The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Hi everybody. Question about building a shotgun.

Sevens · March 15, 2009, 11:31 PM

Cartridge pressure does have to do with the weight of the load, but it has just as much to do with how large a space the reaction is taking place in.

Take a 9mm and a .38 Special for a quick example.
Both can be had in similar bullet weights, but the .38 Special is more typically loaded with a 148 to 158 grain bullet. A 9mm is typically loaded with a 115-125 grain bullet, but the heaviest loads go up to 147 grain.

The 9mm does all it's damage in a tiny case that's like HALF the size of the .38 Special. It runs at pretty much twice the pressure. That's how that tiny little caliber can out perform a .38 Spl, that by looks alone, is twice as large.

March 15, 2009, 11:31 PM	#6
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,756	Cartridge pressure does have to do with the weight of the load, but it has just as much to do with how large a space the reaction is taking place in. Take a 9mm and a .38 Special for a quick example. Both can be had in similar bullet weights, but the .38 Special is more typically loaded with a 148 to 158 grain bullet. A 9mm is typically loaded with a 115-125 grain bullet, but the heaviest loads go up to 147 grain. The 9mm does all it's damage in a tiny case that's like HALF the size of the .38 Special. It runs at pretty much twice the pressure. That's how that tiny little caliber can out perform a .38 Spl, that by looks alone, is twice as large. __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.