380 out of a 9mm Ruger revolver

Just picked up a P3AT 380acp. It is my first 380 and I have reloading components on the way. While looking at lead cast bullets I noticed I could actually use some 380 and 9mm lead interchangably for my ammo.....so got me to wondering if I could shoot 380 out of my Ruger Blackhawk 9mm.

The 9mm Blackhawk is a single action and does not use moon clips. I am sure I cannot because I have never heard of it. Looking at my manuels the the brass is a little smaller in dia.....would this keep it from firing safely?

Don't really have a reason to do this just curious.

Thanks

I'd think twice about it. It may not hurt but it will foul up the cylinder and would probably void your warranty.

Lots of people ask that question on the Ruger forum. Copied from the Ruger forum.

"The 9mm fits the cylinder and is stopped from falling through or deeper into the cylinder by the case mouth. The .380 is about the same diameter but considerably shorter and would fall deeper into the cylinder preventing the firing pin from striking it."

The 9mm and .380 are basically the same cartridge with the .380 being shorter in case length. The .380 does not fire from a locked breech as the 9mm does. Since both cartridges headspace on the case mouth the .380 would be too far inside the chamber to get proper ignition. The firing pin would probably not go in far enough to hit the primer. I would not try it.

Thanks!

Hmmm. Would it work with a moonclip gun?