9mm 115 Nuke?
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docbrown
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I really don't see how you are going to get enough powder in a 380 case to get that bullet to 1000 FPS (RMR's stated speed for expansion). COAL is also going to be an issue. Personally, I think 115 grain is a bit ambitious for 380. You MIGHT get it to function, but I just don't see getting it to 1000 FPS at the muzzle, much less it being at 1000 FPS for very long.
Yep, I didn't figger I could get a good velocity for good performance. Working up a load w/OAL hasn't been a problem in the past. Mostly just curious if anyone tried...
N555
Member
Maybe might be good in a 380 carbine.
For a handgun I wouldn't bother.
For a handgun I wouldn't bother.
LiveLife
Member
Likely instead of using heavier 9mm bullets for 380Auto, using lighter 380Auto bullets for 9mm to achieve very flat trajectory out to 50-100 yards ... Hence "Laser bean rounds" without much bullet drop from faster muzzle velocities.
I averaged almost 1500 fps pushing 100 gr 380Auto bullets in 9mm carbines and even faster velocities using 95 gr 380Auto bullets. Shoots very flat.
- https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...n-9mm-40s-w-45acp.799231/page-4#post-10338994Load testing (1:10 vs 1:16 barret twist rate comparison) of 95 gr bullet in 9mm (10 shot groups at 50 yards) - https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/9mm-pcc-handloads.894850/#post-12054942
BTW, this load accuracy exceeds what Atlanta Arms uses for 9mm 115 gr Match AMU accuracy requirement of 1.5" groups at 50 yards - https://atlantaarms.com/products/elite-9mm-115gr-fmj-match-amu.html
"This ammo is used by the Army Marksmanship Unit and the Marine Service Pistol team for service pistol matches.
Accuracy test requirement: 5 ten-shot groups at 50 yards with an average group size not to exceed 1.5 inches. Fired from a match grade barrel fixture."
Accuracy test requirement: 5 ten-shot groups at 50 yards with an average group size not to exceed 1.5 inches. Fired from a match grade barrel fixture."
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LiveLife
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While RMR meant the new 115 gr JHP MPR "NUKE" for 9mm, I guess it could work for 380Auto pushed to upper limits (Although I anticipate lesser expansion of bullet) - https://www.rmrbullets.com/shop/bullets/pistol/9mm-355/9mm-115-gr-rmr-jhp-mpr-nuke/
We have been wanting to make a really good self defense HP for a while now. In the past our biggest issue with the MPR (Multi Purpose Round) was that it required 1150-1200 fps to reliably expand. This was doable through full size firearms, but left the short barrel conceal carry guns without much hope of success. So, we went full out and redesigned our bullet. We pre-cut the lead core so that it will easily open upon impact. Our NUKE is unique in that we gave it three internal petals and six external jacket cuts. The result in ballistics gel is pretty impressive. At 1100 FPS we’re getting about 14″ of penetration with a diameter of about .630″ in total expansion. At 1000 fps we are getting 16-17″ of penetration with a diameter of about .590″ in total expansion. Our three petal design leaves the expanded bullet with a very distinct design that kind of resembles the international symbol for radiation. [Hence the name "NUKE"]
Here's 380Auto load data from Hodgdon using 3.75" barrel length to reference for load development using RMR 115 gr JHP "NUKE" - https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/reloading-data-center
- 380Auto 115 gr Nosler JHP Ramshot True Blue COL 0.980" Start 3.3 gr (725 fps) - Max 3.8 gr (830 fps)
- 380Auto 115 gr Sierra JHP Ramshot ZIP COL 0.980" Start 2.4 gr (720 fps) - Max 2.9 gr (840 fps)
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Thanks. I have been researching 380 factory ballistics and find very few that achieve 1,000 fps even with 85 gr bullets in a 4" barrel (My 380 sports a 3"). Buffalo Bore has two loads one a 90 gr. JHP one a 95 gr. FMJ that just top 1,000 fps, from a 3" bbl, both +P. Most of my handloads are not near max, with a very few reaching "+P". More curious than anything and impressed with the reported performance of the Nukes...
markr6754
Member
I’ve written on this before. I don’t have any Nukes, but I have loaded 115gr Everglades JHP in 380 ACP. No chronograph, so I can’t speak to speed. I only decided to give it a try after buying Nosler Reloading Guide 9. The only load they list for 380 Auto is 115gr Sporting Handgun JHP. I don’t have there pew pews, but gave it a try with my 115gr Everglades JHP RN. They shoot fine, accurate, no noticeable issues shooting. In fact, my son loaded them up in his Ruger LCP II and fired them, not realizing what they were.
It doesn’t look like you’ll get 1000 FPS.
It doesn’t look like you’ll get 1000 FPS.
Haven't tried 115 in 380, but like @Mark_Mark I've loaded 88g Remington JHP in 9mm. I'll have to look at my notes, but it was pushed with a healthy dose of power pistol. IIRC it was 1300+ fps out of a 5" barrel and an impressive fireball. Five stars, would recommend. 115 in any configuration out of a 380 i doubt would be nearly as fun or effective
n2omike
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Precision One sells +P .380 ammo that uses a 95 grain XTP bullet. They are marketed towards the Glock 42 crowd, as those guns have fairly stiff recoil springs, and don't always cycle with smaller hands and weaker grips. I have the aforementioned Glock 42 and my 4'10" daughter didn't have a 100% cycle rate with the gun. Neither did my son, who was smaller than her at the time.
