollow base round nose bullet from Berry's or Xtreme for .380. I have loaded this weight bullet in 9mm successfully, but it does not cycle all of my 9mm pistols(3 different barrel lengths) reliably. I normally use a 115gr bullet, but am currently trying a 135 gr bullet(RNFP) that is very accurate in all my 9mm's. Going the other way, the 115 gr. bullets did not function well in my various .380's.

The cost difference of the 100gr. .380 to the 115gr. 9mm is around $2 at Xtreme for 500 bullets, so the question is, why do it.

I will tell you as an avid shopper through this latest shortage/crisis, bullets are the easiest to find of the consumables for me(powder, primers & bullets). I have ordered from Berry's, Xtreme & Cabela's & I checked just now & Berry's is in stock at Cabela's & Xtreme has .380 100gr. in stock.

Good luck! Also, I had just recently ordered new Starline brass in .380 to make/test some .380 self defense ammo & ordered 90gr. XTP-HP bullets from Hornady & those bullets are actually marked 9mm. If pushed up to the edge of +p velocities, they do function in both .380 & 9mm, but you must adjust the pressures & velocities for each caliber accordingly. Sorry for the long winded answer, but I really like hearing myself speak.:rolleyes:
 
#8 ·
Yes you can use either in 380 or 9mm, the bullet weight and seating depth will have to be changed, My high standard G380 will only function properly with 115-124 gr bullet, my colt 380 will do ok with the 115, but likes the 100 better. Try to get hold of a Lyman old loading book, it will give you the loads up to 124. Good luck
 
#19 ·
This is informative

Never reloaded
often thought of it
concerned I would spend money on something not needed

Have a couple friend's in New Hampshire and one in, Luray Va. that are big into it
They are an artist.
 
#20 · (Edited)
I reload .380 auto, 9mm & .45 auto right now & will start .40S&W in a few months for my son (I don't have a .40). Just in .45, it's a great money saver. I load plinking/target practice rounds for about 15.7 cents per round & the cheapest new brass(I don't do steel case Tula) around here is WWB at 45 cents per round($45/100) Plus the benefits of a more accurate round & pleasant to shoot round.

I do not know if other states do this, but our state ranges, run by the Conservation dept. have several different classes they offer at the various ranges & 1 is cartridge reloading & they are free. There are several good Youtube videos on an intro to reloading, just watch who your getting advice/info from. Hickock45 has 1 about 20-25 minutes long that covers the basics & RCBS has a very good basic guide on their website & Lee has some good videos for setting up each individual die.

The best place to start is the book" The ABC's of Reloading" It does have some history, but a lot of good basic info if you are new.

Now if you want to make quality ammo inexpensively, I can give you some pointers, as my wife calls me, I am the king of good deals & I have learned a lot on here. You can buy the essential basics to get you started, then pick up extra's along the way. There are several good threads on here about intro's to reloading, try searching here & Google.

a word of caution, you will start a war here asking what equipment to buy, as it seems to be a very touchy subject with lots of brand loyalty. I am more about what works economically. I don't care who makes the equipment or what color it is, if it works. The bottom line is there are a lot of different flavors to reloading & it comes down to your style & your economics & what is best for you. I will warn you, it is addicting. My wife often says I think you want to go shooting just so you can reload some more & she is half right. I like them both.:)