Reloading .380 ACP

[mactex]

I've started looking into reloading for my .380 (9mm Kurtz) and have run into a minor problem. No one locally carries 90, 95, or 100 gr bullets for the caliber. However, there are several shops that carry 95 or 100 gr bullets for 9mm (Luger). Can these be used in the .380? My research leads me to believe that they can, but I'd like to double check.

Thanks!

 

[Jim Watson]

Yes, I have loaded .380 with up to 115 gr 9mm P bullets; the data is availble if you look around.

 

[The Amigo]

.380

Loading anything over 102g is not good ballistics speaking. Anything less shall be ok.

 

[Walkalong]

I have shot a bunch of the Remington 88 Gr. JHP and 95 Gr. Winchester bullets in the .380.

That was back when the 88 Gr. JHP was touted as a 9MM. They are all .355.

Load em up and shoot them. I used AA# 2 to load mine. Other powders would work.

 

[sansone]

.380+9mm are both .355 diameter.. the 380 will perform better if under 110gr just make sure you work up a load carefully if you don't find published data. I currently have some 110gr loaded up for my 380 that do very nicely. edit: unique is the powder I used

 

[mactex]

I had pretty much figured the two were the same, but I appreciate everyone confirming it for me.

Thanks again!

 

[Dave R]

I have shot quite a few Berry's 100gr. bullets in my .380acp. They work fine.

 

[Clark]

CAUTION: The following post includes loading data beyond currently published maximums for this cartridge. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The High Road, nor the staff of THR assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information.

IMHO, it depends on the pistol.

1) With a 1903 Browning Blowback action with heavy slide, good case support, and thick chamber walls:

I load 8.5 gr Power Pistol, 158 gr LSWC or XTP, 1.090", 1187 fps
Contrast this with Alliant's max load for 357 mag, 8 gr Power Pistol, 158 gr, 1.575", 1,305 fps, 33,800 psi.

This is a very hot load.

2) With the Kel-Tec P3AT locked breech action with light slide, poor case support, and thin chamber walls:

I load 90 gr Gold Dot, 6.1 gr Power Pistol, .968", OAL, no crimp, 25.9 kpsi, 1115 fps

This load is nearly as wimpy as the factory ammo, and is at the threshold of case bulge.

3) With the Beretta 1934 blowback action with medium slide mass, and good case support and thick chamber walls, I load somewhere in between: