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9mm, 380, .38 molds

3K views 6 replies 4 participants last post by  JLA 
#1 · (Edited)
I heard that I can use the same mold for a 9mm, 380 and a 38 is that true? I am new to reloading.
 
#2 ·
9mm and 380 are .355 inches.
38 and 357 are .357 inches.

In my Hornady handbook, neither the 9mm or 380 share any other caliber bullet. The 38 list .358 cal bullets when lead.

My book lists one 9mm lead bullet and it is still .355 cal.

I would think you shouldn't interchange them.
 
#4 · (Edited)
The mold that i was looking at to buy states that it can be used for all three the 9mm, 380 and 38. 125gr. So you are saying that it would not work for all three?
Now that you put it that way...
Lee 6-Cavity Bullet Mold 356-125-2R 9mm Luger, 38 Super, 380 ACP (356 Diameter) 125 Grain 2 Ogive Radius

That tool would work as advertised.

If you were to use a .357 cal mold, and use a 356 or a .355 cal sizing die, that might also work for the 9mm, 380 or 38 super; if the bullet design would allow for smooth feeding.

To your initial question, my answer remains the same.

EDIT #99:
Every time I read this post I see I left-out pertinent information.
 
#5 ·
The mold that i was looking at to buy states that it can be used for all three the 9mm, 380 and 38. 125gr. So you are saying that it would not work for all three?
And you did notice that "38 super" is different than "38 [special]," right?
 
#6 ·
Getting bullets sized to the correct dimensions of you barrel, regardless of what the stated caliber is on the barrel, is the key to accuracy. Get it right and the gun MAY become accurate. Get it wrong and it MAT NOT be accurate. Starting out with a big bullet and sizing it down is done by many but can also reduce the accuracy.

Un-jacketed bullets are much more forgiving about the correct size because they might expand to fit the bore with the pressures but they MAY do that unevenly reducing the accuracy.

Note that all the calibers suggested by LEE for their mold are .356. The 38 Special and 357 Magnum are not included because they are .357 nominal whereas all the stated calibers are .355 nominally. The 0.001 inches larger diameter for the .355 calibers is ideal whereas the 0.001 inches smaller is NOT for the .357 caliber guns.

38 Special (357 Magnum) and 38 Super do not use the same bullet size.

LDBennett
 
#7 ·
most lead bullet moulds drop a little big so if your 9mm bullet mould is labeled .356 (mine is) it should drop bullets between .357-.359 bepending on alloy, you then size the bullets to the intended .356 and shoot them. My .358 moulds drop between .359 and .361, I then size to .358 and shoot. So yes, in most cases you can use unsized bullets from a .356 mould in a .38 spec./.357 mag cartridge. I do with good results.
 
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