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CHARTER ARMS 9MM FEDERAL REVOLVER RELOADING?

ENBLOCENBLOC Member Posts: 327 ✭✭
edited September 2011 in Perry Shooter Competition Shooting and Reloading Forum
I am interested in the 9mm Federal Revolver. I guess they made them 1989 to'91 and it's a rare gun. How rare? Anyone know total production? I've only found a couple of threads on this. It's been told you can reload for this using shortened .38 Spl. cases. Why not use .38 S&W cases? Can I use the .38 S&W shellholder, run the .38 S&W cases into my 9mm Luger dies and turn out 9mm Federal ammo? Use reloading info for 9mm Luger? So will my idea work? Rim dimensions, Case Diameter & Length of 38 S&W & 9mm Federal Revolver same? HELP ME PLEASE?![:0]
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Comments

  • Tailgunner1954Tailgunner1954 Member Posts: 7,734 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    The Federal is simply a 9x19R (9mm Parabellum Rimmed).
    Use 9mm dies and whatever shell holder fits the rim.

    Not sure on the data, but I suspect that 9mm Para data would be close.

    My 9mm Federal sample measures .434 at the rim, .385 at the base, with a .761 CL
    My 38spl samples measure .432 at the rim, .375 at the base, with a 1.147 CL
    My 38 S&W sample measures .420 at the rim, .382 at the base, with a .752 CL
    I don't record rim thickness in my data base
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  • ENBLOCENBLOC Member Posts: 327 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I discovered that using the 38 S&W dies work best when creating the 9mm rimmed. I suppose because the 9mm Luger is shorter and has a slight taper. I loaded some "older" 115 grain 9mm Hornady hollow points over 6 grains of Unique. These 38 S&W cases are new with no headstamp (blank). They chamber in my Pit Bull. Will have to take to range to check down range performance. I now have a supply of 9mm rimmed.[8D]
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  • ENBLOCENBLOC Member Posts: 327 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I handloaded 122 Lead truncated 9mm bullets into the 38 S&W case over 5 grains of Unique. I also loaded some older Hornady jacketed hollow point 9mm 115 grain bullets over 6 grains of Unique. Discovered when roll crimping the copper jacketed bullets.....go slow....when seating/crimping. This secures the bullet in the case. If you seat fast the brass "springs" back and the bullet is crimped in case but spins. Slow...locked in tight with no spin. I shot both loads at 25 yards with the Pit Bull. Holding at 6 o'clock they both grouped high to left at 11 o'clock. Now that I know the gun goes bang AND where it shoots I carried it all week at work.[}:)]
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  • grady mitchellgrady mitchell Member Posts: 139 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    i have the real ammo for it here on the gb site go search selller shady grady
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  • golferboy426golferboy426 Member Posts: 970 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I've got a box listed on the auction side
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  • v35v35 Member Posts: 12,710 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The revolver is plenty strong so 6gr Unique behind a 124 grain bullet
    makes a serious load.
    This frame was made in 357 Mag and isn't going to loosen up or let go..
    How's the case bulge in the rear?
    Even if there is some case splitting, solid head cases don't present the problems of the old folded head cases.
    Anyway use safety glasses until you've proven it out.
    I would use cut down once fired 357 brass because it's gonna bulge and
    is stronger than 38 S&W short.
    Work your way up.
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