Heaviest bullet for .380?

[Triggernosis]

What is the heaviest bullet I could safely load for .380?
Remington Golden Sabers come in 102 gr. and there's a Sierra Sports Master at 115 gr.. I'll bet the 115 gr. would be pushing it, yes?

 

[rcmodel]

The 102 Golden Saber is the factory bullet weight in Rem factory .380 ACP ammo.

Lyman #49 has data for 115 Hornady XTP, as well as 120 grain cast bullets.

The problem you may run into is, a longer bullet will protrude down in the case so far it gets into the beginning of the thicker wall taper.
That makes a dog knot on the outside of the case that may prevent chambering.

Also certain brands of brass have an inside shoulder or ridge where the normal 90 grain bullet base sets to prevent bullet set-back during feeding. I think Federal is one, maybe?

At any rate, IMO, bullets over 115 take up so much powder room you are hitting the wall on any performance advantage trying to use them.

rc

 

[Triggernosis]

Thanks, rc. I may look into the Hornady XTP bullet some more.

"dog knot"? Unfortunately, having bred Walker foxhounds in the past, I know exactly what one is...

 

[rcmodel]

Just something else to ponder.

One has to wonder how well a 115 JHP designed to expand at 9mm velocity would expand at .380 velocity?

rc

 

[cfullgraf]

I loaded and shot some 110 JHPs in the 380 ACP a long time ago. Worked fine in my Beretta but slower than molasses.

I stick with 100 FMJ or lighter in the 380 ACP these days.

 

[Clark]

This 100 year old blow back 380 has chronographed 1158 and 1187 fps with a 158 gr XTP bullets.

And that recoil hurt.