380 load - too hot?

[Bear2000]

I reloaded my second batch of .380 and came out with the most consistent loads I've ever produced, but they were smoking fast...

88 gr Remington HP
3.1 gr VV N320
.938" OAL

Get this - I kid you not:

1) 1134
2) 1136
3) 1134
4) 1135
5) 1132

I thought this was just way too speedy for my .380 Ruger LCP, but the gun handled just fine. I was amazed at the consistency (I stopped at 5 because I didn't want to ruin it).

Anyway, does anyone else think I was pushing it here? I just did another batch using 2.9 gr of VV N320, so we'll see what happens. But a friend who chronographed these with me said "You really should post those numbers - they're something to be proud of!"

 

[Byron]

I would stay within the limits of the loading manuals. Hornady shows using a 90 gr JHP at 1000 fps. I am not familiar with your powder but have used Olin 231 for years. Your loads do seem hot though and would suggest reducing it.
have you found any data on manuals or VV N320 from the powder company?
Perhaps a call to Hornady or Sierra(free advice) or the powder company. Byron

 

[rcmodel]

You sure you weren't measuring the muzzle blast?

That is at least 200 FPS faster then I would expect your load to get out of a Rug-Tec or Kel-Tec.

rcmodel

 

[Bear2000]

The chronograph was about 8 ft away, so I don't think it was muzzle blast. These loads were at the high end of what VV recommends. But the consistency and the speeds do seem a bit of a fluke to me...

 

[AMBASSADOR]

380 reloading

I have been considering reloading my .380 PPK/S I have a RCBS Rockchucker single stage press that I had used in the past for varmit loads.Would it serve my purpose?.

 

[rcmodel]

Most assuredly!

Can't get no better then an RCBS RockChucker.

All you need to get is a set of .380 dies & shell-holder for it.

rcmodel

 

[RidgwayCO]

VihtaVuori last published data for the .380 Auto in their 2002 reloading manual (I've asked them about this, but have received no response...).

According to VihtaVuori's 2002 reloading manual, the maximum amount of N320 under a 90gr bullet is 3.6gr, giving 1073 fps in a 3.5" .380 Auto barrel.

As rcmodel said, it seems you must be measuring the muzzle blast for this load. I would be suspect of these numbers, especially in a Rug-Tec.

 

[AgentAdam]

Buffalo Bore seams to be working up some pretty nice p+ .380 rounds in these speed ranges that are supposedly in sammi spec. I would like to get some of there loads and measure the powder charge.
http://www.buffalobore.com/ammunition/default.htm#380

 

[Shoney]

I find it interesting that altough SAAMI lists only four +P spec cartridges.
9mm Luger +P
38 Special +P
38 Super Auto +P
45 Auto +P

And in addition to these, Buffalo Bore list +P in 32Auto, 380Auto, 40S&W, 45Colt. They also list +P+ loads for 9mmLuger and 44Mag and SAAMI makes no disgnation for the +P+.

Bear2: Your loading ethic is what wins people the Darwin Award.

 

[rcmodel]

I would like to get some of there loads and measure the powder charge.

If you did, that would tell you exactly - nothing.

Because you have no way of knowing what kind of powder it is, and more then likely you can't get any of it anyway.

rcmodel

 

[AgentAdam]

Maby they use special powders to get +p velocities without higher pressures. I haven't heard of any of there ammo kabooming so i would think those levels would be safe. I have seen p+ .45acp brass and even factory loaded +p ammo in .380 and .25 auto from reputable companies like Speer.