Can't get the .380 just right....

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Do you have any Unique? It is a top performer in .380. I use 4.2 grains with 95 grain cast bullets (this is a max load.) 3.9 or 4 grains should be near the top for a 100 grain bullet.
 
test #3

Well I am off to try out new loads. I have 231 from 3.1gn to 3.5gn. Except for 3.3gn....for some reason I could not get my Dillon to give me 3.3 it did it for 3.0 as well. Maybe its time to get a manual scale....hmmmm....
 
I shot some strings with 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.6, 3.8 and 4.0gr's of W-231 on Sunday. Compared to WWB ammo, the 3.4 felt OK, all functioned fine. But the 3.6-4.0 all had the exact same recoil pain as the factory stuff. Such a small gun, the "pain" was all or none in my hand. Thus, my "couldn't tell a difference from 3.6 to 4.0" problem. :p

Time for a chrono I said to the wife. :D

BTW- no smoke with MB's factory blue lube on their 95gr lead slugs. Yeah!

Justin
 
I just loaded 100gr berry's on top of 3.9gr of Unique last week. Got about 925 fps. That is before I shot my chrono in the face. MORON!

.965OAL
 
Start off with the cheapest one, so you can shoot it accidentally. :p

All manufacturers give you the same velocity as long as the unit isn't broken, shot, or used improperly. Look for one with remote display and memory. The printer option sounds nice, but not really necessary unless you really got the money to spend.

By the way, digital scales work well. Just get some check weights and use them all the time.
 
The PACT Model 1 XP is just over $100 and it works well. (it's more on their site but can be found for ~$109) The best part of this Chrono is, the electronics sit on the bench next to you and only the sensors are in harms way. If you shoot one of them it will cost you very little to replace. (don't ask how I know) IMO it's a good way to go... One sensor is $15 and a set of sensors are $27.50. If the sensors themselves are fine and the plastic housing is broken they are also available.
 
That is the second recommendation for the 1 XP I've read in as many days. And it is within the budget!

Looking for deals on them now.... :D

Justin
 
I use the gauges for all other calibers. VERY worth the money and effort in the feedback they give. For .380's I just drop in my tightest chambered pistol's barrel.

Justin
 
alfack said:
My load book lists 2.8 grains as the minimum load (750 fps) and 3.7 as the max (1000 fps) for those 100 grainers and W231.

Try bumping your charge up a few grains. I'd imagine factory rounds are probably between 900 and 1000 fps.
Click to expand...
You mean a FEW TENTHS of a GRAIN!

Sorry, duplicate post, I read the first post and forgot I had already stated this.

Bump
 
Well I finally have all my reloading supplies to include a 1 XP. Gonna get out there on Wed and try it out if the weather holds up. I also just picked up an XD subcompact 9mm. Guess it is time to order a die set for that, even though I have not even started on .38 spl yet. Oh well, I have all I need, just need time to use it.
 
Interested to hear what you find.

I have loaded and shot my .380 with MB's 95gr bullets with W231 behind it. Charges of 2.9gr down through 2.4gr. Gun still functioning, leading is slightly more. Gunna find out just how low a charge will still function the slide this weekend. :D

Justin
 
The 4th Edition of The Hornady reloading manual indicates a max load of 3.7 grains of 231 with a 100 grain jacketed bullet. I load 3.6 grains in my BDA using the 95 grain cast bullet from Missiouri Bompany. Superbly accurate. Byron
 
i started with 2.4 @ 100gr and it function but accuracy was bad, holes were very disfigured, and it felt like a .22. I was just happy my first batch did not blow my hand off
 
At 2.8gr I was getting 2" 6 shot groups at 10 yards. I was amazed because the sights are NOT that good! This is my go-to load for my buddy's and mine LCP's.


Justin
 
One quick note regarding the Lee manual. If you don't find Win 231 in there for a particular bullet, HP38 is the exact same powder and can be loaded using any 231 data you find.
 
Thanks for the info on the powder. Got out to the range and here is my report

1XP works well. It did not pick up all my shots, probably because a few hit the sunscreen mounts hehe. But for what its worth, worked out well does what it is supposed to. It says in the manual to hit the buttons to clear it out which it did, but it only recorded one shot of the next string...need to check on that...probably me though

.380-100 gn Berrys RNHB (Round nose hollow body?)-W231
Start Load Velocity
3.4 728
3.5 738
3.7 850
Books list between 950 and 1025. Thinking of taking it up a few tenths more. Thoughts? I also shot some winchester 95gn FMJ factory loads and they averaged 830.

I also recently acquired a springfield xd sub compact 9mm. Shot that today for the first time. Gonna need some getting used to. But 115 gn TCJ?? Averaged 1056.

looking forward to feedback
 
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