115 JHP's in 380Auto?

[Scarpia]

Greetings...I typically load 380s in 90, 95 and 100 grain JHP's and FMJ's with various powders, however, I decided to try using 115 JHP's in 380Auto. The only load data I can find on this combination is in Lyman's manual (49th Edition). Anyone have experience with 115 grain JHP bullets in 380? suggested loads? Lyman has load data using Bullseye, 700-X, Win 231 (HP38), Red Dot, HS6, SR7625 and Power Pistol. I have all these powders on hand, except Power Pistol. My test 380s are a Bersa M95 (steel frame), Beretta 84FS and Browning BDA380.

 

[gpb]

Nosler lists loads for 115 grain 380 ACP . I have never loaded 380 ACP with 115 gr, therefore, I have no experience with this data.

https://load-data.nosler.com/load-data/380-auto-acp/

 

[markr6754]

I hope this helps. I’m aware of this data, but I’ve never tried any of it. I picked a velocity that carried loads for every listed powder. The red ** indicates high pressures. Presumably, lower loads would be advised as starting points.

 

[markr6754]

And here’s the data for 115gr JHP.

 

[kerreckt]

I would question whether any of these loads would allow the expansion of the hollow point. Just a thought.

 

[748]

I was going to load some up for a 380 carbine. I think most 115gr bullets will result in excessive saami coal.
Bet they won't fit in my sigs magazine, but they will fit in the carbine.

 

[mdi]

I would question whether any of these loads would allow the expansion of the hollow point. Just a thought.

Me too. I think the velocity would be below the "HP expansion threshold" for the heavier bullet...

 

[Ironicaintit]

If ya wanna really press your luck, do a search for “Clark” and “380”. Pretty interesting reading about pushing the limits of that little guy.

Myself, I don’t think the 380acp is a very good round to hotrod...so I stick with 90gr XTP and Bullseye and have had decent results.

 

[Walkalong]

If ya wanna really press your luck

Are the key words.

 

[buck460XVR]

Nosler lists loads for 115 grain 380 ACP . I have never loaded 380 ACP with 115 gr, therefore, I have no experience with this data.

https://load-data.nosler.com/load-data/380-auto-acp/

I use 3.1 of Unique under Nosler's 115 grainer for my two boyz LCPs. Pretty accurate and shoots to POA. Expansion? Probably a little as they chrono at around 780 FPS.

 

[Ironicaintit]

Are the key words.

He really does take it to the edge. I’m gonna search it again myself to maybe link it; he found a rig that would handle it, and was driving something like 158 gr at 1200 FPS

edit;
He talks about it a lot, and there’s no singular link. But, if you really want to expand your 380 boundaries, his posts are excellent

 

[Walkalong]

He really does take it to the edge

He goes way over the edge.

 

[cfullgraf]

In the 1980's I've loaded some 110 grain JHP 38 caliber bullets in 380 ACP as an experiment. The gun was a Beretta M84. The rounds cycled but the performance was so lackluster that the experiment was quickly abandoned.

I would think a 115 grain 9mm bullet would not do much better.

 

[Scarpia]

All...it's been several weeks since I made the original posting, thanks for your replies, ideas and suggestions.

What I was getting at was 9mm performance out of my Beretta 84BB and Browning BDA380, that is, whenever I pick those guns, I keep dreaming of a 9mm in that sized metal frame. Well, since that posting, I have since acquired a S&W 469 "mini" (S&W's description, not mine) 9mm semiauto. It's a 1983 2nd generation model intended for police duty and concealed carry. It's OAL is the same as the Beretta and Browning, slightly higher and wider. Pretty much what I was looking for, a 9mm in that size metal frame.

A lengthy thread on the '469 can be found here: https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...rundown-of-a-cool-little-1980s-pistol.815698/.

It includes photos of my piece. See #41.



The magazine is an Ramline MAW9215, 15+1 for the 2nd gen S&W's.


S&W 469, Browning BDA380. The '469 is clearly but only slightly larger than the BDA. The '469 is 16 rounds of 9mm versus 14 of 380 in the BDA and 84BB.