90gr HP XTP in 380

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wow, 1100fps... what length barrel was that tested in?
 
In a Colt Gov't .380 and a Bersa Thunder .380 with Hornady 90 XTP's my best load by far has been using AA#2 powder. Gives consistent velocity and good accuracy. Some other powders such as AA#5 and Unique showed wide velocity variations. May have just been my loads? I used data from Accurate Arms Manual #1 that tested with Hornady's 90 gr. XTP. My load is with AA#2 at 3.6 grains with an overall length at .960" and using CCI 500 primers.
Data from AA's #1 Manual: Start 3.3 grains AA#2-818 fps
Maximum 3.7-930 fps
tested in a 3" barrel using FC brass. I prefer Winchester but also use RP cases. Faster powders showed more uniform and higher velocity than mid speed powders. Careful weighing these small charges and caution to prevent a possible double charge. Accurate Arms has the same charges listed on-line.
 
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Great load for 380 Auto

doctorjohn, I asked one of the most experienced fellas on the board for his recipe for the 90g XTP.
Quote: Originally Posted by Artofgolf

Any 90g XTP's tested with RedDot? Give me your unvarnished opinion.

One of my standard loads for my Kel-Tec is the 90 XTP seated .955".
3.3 grains Red Dot.

rc
__________________
(Try it ~ you might like it) :cool:

Additional testing with a similar bullet: http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=207126&d=1421699822
 
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I've been able to load a couple of loads and chronograph them as well as some factory loads through my Ruger LCP. Because I am a cheapskate and pushed for time, I chronographed only 5 rounds from each group. That's not the best sample size in the world, but it gives me an idea of what's happening and the next steps.

PMC 90gr FMJ factory load: average = 822 feet/sec

Federal Hydrashock 90gr factory load: 923 feet/sec

Hornady 90gr HP XTP factory load: average = 903 feet/sec

Hornady 90gr HP XTP handload, CBC range pickup brass, CCI 500 small pistol primer, 3.2gr Win 231, OAL = 0.966", average = 795 feet/sec

As above with 3.4gr Win 231, average = 874 feet/sec.

Based on this admittedly limited data set, I'm thinking 3.5gr of Win 231 should be nearly a match for the factory ammo.
 
I like PowerPistol. Medium dose for those that are recoil sensitive. I use 4.3gr for the fiance's gun. Otherwise, max it out.
 
What powders do you have?
AA#5 does well in Bersa .380 as does W-231, I hope to find more soon.
Some other powders such as AA#5 and Unique showed wide velocity variations.
Click to expand...
My results from a Bersa 83a,
Case pmc,
Primer wsp
COL .950"
100gr Xtreme plated FP
4.9gr AA#5
ES 10.24
SD 3.87
AV 906 fps
I have had less impressive numbers deliver better accuracy.
 
Heavy charges of medium speed powders is very hard on a blowback action. Just something to keep in mind.
 
FWIW, Shootingthebull410 did a pretty extensive 380 ammo test on youtube. Hornady XTP pretty much filled the 'winner's circle'. My wife just bought a Sig P238 so I'm checking 380 loadings now. Once we get over the extra $ we spent on the new gun, things like loading dies, SD will get purchased. I've seen more than a few loads using XTPs and Power Pistol, the powder I have, the XTPs I need to get. Starting to look for them along with .380 brass.
 
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