9 mm (.355 / 9.02 mm) Bullets

9 mm (.355 / 9.02 mm) bullets for reloading

Bullets in the 9 mm category generally have a diameter of .355 inch, which is approximately 9.02 mm. This bullet diameter is used for various pistol cartridges, including 9 mm Luger, .380 ACP, .38 Super Auto and .357 SIG.

The designation 9 mm does not mean that every cartridge with this name uses the same bullet. Different 9 mm cartridges may vary in bullet diameter, case length, case capacity, overall cartridge length and pressure level. Always check which cartridge and bullet construction the selected load data applies to.

Which cartridges use .355-inch bullets?

Bullets with a diameter of approximately .355 inch are used for cartridges including:

• 9 mm Luger – also known as 9×19 mm, 9 mm Parabellum and 9 mm NATO.
• .380 ACP – also known as 9 mm Browning Short, 9 mm Kurz and 9×17 mm.
• .38 Super Auto – a pistol cartridge with a longer case and a different pressure level from 9 mm Luger.
• .357 SIG – a bottleneck cartridge that generally uses a .355-inch bullet.
• 9×21 mm – a cartridge closely related to 9 mm Luger in its dimensions, but with a longer case.
• 9×23 mm Winchester – a longer cartridge that requires specific components and load data.
• 9 mm Steyr – an older 9 mm cartridge with its own dimensions and load data.
• 9×18 mm Ultra – also known as 9 mm Police and not the same as 9×18 mm Makarov.

Not every .355-inch bullet is automatically suitable for all these cartridges. Weight, length, profile, jacket construction, seating depth and available load data determine whether a specific bullet can be used.

9 mm Luger, 9×19 mm and 9 mm Parabellum

9 mm Luger, 9×19 mm and 9 mm Parabellum are different names for the same basic cartridge. The designation 9×19 refers to the nominal bullet diameter and case length.

For reloading, .355-inch bullets are generally used. Within this diameter, different weights, profiles and constructions are available. A different bullet may have a different length at the same weight, which also changes the seating depth and usable case capacity.

Use only load data for the exact combination of cartridge, bullet weight and bullet construction. Data for a similar-looking bullet should not automatically be used.

.380 ACP and other compact 9 mm cartridges

.380 ACP also generally uses a .355-inch bullet, but has a shorter case and smaller case capacity than 9 mm Luger. The cartridge is also known as 9 mm Browning Short, 9 mm Kurz, 9 mm Corto and 9×17 mm.

Because of the smaller case capacity, bullet length and seating depth can have a significant influence on the available space inside the case. Use only load data developed specifically for .380 ACP and the selected bullet.

Load data for 9 mm Luger and .380 ACP is not interchangeable, even though both cartridges use the same bullet diameter.

.357 SIG and .38 Super Auto

Despite its name, .357 SIG generally uses a bullet with a diameter of .355 inch. The cartridge has a bottleneck case and places different requirements on bullet profile, length and seating depth than a straight-walled pistol cartridge.

.38 Super Auto also commonly uses .355-inch bullets, but differs from 9 mm Luger in case length, case capacity and pressure level. Use suitable load data for both cartridges and check whether the selected bullet profile is appropriate for the specific cartridge.

9×18 Makarov uses a different bullet diameter

The widely used 9×18 mm Makarov does not belong to the standard .355-inch bullet category. This cartridge generally uses a bullet with a diameter of approximately .364 to .365 inch, or about 9.25 to 9.27 mm.

9×18 mm Makarov should not be confused with 9×18 mm Ultra. Despite their similar designations, the cartridges differ in dimensions and bullet diameter.

Different types of 9 mm bullets

9 mm bullets are available in different profiles, materials and constructions. Bullet profile influences overall cartridge length, seating depth and feeding from the magazine.

• Round Nose – a traditional bullet profile with a rounded nose.
• Truncated Cone – a tapered profile with a flattened front.
• Flat Point – features a flat front surface.
• Hollow Point – a bullet with a cavity in the nose.
• Full Metal Jacket – a bullet with a jacket covering most of the core.
• Copper-plated bullet – coated with a thin layer of copper around the core.
• Cast lead bullet – available in different hardness levels, diameters and profiles.
• Coated bullet – a lead bullet with a protective coating.
• Monolithic bullet – manufactured from a single material such as copper or a copper alloy.

Choosing the correct bullet weight

Bullet weight is measured in grain. Different weights are available for 9 mm cartridges. For 9 mm Luger, lighter, medium and heavier bullets are commonly used.

Bullet weight must match the cartridge, firearm and available load data. A heavier bullet is generally longer than a lighter design and may therefore occupy more space inside the case.

Bullets of the same weight are not automatically interchangeable. Round Nose, Flat Point and Hollow Point bullets can differ in length and profile at the same weight. Lead, copper-plated, jacketed and monolithic designs may also differ considerably.

Bullet diameter and barrel fit

The standard bullet diameter in this category is .355 inch. Some cast or coated lead bullets may be available in a slightly different diameter, depending on barrel dimensions, the firearm used and the manufacturer’s specifications.

