Can you size 38's down to fit 9mm?

TUK101 · 03-13-2007, 08:40 PM

Just wondering if anybody has done this or if it could be done since they are so close to the same size?

stalkingbear · 03-14-2007, 02:41 AM

It is possible to size down .38(.358) lead bullets to 9mm(.355). I have never tried to "size" down jacketed bullets.

charlie brown · 03-14-2007, 08:30 AM

not sure if you are meaning the bullets or the cases? The cases, a definate NO. Totally different designs. The bullets, why waste your time shaving .002" down when you can just buy the correct sized bullets. Either way, it shounds like a disaster waiting to happen to me.

Later,

Marcial

TUK101 · 03-14-2007, 09:43 AM

I was just wondering if it is something that anybody does. I am talking of coarse about cast lead bullets. Definately not about the cases or jacketed bullets.

eldeguello · 03-14-2007, 01:06 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: TUK101

Just wondering if anybody has done this or if it could be done since they are so close to the same size?

It certainly can be done, but it must be done slowly in order to keep the bullet round! I'd size to .356" first, then .354", preferably with dies which will allow you to push the bullet all the way through, nose-first.

I haven't done this (.357" to .354"), but I use a Lyman 457122HP .45/70 bullet (casts .458") in two .45 cal. muzzleloaders that require the bullets to be sized down to .450"-.451", and they shoot very well........ I size them .454", .452". then .450"......

Briman · 03-14-2007, 04:15 PM

Use a Lee push through bullet sizing die.
I've heard of guys doing this to .338" bullets to size them down to .329" for use inold Steyr-Mannlicher rifles.
.357 to .355 or .356 should be a piece of cake.

TUK101 · 03-14-2007, 07:05 PM

Thanks Eldequelo and Briman. I have a Lee press designated for sizing jobs and I was figuring that it shoudlnt be too tough to size down .02 or .03. One of the reasons that I was wondering is that I am about to start casting bullets for a 38/357 for myself and my Dad, and my father in law has a 9mm too. SoI was hoping to be able to buy just one mold to start with and maybe kill 2 birds with one stone. The sizing dies are cheap now that I am set up with the Lee press, so thats no big deal, but a mold can be pretty spendy. If they like what I do as far as reloading goes then maybe they will buy me another mold to fine tune the process a bit.

Briman · 03-15-2007, 04:11 AM

That idea would probably work. Lube them with liquid aloxbefore sizing though.