38 super using 9mm bullets

[556]

Just got my first 38 super. I loaded up some 9mm 124 grain fmj I had laying around, they work just fine. Whats the deal with specific 38 super bullets? They both measure .355, but the nose design is a bit different.

[jmart]

I don't know about FMJ, but many lead bullets for the Super are a tad heavier. 135 grains or so. That's so you can make major.

[TY44934]

Just got my first 38 super. I loaded up some 9mm 124 grain fmj I had laying around, they work just fine. Whats the deal with specific 38 super bullets? They both measure .355, but the nose design is a bit different.

Time was when the only maker of .38 super barrels was Colt. Thos old barrels might have measured correctly for .356" bullets.

BUT, times change. MOST barrels in .38 Super & its many many variants are now sized to work perfectly with .355" jacketed bullets. The SAAMI industry spec for 9mmLuger jacketed bullets is .355"

In my 9mm guns, I have used both .355 and .356" jacketed bullets. Both work well. The .356" is slightly more accurate and requires LESS powder - probably pressures are slightly up too. Use with caution (my 9mm loads are loaded to Minor).