Need help loading 100gr .380 cast bullets

[Corner Pocket]

Due to the scarcity of .380 ammo, I started reloading this caliber a few months ago. I've done some experimentation since I first began and have settled on a couple of loads that use 95gr FMJ bullets. I've now loaded and shot about 1K of these, and they work very well.

I bought some 100gr Lead RNFP bullets the other day, just to see how lead shoots in this little Bersa .380 pistol. These bullets are exactly the same length as the FMJ that I've been loading, so I thought that using the same OAL of .975 would work fine for these lead loads. But when I loaded a dummy round a moment ago, I see that the single lube band on this bullet is not positioned down inside the casing when at .975. For the lube band to be all the way inside the case mouth requires that I shorten the OAL to .940.

If I were to use an OAL of .940, would I reduce the powder charge, say 10%, to compensate for the higher pressure brought about by the shorter OAL? Or is an OAL of .940 too short to use safely? Your thoughts and suggestions are welcomed. Thanks!

Corner Pocket

 

[putteral]

I use 2.4 grs of Red Dot with 100gr bullet seated at .940. I would start out at 10% below max and go from there.

 

[Rule3]

It's hard to say without knowing exactly what bullet and what powder you are using.

But as an example, I shoot 102 gr Remington Golden Sabers in my .380 and the OAL of that bullet is .945. The are a JHP but similar in that they have a flat nose.

You can not just arbitrarily take 10% off of a FMJ load data to compensate for a lead bullet that needs to be seated deeper.

What brand of bullet and what powders to you have?

 

[Corner Pocket]

I appreciate the replies, and see that I didn't give all the info that others might need in order to better help me.

These are cast lead bullets made by a local company -- labeled as 100gr RNFP. (I've been using either W-231 or Bullseye for the jacketed loads that are working well.)

Since I see now that others are successfully using .940 and .945 as OAL, I'm thinking of using 2.6 or 2.7 gr of W-231 with .940 OAL on these. How does that sound? Thanks again!

CP

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

I've read of loaders useing 231 with cast .380acp slugs but have'nt myself, BEye has delivered good results but RDot has been some better and more bulk to it also. OAL may be more critical with jacketed than cast as far as pressure. maybe load up a couple, fire and check the fired cases for any indicators.

 

[Rule3]

The only data I have from my manuals for lead in .380 is from Lyman with a 90gr lead RN. Seated at .980.
Min is 2.3 and max is 3.5 of HP 38/Win231

A 120gr lead is 2.1 min to 3.2 max same OAL


I load Berrys 100gr Plated RN at 3.1 HP-38 OAL .980

As you are pushing that bullet further in the case, if it was me, I would error on the side of 2.1-2.3 and only load a few (5) and be sure to check how they fit in your barrel first. A small case like the .380 it's real easy to build up excess pressure which can also occur with too little powder. Be sure to stay alert for any squibs.

 

[Corner Pocket]

I load Berrys 100gr Plated RN at 3.1 HP-38 OAL .980

I load that same bullet with the same OAL and the same charge weight using W-231. I learned a while back that 231 and HP38 are one and the same once you take the top off the canisters.

This has been a very informative thread for me, and I'm really glad that I posted this query.

From what I'm seeing here in the responses, I think a load of 2.2gr of W-231 should be a safe place to start with an OAL of .940 inch. I'll load up a few of them with that charge weight. It will be a few days before I can go test them, but I'll swing back by here and post the results. Thanks, amigos!

CP

 

[Corner Pocket]

Pleased as punch!

I had an opportunity to shoot the test rounds today. Of course it was my hope that I would not end up sticking a slug in the bore due to underpowering of the bullet. I'm pleased to report that the gun cycled fine and I find no signs of leading in the barrel. The brass gathered nicely about two feet to my right. No sign of any problems to be seen after inspecting the brass.

I'll load up a couple dozen rounds at 2.4gr of W-231. That will give me more insight on finding "the best load" from these lead bullets. I'm very pleased with this little Bersa!

CP

 

[joneb]

I load a 95gr LRN for 9x18 Makarov , I put together three dummies at a max COL that will allow the round to head space properly in the barrel chamber and fit the magazine. I then cycle these in the firearm and that also means letting the slide fly stripping the dummy from the mag. I check for setback on these un-crimped loads as well as dings, I shorten the col as needed until they cycle well in the gun, then I consider the start charge.

 

[Corner Pocket]

Shot 20 rounds at a charge weight of 2.4gr today. These still seem a little weak to me, as they shot a bit low. I'll load a few at 2.6gr (and a few at 2.7gr) and see what my Monday range trip will tell me about them.

CP

 

[Corner Pocket]

Found the right load

I'll hush in this thread. After yesterday's shoot, I can see that this 100 gr lead bullet works well when powered by 2.7 gr of 231, set at an OAL of .940. Thanks to all who helped me with this...

CP

 

[Rule3]

I'll hush in this thread. After yesterday's shoot, I can see that this 100 gr lead bullet works well when powered by 2.7 gr of 231, set at an OAL of .940. Thanks to all who helped me with this...

CP

Do you have Chronograph or access to one? It would be interesting to see what this load is doing. I like shooting my 380's but the only lead bullets I have are 95 gr.

 

[Corner Pocket]

Sorry OCD1, I have no chrony nor do I have access to one. Actually, I've been thinking of buying one. That would give me another dimension to my reloading enjoyment. I'll give it some more thought...

CP