Reloading .380

[VonFatman]

I've been toying with the idea of reloading for this caliber.
I've got 2-3 guns and would shoot them more if I had a ready supply of
ammo...

I have a set of Lyman dies.
I have plenty of brass.
I have several powders on hand to choose from.
I have plenty of primers.

I don't have bullets unless 9mm bullets count?


What about reloading .380...plus(s) and minus(s)??

Thanks
Bob

 

[lee n. field]

9mm will do, if they're not too heavy.

I've done it. The only problem I've had was crushing the occational .380 case.

 

[Murphster]

In the past, I've loaded .380 for a Beretta Cheetah and for a Bersa Thunder.
As lee n. field indicated, most 9mm offerings are going to be a bit heavy for .380 applications. FWIW: I used Rainier 95 grain fmj over 3.2 grains of Win 231, CCI primers, .973 - .975 OAL. Pretty inexpensive round to reload.

 

[halvey]

I use 100 gr ball bullets for my .380.

The pluses are I use the same powder for the .380 as my .45. The .380 can also be hotrodded if you want, know what you are doing and are careful.

I think Clark loaded some .380's with 147 gr bullets; and I know he went WAY over max with other bullets too. I've gone 25% over with no problems, so I am getting into 9mm range.

Since you have the equipment, go for it. The only minus I'd see is there are factory offerings that are fairly cheap, but then you are limited to factory offerings, and can't do the "fun" stuff like above.

 

[VonFatman]

Thanks guys...I am not sure what size 9mm bullets I have...just that I have too many.
Bob

 

[Dave R]

FWIW, I get good results at relatively low cost using Laser-Cast 95gr. lead alloy bullets. I like 4 grains of Unique for propsulsion.

I hava found that you can't hot-rod the .380acp in the Kel-Tec P-3AT because they don't fully support the case. You get case bulges if you go hot.

 

[kimbernut]

.380 Auto

I'VE LOADED QUITE A FEW 115 GR.RAINIER BALLISTIC HPs WITH NO TROUBLE FOR PRACTICE AMMO. IF YOU USE THE SPEER MANUAL AND W-231 BE CAREFUL AND CHECK SOME OTHER MANUALS-THAT START LOAD IS A BIT STIFF.

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

FAVORITES FOR MY MUSTANG P/L & lLAMA MICROMAX IS 90 GR.GOLD-DOTS AND 102GR.REM. GOLDEN SABERS WITH 3.0 GR BULLSEYE.

 

[VonFatman]

I may just try some 115 gr. bullets.
I have Bullseye, 231 & TiteGroup on the shelf.
Sounds like a good idea to me.

I may as well load some ammo.

My .380's include...CZ-83, Llama .380 (looks like & is built like a mini 1911...cool gun...and actually works rather well for a 50yr old Llama!), Walther PPK & Kel-Tec P3-AT.

I don't plan to load hot.

Bob

 

[Peter M. Eick]

I have shot the 380's up to 115's but I did not have very good luck on the accuracy department.

The 380 is one of the very few loads I have memorized because I have done so much of it. 88 or 90 grn JHP, .984 col, 4.0 grns of unique. cci500 primers.

Great load, reliable and easy.

I find the 380 a fun round to load for. Easy but a bit small for big hands.

Try it, you will like it!

 

[VonFatman]

Dang...
And me with 5k+ 115 JHP 9mm bullets! Oh well.
I was going to load up a bunch of 9mm at one time
and stocked up when a "deal" came along.

I need to find someone who wants to trade out 9mm
for some .380 or .38/357 bullets!

I'll whistle at you tomorrow Pete.


Bob