380 loading
- Thread starter GRIZ1911
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jinxer3006
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You can use any caliber dies you want to load .380, but most of them will not produce usable ammo. 
But seriously -- the expander should work just fine. The seat/crimp also probably ok. The sizing die -- not so much. 9 mm is tapered, 380 is straight, so the base of the 380's won't be touched by the 9 mm die.
Unless, of course, the 380 brass was previously fired in a 9 mm. In which case, you should probably toss the brass.
But seriously -- the expander should work just fine. The seat/crimp also probably ok. The sizing die -- not so much. 9 mm is tapered, 380 is straight, so the base of the 380's won't be touched by the 9 mm die.
Unless, of course, the 380 brass was previously fired in a 9 mm. In which case, you should probably toss the brass.
20yearvet
Member
No......
9mm dies are for 9mm.
380 Auto dies are for 380 Auto.
They are two different cartridges, with some differences pointed out above.
9mm dies are for 9mm.
380 Auto dies are for 380 Auto.
They are two different cartridges, with some differences pointed out above.
CZ9shooter
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- Jul 29, 2012
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I use a 9mm seating/taper crimp die on my 380 rounds. It is right at the edge of adjustment limits though. I have also experimented with exchanging seating plugs between 9mm, 380, and 38 special. Some work, some dont, depending on length.
I own a set of 380 dies but the morons at Hornady supply a roll crimp seating die in the set and expect you to buy an additional taper crimp die. First and last time I spend money on their reloading equipment. All of my other die sets (Lee) include everything needed for that cartridge, work flawlessly, and cost much less.
A 9mm expanding die should work too. But I suspect certain brands may run out threads before reaching the required depth. Resizing dies are certainly not interchangable.
Most 9mm shell holders do not work either. With Lee equipment, it is the same one as for 223.
My advice would be to avoid any headaches and just go grab yourself a set of Lee dies.
I own a set of 380 dies but the morons at Hornady supply a roll crimp seating die in the set and expect you to buy an additional taper crimp die. First and last time I spend money on their reloading equipment. All of my other die sets (Lee) include everything needed for that cartridge, work flawlessly, and cost much less.
A 9mm expanding die should work too. But I suspect certain brands may run out threads before reaching the required depth. Resizing dies are certainly not interchangable.
Most 9mm shell holders do not work either. With Lee equipment, it is the same one as for 223.
My advice would be to avoid any headaches and just go grab yourself a set of Lee dies.
Last edited:
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I agree, it's best to buy the proper dies since the 9mm dies really won't work well.
If cost is a factor, and these days when is it not a factor, you can get a 3 die Carbide set of .380 ACP dies from Lee for just under $30.
https://fsreloading.com/lee-precision-carbide-3-die-set-.380-automatic-colt-pistol-90625.html
If cost is a factor, and these days when is it not a factor, you can get a 3 die Carbide set of .380 ACP dies from Lee for just under $30.
https://fsreloading.com/lee-precision-carbide-3-die-set-.380-automatic-colt-pistol-90625.html
jwrowland77
Member
Another vote for getting the proper tools for the job.
Get some .380 Auto dies.
Get some .380 Auto dies.
Sunray
Member
No. .380's called a 'short' for a reason.
Candyman87
Member
I wouldn't. Smaller cartridge. Smaller case. Totally different round.
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