.380 Dies

[Hondo Kid]

Newbie here with a stupid question - Do I have to buy a die set for .380 reloading or can I use my 9mm? I see the bullets are the same and the case is shorter. I read somewhere that the shell case on a .380 is straight and the 9mm is tapered. Is this true and is this why I need to but another die set just for .380? I also have a .38 die set that can be used for .357 so just wondering about the 9mm vs .380.Appreciate the assist and hope you don't laugh too much..........

 

[cfullgraf]

You need a set of 380 ACP dies to load 380 ACP.

9x19 is a tapered case while the 380 ACP is a parallel walled case. The base of the 9x19 case is larger in diameter than the 380 ACP case head.

You can find the various case drawings here at the SAAMI page...

https://saami.wpengine.com/wp-conte...FP-and-R-Approved-2015-12-14-Posting-Copy.pdf

 

[jmorris]

They are not the same, use different dies and shell holder.

 

[berettaprofessor]

Very very few handgun die sets can be used to load more than one caliber; 357/38 sp comes to mind as a major exception, and I think you can bubba some older cartridges in a pinch. Mostly, you need to buy new dies for each caliber.

 

[Walkalong]

Buy a set of RCBS .380 dies and don't look back.

 

[Hondo Kid]

Thanks - I figured so but thought I'd get expert input and thanks for the visual. Always helps me out...........

 

[markr6754]

Depends on your die set. I use my Hornady 9mm and my Lyman 9mm dies to expand, seat, and taper crimp 380 ACP. Just did another 100 rounds today.

The only unique die you need is the sizing die. As noted, the 9mm sizing die won’t touch the 380 ACP case.

Note...If you have Lee 9mm die set they won’t work. Possibly the seating die...but the powder through taper die nor the FCD will work on 380 ACP. I tested it as I have Lee, Hornady, and Lyman 9mm die sets.

Oh...of course you’ll need a 380ACP shell holder unless you’re using press that doesn’t use shell holders..

 

[Col. Harrumph]

My experience is admittedly limited, but as a celebrated Internet Expert(TM) I feel obligated to chime in. My RCBS die set is labeled "357 M/38 SPL" and includes a spacer ring for changing over. But the ring mics 0.126 inch thick, while the difference in case lengths is supposed to be 1/10. I don't understand, but it seems to work.

 

[mdi]

Close, but no cigar. The 380 ACP (aka 9mm Browning, 9mm Corto, 9x17, etc.) is slightly smaller overall. When reloading 9mm I can easily tell when a 380 case has slipped through, no resistance when sizing...

 

[Crazy Horse]

Very very few handgun die sets can be used to load more than one caliber; 357/38 sp comes to mind as a major exception, and I think you can bubba some older cartridges in a pinch. Mostly, you need to buy new dies for each caliber.

44sp 44 Magnum would be another exception
.

 

[NMexJim]

Buy a set of RCBS .380 dies and don't look back.

Be sure to open the RCBS box and look at the expander. If it says "9mm" you'll have to get another expander from RCBS. The rest of the die is ok - the sizer and the bullet seater.

When they first came out with these carbide dies, they used a 9mm expander, which didn't work very well - it worked, but not well. Just about the time you got to the expansion flare you needed, the case could buckle. I called RCBS and the lady said: "Yep, I know just what you're talking about. I'm sending another expander." Expander came, problem gone.

The new one says .380 on it.

Probably not an issue anymore, but you never know .........

 

[Virginia Jim]

.40 S&W/10mm.

 

[Walkalong]

Be sure to open the RCBS box and look at the expander. If it says "9mm" you'll have to get another expander from RCBS. The rest of the die is ok - the sizer and the bullet seater.

My set is 30+ years old, and it says .38/9MM on it, never an issue, flares just fine, never buckled a case. The .380 and 9MM use the same diameter bullets.

 

[NMexJim]

My set is 30+ years old, and it says .38/9MM on it, never an issue, flares just fine, never buckled a case. The .380 and 9MM use the same diameter bullets.

Well, .355 for jacketed and .356 for lead. My problem started with a lead bullet of .356 diameter. I just needed a teeny bit more bell to get a decent start into the seater. The lead was crimping the case mouth every now and then and was chapping my rear end as they were new cases. You may not agree, but I think there are better seater dies out there than RCBS. Anyway, as I said, I called RCBS and they sent out the new expander. I've attached a photo of the two expanders for your info. It's maybe hard to see, but note the stamp at the top - on the left specific to .380. There is a marked difference in performance, and they'll send you one free. Give 'em a call. Nothing better to do w/ COVID anyway.

My set is about as old as yours, and I loaded a ton of jacketed bullets w/o much of a problem. But, I replaced the RCBS with Hornady and sold off the RCBS. Same with my 9mm RCBS - went Hornady because I think the seater dies are much better. Just my personal opinion.

 

[Mr. Zorg]

44sp 44 Magnum would be another exception
.

38 ACP / 38 Super Auto +P for another