Browning BDA .380 Problem

[Acera]

Took out the little Browning yesterday and ran into some issues I've never had with it before and hoping some had some insights on how to correct the problem.


It has been 5+ years since it has been out to shoot. The gun has been kept clean and well protected against rust, dirt, etc. The finish is still amazing. Gun is tight and has less than 800 rounds through it total.

Disassembled it and lightly lubed prior to packing up for the range.

Took 3 boxes of Freedom Munitions 380 Auto 90 gr XTP Hollow points which were new production, not re-manufactured ammo. First time using this ammo.


Dozen times or so in the 150 rounds we fired, the round would not fully chamber. Took a bump to the back of the slide to get the cartridge to fully go into battery. Disassembled and lubed halfway through the session, but it still failed to fully feed the rounds on occasion after that also.

Did not have opportunity to change ammo and try another brand.

Gun was made in 1986. I have never put new springs in it.

Wondering if this might be a spring issue.
Do you think it is time to get a new spring set?

I will change ammo next trip to the range and see if that helps. Never had a problem with HPs previously. Used to run Silver Tips in it. I know this is the easiest route.

Got to get this gun running perfectly as it is slated to become a family members daily carry. (Only gun she has tried and likes the feel of, we have tried a lot lately.)


What say you THR?



.

 

[Fla_dogman]

Are the bullets hanging up in the bore?

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[Fla_dogman]

The BDA has a very stiff spring so unless it feels weak i wouldn't think the spring is the culprit, it also could be the clip. I suggest a good cleaning, re lube and different ammo. If it still hangs up then consider something more serious. You and also lube the bullet and see if that makes it cycle if so that points to friction sometimes

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[huntsman]

Try ball ammo first before doing any spring replacement, mine digests JHP so I'd question the brand ammo before the gun.

 

[DPris]

If the pistol has functioned perfectly before & now isn't with ammunition you've never used before, don't go messing with the gun immediately, change the AMMO.

Try a mainstream factory load, go from there.

If your car has previously run fine on premium high-octane & starts running oddly after you switch to low-octane gas, is your first reaction to install a new engine?
Denis

 

[dogtown tom]

I'll bet its the ammo

Try Remington, Federal or Winchester.

Was it new or "remanufactured"? Freedom Munitions sells both under their name.

Fla_dogman Are the bullets hanging up in the bore?

Huh?

 

[Acera]

New Freedom Munitions ammo, not reman.

Fla_dogman, bullets not getting to bore, hanging about 1/4 inch outside chamber. Solid slap on rear of slide solves the problem.

Will probably get some name brand ammo in FMJ for next range session. Springs are not weak, but after 30 years felt they may be an issue.

Will clean magazine and probably purchase an extra to see how it works.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[hemiram]

I'm guessing it's the ammo. I've never had a single, not one issue with both of the BDA 380's I've had, or the Beretta 84s, that wasn't ammo related. I roll the cartridges on a flat surface before I load the mags, and every so often, there is a "wobbler" and those get looked at closely, and usually fired one at a time.

 

[bannockburn]

I would also suspect it was a problem with the ammo. I had a Beretta Model 84 and that gun was extremely reliable with FMJ ammo but somewhat selective with JHP ammo. Try some other brands to find what works and what doesn't.

 

[Tallball]

1) try other ammo, full metal jacket ("ball")
2) replace springs
3) replace magazine
4) cry

 

[gwpercle]

Try another brand of ammo before doing anything .
Lots of semi-autos are picky about what they digest. Find something it likes and stick with it...conversely , if you find a brand it doesn't like ....don't use it anymore .

Gary

 

[Shaq]

Definitely try better-quality ammo before changing anything. Remember, unlike a revolver, an auto is completely dependent on the ammo for function...instead of you chambering each round physically, the recoil spring & slide have to do it. If the brass is bulged, not crimped properly, slightly too long, it won't chamber by itself. When a "bump to the back of the slide" is necessary to chamber the round, I'd suspect some rounds are out of spec.