I decided to purchase some of the Precision One +P, and it worked perfectly. You could tell it was hotter than regular ammo.
A while back, I decided to check it on the Chrono. It clocked 950 fps. This is with a compact gun and short barrel. To get 1000 fps out of a 115 grain bullet in a .380 is going to be a stretch, and will be pushing, if not drastically exceeding the pressure envelope.
I decided to purchase some of the Precision One +P, and it worked perfectly. You could tell it was hotter than regular ammo.
A while back, I decided to check it on the Chrono. It clocked 950 fps. This is with a compact gun and short barrel. To get 1000 fps out of a 115 grain bullet in a .380 is going to be a stretch, and will be pushing, if not drastically exceeding the pressure envelope.
I just loaded up 100, 380 Auto with 100gr plated ( I found a box in the garage) That's as high as I go
Usually just load 90 gr fmj for range shooting
I carry Gold Dots or Hornady 95 gr XTP. Fiochi has some as well, they all work.
You can just look at the Hodgdon load data to get a idea of velocity. 115 gr is pretty heavy for a 380.
https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/reloading-data-center?rdc=true&type=53
Usually just load 90 gr fmj for range shooting
I carry Gold Dots or Hornady 95 gr XTP. Fiochi has some as well, they all work.
You can just look at the Hodgdon load data to get a idea of velocity. 115 gr is pretty heavy for a 380.
https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/reloading-data-center?rdc=true&type=53
GeoDudeFlorida
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I’d be very hesitant in a blowback action. Less so in a locked breech action but still cautious. The 9mm Browning is most effective in a 95gr FMJ in my opinion. Punch holes in organ meat and carry a good knife for backup.
I have never limited myself to what others think I should/could do as far as my reloading. For about the first 25 years of reloading (way pre web) I did a lot of experimenting and research. That experimental thinking ("I wonder if...") has provided me with a ton of good info and time of involvement with my hobby. As I reach the 3/4 century mark I don't do as much research or experimenting, but my "what experience do you have with..." questions, for info only, on forums has increased. As for trying a 115 Nuke in a 9mm, I have 500 Nukes and 5, 9mm handguns and 2, 380 autos with about 800 cases to reload. I have used 90 gr "380 auto bullets" in my 9mm handloads a few times but wasn't impressed so the opposite, 9mm bullets in 380 was a natural thought for me. I have some (4) three ring binders stuffed with my handload and experimenting data. I even have one (about 300 pages) devoted to 22 rimfire.
"Why are you even considering this?" is a question that is, to me, a dull, don't try anything new, stay away from different thinking type of boring thinking. If I didn't think "outside the reloading bench" I might still be reloading 38 Special with 158 gr LRN bullets over Bullseye with my trusty Lee Loader......
Where would we be if reloaders didn't think? Would we have gas checks made from aluminum cans, bullet lube made from metal preserver, painted lead bullets, solid copper bullets or any of the newer wildcat cartridges? (to name a very few)...
"Why are you even considering this?" is a question that is, to me, a dull, don't try anything new, stay away from different thinking type of boring thinking. If I didn't think "outside the reloading bench" I might still be reloading 38 Special with 158 gr LRN bullets over Bullseye with my trusty Lee Loader......
Where would we be if reloaders didn't think? Would we have gas checks made from aluminum cans, bullet lube made from metal preserver, painted lead bullets, solid copper bullets or any of the newer wildcat cartridges? (to name a very few)...
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docbrown
Member
I agree with the overall tenor of your post. Reloading, to me, is about being able to shoot more and experiment a little - that is definitely part of the fun! I think most, if not all of us, have worked up loads that are a result of "I wonder if" (I.E.a 70 grain bullet in 223 with H-380 powder
- It was a friend that tried it, really, it was a friend). There appears to be enough load data out there that supports the thought of your proposed load being done safely ( I do not reload 380 - so I have no experience reloading for the caliber). It may not be the ideal load for that particular bullet/caliber combination, but, that really is not the point. I say, it's your powder, primer, brass, bullet and gun - go for it! Worst case scenario is you try it, and it just does not work well enough to try again. Of course, there is that chance that you find a "unicorn" load for your gun that is just phenomenal. You'll never know until you try it.
bullseye308
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The whole reason I got into reloading was because I wanted to shoot the 125 ballistic tip in my 30-30 to extend the range and everyone said it couldn't be done. Then one guy said I can show you how and life has been good since. You should have seen the looks when they saw my 30-30, 308, 7.62x39, 7.62x54, and 30-06 loaded with 125 ballistic tips and they all shot well. This was in 89 and I had my sanity questioned then. We can do more than many realize, and many do more than they will admit.
I got started reloading with a question; as I emptied the cylinder of my 38 Special in '69 I thought "I wonder if I can reuse these?". I've never stopped thinking/asking questions, especially "I wonder if I can.. ?"
As bullseye38 I too used "pointy" bullets, many Hornady A-Max bullets in my single shot 30-30 Contender. Started with "I wonder how these would work in my 30-30 handloads?". Worked great!
As bullseye38 I too used "pointy" bullets, many Hornady A-Max bullets in my single shot 30-30 Contender. Started with "I wonder how these would work in my 30-30 handloads?". Worked great!
GeoDudeFlorida
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Bcwitt
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380 cases are tapered inside. Too heavy a bullet hits the taper & deforms both the case & bullet. A 124 gr is a verified fail. I imagine a 115 is pushing your luck @ best.
AJC1
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Knowing the limits while walking the line.is fun. The op knows where bending and what breaking is. Stay in your limits and have fun.
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