fed up with my .32 acp's

[deadeye dick]

Amen to the other .32 acp posts. Will dump my Keltec for a Ruger LCP. I still want a small BUG.
I really don't know much about the .380 round. I will be reloading.
What's the difference between the .356--- .380 and the 9 MM? Can I use the same bullet in the .380 as in the 9MM. I load lead 125 GR.in my 9MM. I noticed Cabelas sells .355 FMJ for .380 and 9MM.
I know the powder charges will be different for the two cartriges. My question is do I need different bullets for the .380 and whats the largest weight that can be used.
Any help would be appreciated.

 

[quaid]

100 grains is usually the heaviest loaded in 380 auto.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Along with the lighter bullet weights the profile of the bullet us different too. I think the bullet is shorter but I forget right now. (don't get old)

 

[Reloadron]

.380 ACP is typically bullets in the 90 to 100 grain range having a diameter of 0.355".
9mm Luger (9 x 19, 9mm Parabellum) typically run in the 100 grain to 147 grain range with weights of 115 and 125 grain being popular. The 9mm bullet diameter is also 0.355. So yes, the same 90 and 100 grain bullets loaded in the .380 Auto can be loaded as 9mm.

Ron

 

[.308 Norma]

You got it Dick, just don’t mix up cartridge “names” with actual bullet diameters. My .308 Norma Magnum uses the same diameter bullets I used to use in a 300 Winchester Magnum. For that matter, my old 30-06 Springfield uses the same diameter bullets. The 380 Automatic (AKA 380 ACP and 9mm Kurz) shoots .355” to .356” diameter bullets, just like your 9mm (AKA 9mm Luger and 9X19mm Parabellum).

The differences between 380 (380 ACP) bullets and 9mm (9mm Luger) bullets is that your 9mm will handle heavier (and longer) ones. I like 147 gr. bullets in my 9mm. But for the 380, the heaviest bullets I could find data for in my loading manuals were cast, 121 gr. bullets.

My wife choice for an everyday carry gun is a little Glock 42, 380. I haven’t started loading for it yet. When I do, I’ll probably find it more irritating than a 9mm. And even a 9mm is bad enough with my fumble fingers. I can’t even imagine handloading 32 ACPs.:banghead:

 

[Archie]

With the 121 cast bullet loading information, one could develop information for 115 grain jacketed bullets; being careful, conservative and cautious, of course.

However, I have a suspicion the loaded ammunition might be 'touchy' to work in a normal magazine. The exposed portion of the bullet might be a bit too long and jam against the inner front of the magazine when loaded.

That strikes me as an 'experimental' problem and solution.

Just to sidestep any questions on the matter: no, I've never tried it; no, I do not have a .380 ACP in any form; and no, I have no plans to get one.

But good luck to anyone who feels the urge.

 

[RecoilRob]

There is precious little room inside a 380 and going to heavier than normal bullet will use up more of this than the standard ball which can and will cause pressure problems to arise quickly. Depending on the pistol, it might tolerate a little increase in OAL...but probably not much as most magazines are made to take factory bullets only it seems.

Somewhere upstairs in the dungeon are some 122 cast 380's that eventually did fire and function OK...but they weren't going very fast (IIRC) before the primers were looking to be in distress and my final conclusion was there was little to be gained going heavier in 380. The bullet can't tolerate being much more than a ball or it'll be too long to fit in both cartridge and magazine. A very short TC is what I ended up using and it was borderline on fitting and feeding but ended up OK...it's just they weren't going very quickly and not nearly as fast as the 100's were using Unique.

It's funny that you want to ditch the P-32 for LCP/P3AT when I have the 32 and wouldn't trade for the 380 being as it's down a round and lacking the slide hold-open. Not sure if Ruger has slide hold-open on the LCP? Anyhow...in FMJ there is not a whole lot of difference in the ballistics/penetration of the ammo and the 32's are more pleasant to fire IMHO. Hoping that your switching to 380 is more for 'just wanting to' than actually expecting to be making much of an upward jump in performance. In some testing the 32's tended to out-penetrate the 380's which in the mouse-guns is #1 on the 'want' list.

 

[jerryd]

380

Have the g-42 and PPK the 42 is my go to now! Less recoil then ppk do all my own reloading, 88gr to berrys 100gr, powder unique, but mainly power pistol, real clean. not hard as far as reloading and don't need tweezers. using a Hornady prog press.

