Loads for Golden Saber "102g" JHP in P238

[OleEd]

I have the Lyman and Speer Manuals plus have searched for a "safe" load + OAL to load this bullet. I just can't find a load + OAL.

Anyone have a suggestion for a safe load to at least start out with.

I will be using Win 231 but have Bullseye powder too.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Steve C]

Here is some old .380 acp data, first page from Speer #9 and second page from Sierra 2nd edition.

http://www.members.cox.net/scollins15/transfers_public/380 old data.PDF

The Speer data shows the closest bullet to the 102gr weight I could find and that was their old 100gr JHP. The Sierra data shows loads for a 115gr bullet and you can always use data for a heavier bullet. Between the 2 you should be able to do a little interpolation and get a start point and perhaps increase by only .1 or .2 grs as the amount of powder for the .380 is very small.

The older Speer data doesn't have any info on W231 but the older W230 was a faster powder so the charge levels are less than what W231 would be.

Keep your OAL no greater than the maximum .984", use your pistol barrel to see that it chambers properly and fits like a factory round. Shorten in very small increments as required.

You need a chrono if you are going to try and match factory loads that Remington says makes 940 fps from a 4" barrel. May be able to get that with Unique but probably not with Bullseye or W231 without getting too high in pressure. The problem with these little cases is that small increase in powder makes for a much larger increase in pressure compared with a higher volume case.

 

[rg1]

Factory overall length for the .380 102gr. Golden Saber is .950". It'll vary a few thousandths due to the irregular tip shape of the hollowpoint. AA#2 powder works well at about 3.2-3.4 grains using CCI 500 primers. Velocity should be around 950 fps. Lightly taper crimp just to remove any belling. You might try Unique powder up to about 3.9 grains. Start low and work up all loads.