The bullet must fit the dimensions of the barrel correctly. An undersized bullet may not seal properly, while an oversized bullet may cause problems during seating, chambering or pressure development.

When in doubt, check the firearm specifications and follow the bullet manufacturer’s recommendations.

Twist rate and stabilisation

The twist rate determines how quickly the bullet rotates while travelling through the barrel. The combination of twist rate, bullet length, weight and velocity influences stabilisation.

Different twist rates are used in pistol barrels. Not every firearm responds in the same way to every bullet. Long or relatively heavy bullets may place different demands on stabilisation than shorter and lighter designs.

Bullet length is at least as important as weight. A monolithic bullet can be longer than a traditional lead-core bullet of the same weight.

Overall cartridge length and seating depth

Overall cartridge length is determined by the case, bullet profile and seating depth. The cartridge must fit the firearm’s dimensions and feed reliably from the magazine into the chamber.

A bullet with a rounded nose may sit differently in the case than a Flat Point or Hollow Point bullet at the same overall cartridge length. The shape of the nose therefore influences the correct cartridge length.

Deeper seating reduces usable case capacity and can affect pressure development. Do not change seating depth without reliable data for the exact cartridge and bullet.

Reliable feeding and chamber fit

A loaded cartridge must not only remain within the specified dimensions, but must also be suitable for the firearm being used. Bullet profile, overall cartridge length and the transition between case and bullet can influence feeding.

Check that the cartridge fits correctly in the chamber and can be removed without resistance. Keep in mind that freebore and the transition into the rifling can vary between barrels.

A cartridge that functions correctly in one pistol may not automatically be suitable for another pistol of the same calibre.

Taper crimp for 9 mm cartridges

Many 9 mm pistol cartridges, including 9 mm Luger and .380 ACP, headspace on the case mouth. A taper crimp is therefore generally used instead of a heavy roll crimp.

The taper crimp removes the case mouth flare required for bullet seating. The case should not be crimped so heavily that the bullet or cartridge dimensions are altered unnecessarily.

Adjust the crimp to the case, bullet construction and die set being used. Always follow the relevant manufacturer’s specifications.

Lead, copper-plated and jacketed bullets

Lead, coated, copper-plated and jacketed bullets differ in construction and friction. Load data should therefore not be transferred between these types without proper verification.

Copper-plated bullets have a relatively thin copper layer. The manufacturer may specify velocity limits and restrictions on crimp strength. Excessive crimping can damage the copper plating.

Monolithic bullets are often longer than lead-core bullets of the same weight. Seating depth and usable case capacity may therefore differ considerably.

Differences between bullet profiles

Bullet profile influences not only the outside shape of the cartridge, but also the length of the section seated inside the case. Two bullets with the same weight and diameter may therefore require different load data.

Round Nose bullets are commonly used because of their gradually rounded profile. Truncated Cone and Flat Point bullets have a flattened front and may have different feeding characteristics and seating depths.

Hollow Point bullets can be longer than other bullets of the same weight because of their internal construction. Use data that matches the exact bullet design.

What should you consider?

• Check which cartridge the bullet is suitable for.
• Verify the exact diameter, weight and bullet construction.
• Do not confuse .355-inch 9 mm bullets with bullets for 9×18 Makarov.
• Use only current load data for the exact cartridge and selected bullet.
• Never interchange load data between different 9 mm cartridges.
• Consider the bullet’s length and profile.
• Check the specified seating depth and overall cartridge length.
• Confirm that the loaded cartridge fits correctly in the chamber.
• Test reliable feeding from the magazine.
• Match the crimp to the cartridge and bullet construction.
• Do not substitute another bullet of the same weight without checking the data.
• Use the primer type specified in the selected load data.
• Always begin with the recommended starting load from a reliable source.
• Inspect every loaded cartridge carefully before use.

9 mm bullets in different configurations

This category includes .355-inch bullets for reloading 9 mm Luger and other suitable pistol cartridges. Available designs may differ in diameter, weight, material, profile and package quantity.

Always check the exact specifications on the individual product page. Then use reliable load data to determine whether the bullet is suitable for your cartridge, firearm and reloading project.

Related reloading components

SEM Jacht & Schietsport also supplies cartridge cases, primers, smokeless powder and other reloading components for 9 mm cartridges. Die sets, shell holders, reloading presses, scales and measuring tools are also available.

Legal information

In the Netherlands, bullets are subject to the same legal requirements as cartridge cases. A valid Dutch firearms licence or Dutch hunting licence listing a firearm in a suitable calibre is required for purchase.

Customers must present a valid Dutch firearms licence or Dutch hunting licence together with valid identification at the time of purchase. These products are supplied only when all applicable legal requirements have been met.

Why SEM Jacht & Schietsport?

SEM Jacht & Schietsport supplies 9 mm bullets for reloading cartridges including 9 mm Luger, .380 ACP, .38 Super Auto and other suitable cartridges.

By carefully comparing bullet diameter, weight, construction, seating depth and overall cartridge length, you can select a bullet that suits your reloading project. If you have questions about the different options, please contact us or visit our shop in Bornerbroek for personal advice.