 

[Old Fuff]

If you're wife is recoil sensitive she will quickly discover the difference between .32 and .380 and not like it. If possible it would be a good idea to try the LCP before you buy.

 

[Taurus 617 CCW]

If you're wife is recoil sensitive she will quickly discover the difference between .32 and .380 and not like it. If possible it would be a good idea to try the LCP before you buy.

+1 Highly recommend that you try before you buy. Recoil is stout in the LCP. I went the opposite direction as you. I sold my LCP for the P-32.

 

[Sarge7402]

Stop and pick up a decent reloading manual - speer is a good one. They have real tested loads for up to 115 Grain TMJ and JHP rounds for the .380

 

[Dudedog]

I would think if you have been reloading .32, .380 would be a easy.
Small case so watch your OALs. As mentioned 90-100gr bullets are the most common but there is data for 115s. I sometimes load up 90-100s iin 9mm for fun.
I really like AA#2 for practice .380 loads meters great in the small charges required.
CFE-P worked for Full-power MAX loads and meters decent, a bit more velocity possible than with #2

Hope you enjoy the .380.

 

[cfullgraf]

Like others have said, 380 ACP generally is loaded with 90-100 grain bullets. Some of the "designer" hollow points weigh a little less.

I played with some 110 grain bullets in the 380 ACP once. While they cycled and shot in my Beretta M84, the velocity fell off enough that the energy and momentum was less than the 95-100 grain loads.

So, while heavier bullets designed for 9x19 may work in a 380 ACP, I see no performance benefit. Stick with the bullet weights designed for 380 ACP.

 

[GooseGestapo]

I've loaded and shot .32acp for about 20yrs. Almost entirely cast Lyman 78gr RN, but some 60gr Speer GD and Hornady XTP. Powders have almost exclusively been Bullseye (favorite, accurate!) and Win231/HP38.

Recently I aquired a Ruger Single-7, and a Lee 90gr TLSWC mold. Back in mid 90's, I had a Beretta TomCat.I really liked it. It at 25yds would out shoot my issued Glock 22. On more than one occasion I shot a "clean" 25yd 18rds into NRA B27 target 10ring. (NRA PPC match #2, 18rds standing, kneeling, left hand barricade).
However, it wasn't up to sustained shooting and developed frame and slide cracks. Beretta sent me a new one, which I sold nuf in the box.

I later won a KelTec in a match. Stainless slide, green frame. I gave it to my older brother, who worked for a defense security contractor. He carried it in his pocket at times it was required to work a detail where exposed weapons were not allowed. I and he both shot a lot of the 78gr RN through it. 1.8 gr Bullseye seems to be the sweet spot. However, it had the grooved slide, and was challenging to hit a soda can beyond 7yds.

Eight years ago I aquired another KelTec and this one has rudimentary sights. It does however remarkably hit where it looks! I've never shot it beyond 50' or so. I carry it with 60gr XTP's over 2.5gr of Bullseye in new Magtech brass.
I recently worked up a load with the 90gr Lee and really like it. Feeds very good, and hits where it looks. 1.6gr Bullseye. I've carried it frequently when doing daily excercise/walks.

For "fun" I decided I wanted a .380. Looked around and decided the S&W BodyGuard was worth the extra cost over the Ruger/KelTec. I'm pleased to say that after Herculean effort, the rear sight was drifted to center, centering the groups, and rear sightt ground down (yes GROUND with dremmel, HARD metal, to lower impact to center. It now hits where it looks.
With a Lee 105 SWC over 2.2gr of Bullseye, it is pleasant to shoot. 2.5 is a bit snappy,has a little primer swipe, but makes a very workable carry load. I've got a RCBS 108gr RN mold I haven't used in 25+yrs I may break out. But, I really like the SWC's. Seated to middle of foward driving band, they are 100% reliable feeding.

I believe you'll be glad you spent a little more and get the S&W. I am. BTW I got the DeSantis "Mini Scabbard" and carry it mostly now. That is, when I'm not carrying the M&P Shield .40. ( whenever Im out at night near Atlanta ).

 

[lonniemike]

Lehigh ExtremeDefense ammo and bullets are available in 380 and 32(others too). I like the ED380 stuff and will be checking out the 32 fodder soon. Look for some videos. Some say can't be, seeing is believing.BestAll