Need suggestions: Red Dot loads for .380 ACP, 95 grain Speer TMJ

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1KPerDay

1KPerDay

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I've browsed up a couple of threads with people saying they like red dot but can't find any current load data. Alliant's site no longer lists red dot as an option for .380 and my Hornady book doesn't either.

Thanks for any help.:cool:
 
I looked it up in the Speer Manual 13 and they don't list Red Dot for that bullet.

I believe I have reloaded Red Dot for my 95g Hornady XTP's. I'm going by memory as I am not at my bench.

I suppose if one is careful, they could try that load.
 
Should work fine, but I liked AA #2 for .380. Meters like sand, and more forgiving than Red Dot. Red Dot is good stuff though.
 
I was mistaken.
I load 90 Grain XTP's and also 92 grain lead Meister Round Nose.

Both those loads I use Red Dot at 2.8 grains, they both work flawlessly through my LCP. From what I remember shooting them, they are a bit calmer than factory loads.

I'm sorry, I do not have the starting load as it is not listed in the manual. I worked up to 2.8 and am getting 846 FPS with the XTP and 826 FPS with the heavier Meister.

For the XTP, I also use Power Pistol at 4.6g with a velocity of 877 FPS.

As with all loads, work up carefully, looking for signs of high pressure.
 
2002 Alliant says 95 FMJ 3.1 MAX.

Lyman #49 says 95 FMJ 2.7 MAX.

Hornady #4 says 90 XTP 3.3 MAX, and 100 FMJ 3.0 MAX.


I load 3.3 with a 90 XTP for my Kel-Tec P3AT.

It's a good load, but over what you will currently find as Max.

rc
 
I would start around 2gn & working up until the slide started working.
 
Thanks. The lee die sheet says start at 3.1 and never exceed 3.1 for 88, 90, 92 and 95 grain pills... Weird. Guess I'll start around 2.5 unless someone knows a reason why they'd say start @ 3.1...
 
Probably because that is what the dipper they gave you dips.
And 2.5 won't cycle a lot of guns.

I don't know what gun you are loading for?
But if it is a Kel-Tec or Ruger LCP, the pressure sign is guppy belly case expansion at the feed ramp cut.
Once you start to see that, back off and regroup.

rc
 
1KPerDay said:
Anyone have the older alliant load data .pdf I've seen posted here for other calibers?
Click to expand...

Here's the pdf link - http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...sg=AFQjCNHnWLp5LTU0YIrdLKjtAjtiKft_jg&cad=rja

attachment.php
 

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Why do you not go get you a Pound of powder that you have load data for? What is 20 or 22 dollars if every thing goes good is it worth not blowing up your gun or hurting your self or some close to you? Why do you think there is no load data out there for red dot any more for your gun??
 
Because they quit testing it & Red Dot is a sweet powder for .380ACP.

Most of the powder I use there is no data for. Maybe that is why I get it at half the price of canister powder or even less.

I have plans to start testing a powder new to me that I think is going to be even better then Red Dot. I just bought all I could find of it. Even if it isn't THE 380 powder it has other uses so no waste. If you want the name give me time to try it out & work it up then I'd be glad to post.
 
AABEN said:
Why do you not go get you a Pound of powder that you have load data for? What is 20 or 22 dollars if every thing goes good is it worth not blowing up your gun or hurting your self or some close to you? Why do you think there is no load data out there for red dot any more for your gun??
Click to expand...
You really think red dot was unsafe for 40+ years before they stopped testing it for .380? It was fine in 2004 but suddenly blew up your pistol in 2005?

I have a lot of it so I'm using it. I like it in my other pistols. It's clean and accurate and meters well for me. I know what charges my auto disc measure throws. *shrugs*


Thanks bds and rcmodel and kingmt. :cool:

Probably because that is what the dipper they gave you dips.
Click to expand...
I didn't think of that. In other powders they list different starting and max loads though.

BTW I only have two .380s... a Ruger LCP and a SIG P230. Thanks again for the tips.
 
I just tried out my first loads of red dot in .380 and even at 2.9 grains (3.1 is supposed to be max) they feel light and the slide doesn't lock back. More pleasant to shoot out of the SIG P230 than factory loads (which hurt me) but definitely nowhere close to "standard" loading. I shot them back to back with factory loads.

Guess I'll have to break down and buy some new powder... I've been trying to make Red Dot work for everything because I have had a good supply of it.
 
Well I loaded 30 at 3.1 and they WORK fine but are very inaccurate, at least with me behind the pistol. (SIG P230) 4.5" at 10 yards (another group of 2.7", and 3.6" or something... this is edge to edge without subtracting the bullet diameter or whatever). definitely worse than factory Magtech ball.

*sigh*

The 2.8 loads were a bit more accurate but not enough for my taste. I'm using pulled speer 95 grain TMJs and mixed brass... I guess that could contribute to the crappiness of the groups. Funnily enough I shot a 1" group with my LCP and speer gold dots... that was impressive even to me.
 
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