Questions about a 9x23 conversion

[da/sa fanatic]

I've always been curious about the 9x23 cartridge. Seems like it could be a really wild SD round if one would hand load for it. I am considering  a future purchase to scratch this itch. I think it would be better to just start with a large frame 9mm and have the barrel re-worked for the 9x23 but if I do I would rather start with a Stock I then a Witness steel. So here's the question. What magazines would I get for the 9x23? Does the Stock I take magazines from the Witness steel? Are the .38 super mags the same for the whole line or are there different prices and capacities?

By the way, I know that many would be fine with just getting a .38 super and running 9x23 but I think there are enough differences to warrant starting with a 9mm barrel.

[win308]

A 9mm Luger will already shoot thru a person, with the possibility of hitting an innocent on the other side.  9X23 would only be worse, I should think.  45acp might be a better choice for self defense if you want something with more punch than a standard 9mm.

[da/sa fanatic]

That wasn't the question.

[jwc007]

I think it would be better to just start with a large frame 9mm and have the barrel re-worked for the 9x23 but if I do I would rather start with a Stock I then a Witness steel.

Great idea!!! 

What magazines would I get for the 9x23? Does the Stock I take magazines from the Witness steel? Are the .38 super mags the same for the whole line or are there different prices and capacities?

Witness .38 Super Magazines should work great, but experiment with the Large Frame 9mm Magazines as they just might work.



Due to the length of the 9x23, you probably need to use a Large Frame Witness to start with.

Some notes on conversions from another board

1. The bolt face and extractor for 9x23 pistols are the same as for 9x19, and slightly different than for 38 Super pistols, which may or may not run well with 9x23, depending on the particular pistol and how much gunsmithing is done.

2. The bore diameter for 38 Super is just a little bit larger than that of 9x19 and 9x23, which are the same, with potential accuracy related consequences.

3. A 9x19 chamber can be reamed for 9x23, but a 38 Super chamber, which is not tapered, probably can't.

4. There are full-sized platforms available that use the exact same frame, including magwell dimensions, for 9x19 as is used for larger calibers such as 45ACP, 38 Super and 10mm, insuring that slide travel and mag OAL tolerance won't be a problem for 9x23 even when starting with a 9mm pistol. For such a pistol, the barrel profile will be identical, so the strength (i.e. tolerance to chamber pressure) should already be as good as it can be in the factory 9mm barrel.

Also see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/9%C3%9723mm_Winchester

[da/sa fanatic]

Thanks Double O! Just one of those things that's been gnawing on me for a long time. I figure if I can carry a flush magazine with 17+1 and around the same energy as my 10 mil it would really have some cool factor. Actually I'm wondering if I might be able to do the same with a compact polymer Witness. Might need to see if the 10mm mags would work for that though.

At any rate, I need to get a compact poly 10 mil next anyway and then I'll start saving for this project. Still need to get to the range with my SAR K2 .45 to see if it'll shoot super. Looks like the Springco unit from my 10 mil and the recoil springs are a perfect match. Got some +P and Underwood super to try out in it. I can't wait!

[ReloaderFred]

My 9x23 Winchester was done on a .38 Super steel Witness.  All I had to do was change the barrel, which in this case happened to be a Nowlin barrel that required a little fitting.  You'll need .38 Super magazines to feed it with.

Hope this helps.

Fred

[Bret]

Here's a picture of the 9mm Witness Match that I converted to 9x23.

I started with a 9mm and had the chamber reamed to 9x23.  It was not necessary to adjust the extractor.  If you do start with a 9mm, just remember that it has to be a large framed pistol.  I installed a Henning guide rod (because it's a better design than the factory design) and a 22Lb Wolff recoil spring.  I was able to use 38Super magazines (Mec-Gar) without modification.  It runs like a champ, accuracy is great, and it recoils about like a 40S&W Witness does. 

I found that when I reloaded 9x23 using regular 9mm dies, I got a very pronounced coke bottle effect.  So, I purchased some Hornady 9x23 dies.  They work great and don't size the brass down too much.  I'm using Winchester 9x23 brass.   

[da/sa fanatic]

Sweet! Only thing that keeps me from going the Elite Match route is that I want it for carry. I like DA/SA over SA for that . The Stock I is a large frame in 9mm isn't it?

I think I will probably be using Star line brass because it' seems like it's easier to find. The somewhat weaker brass shouldn't be a problem in a fully supported barrel will it?

[Bret]

I'm not 100% sure about the Stock I, but I think you're correct.  I don't think there would be any problem with the Starline brass.  I just started using the Winchester because I got it on sale at Midwayusa cheap.

[da/sa fanatic]

Thanks Bret!