Does anyone here reload for .380?

[Triggernosis]

I'm thinking of trying to do some loading for .380, IF I can find enough of my brass. I'll likely have to purchase range brass or new brass.
What are some recommended powders and good plinking/small game bullets?

 

[Robert101]

I reload for 380 as I have one and so do both of my daughters. We shoot 380s. I suggest Unique and Rainier bullets. Very inexpensive to load and given that you won't go past 1,000 fps the plated bullets work great for target. The Bursa Thunders have no issue with higher loadings, but my Browing DBA likes the 900 fps rounds to minimize slide to frame contact.

 

[Steve H]

first thing you will need is a good pair of tweezers to handle the brass. I bought a set of 380 dies, loaded one batch of "plinkers" and decided my fingers were too big. Maybe a progressive press would have helped with less handling. IIRC I was using Unique but I don't have my "recipe" here.

 

[Jeeping]

I use 2.6gr of unique and lee's 105gr SWC.

 

[Blue68f100]

I have loaded for the 380 using 231 and Unique. I'm away from home so I don't know the specifics right now. But be aware with such a small charge any swing/deviation will be noticed. So I would recommend staying away from the max unless you know your powder dispenser will be dead on. The last ones I reloaded, I measured every one. Some powder dispenser have problems with flake powder's the reason I use ball powders they just meeter better.

 

[HOWARD J]

New cartridges from:
http://store.affordablebrassandbullets.com/catalog/category/5019273100
Berry's 100 gr plated bullets
3.6 gr unique powder
CCI500 primer
980 COL

 

[kingmt]

I like Red Dot.

 

[zxcvbob]

For full-power loads, I use 4.2 grains of Unique and 95 grain LRN bullets. (I also have some 102 grain Golden Sabre or Gold Dot or something, but haven't worked those up yet.) For something lighter that doesn't try to tear my hand off, I use the same LRN bullets and three grains of International.

Next powder on my todo list for this cartridge is W231.

 

[Triggernosis]

A couple of y'all have mentioned cast lead bullets. What's the appeal of those over a jacketed bullet?

 

[cfullgraf]

A couple of y'all have mentioned cast lead bullets. What's the appeal of those over a jacketed bullet?

Cost.

I currently use 700-X or Unique in 380 ACP. 90 to 100 grain round nose.

 

[Master Blaster]

3.2 grains of titegroup and a Hornady 90 grain XTP. I use federal small pistol primers for max reliability out of my LCP.

http://www.natchezss.com/Bullets.cf...ail&brand=HO&prodID=HO35500&prodTitle=Hornady Handgun Bullet - 9mm .355

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

yes, and also a 9X18 Makarov (.380acp on steroids)
I use R Dot under cast slugs. my BDA actually groups the cast tighter than jacketed over PP!
R Dot is bulky and clean. use moderate mid-range data it spikes quickly.

 

[Deavis]

One thing you'll notice is that with the fast powders and the small charges, variation becomes a big deal. 0.1gr variance when the charge is 4.4gr is different than when it is 2.8gr. Using slightly slower powders with higher charge weights helps deal with that issue based on my data.

 

[captdavidjm]

LRN's are LOW Cost. I get all mine at missouribullets.com Check out the "bullet bundle" pricing. Use them for all my .380 and 9mm plinkers and practice.
w-231 but recipe is in the file at home

 

[GCBurner]

With a 95 gr. hollowpoint, 3.0 grains of Unique, or 3.0 grains of Red Dot both give reliable and accurate performance in my Kel-Tec P3AT. They're a bit milder than the factory loads I use for everyday carry, which makes practice with a lightweight pocket pistol more pleasant.

 

[redbullitt]

I usually use w231. It runs great for me. Usually a 95 grain fmj for practice loads.

 

[Triggernosis]

Thanks, guys.

 

[Walkalong]

AA #2, Bullseye, N310.

They meter great, which is useful in small calibers using tiny charges.

W-231, Zip

Meter very well, and will work well.

 

[GaryL]

I've dedicated my stash of Bullseye to reloading 380. Very happy with the results and the case won't hold a double charge. The same can't be said for the other calibers I've tried it in.