Reloading for the LCP 380 cal.

[lonewolf5347]

I wonder how many guys here on the forum reload for the LCp with Lead bullets?
I do reload for the 45 @ 38 never gave it much thought on reloading the 380.I was able to purchase factory ammo like Mag tech for 10.99 threw 13.00 a box.I am not sure what the prices will jump with the new year prices ,I was given it some thought in reloading .I must have aleast 600 rounds of once fired brass all I would need it a set of Dies And Lead cast bullets .I wonder if I would run into any problems mixing lead with hard ball o HP since my LCP runs like a charm,I must have better then 600 rounds threw her with out a He Cup.
I think lead 90 or 95 gr. bullet diam: runs 356 @ I was thinking more like Bullseye for the powder and keeping the FPS around 900 mark
any pro or cons on the idea

 

[tom357mag]

I reload for the exact same gun. I use lead and FMJ with no problems pushed by Unique.

 

[rcmodel]

The biggest problem is tracking down the brass to reload it.

If you can concur that task, reloading it is child's play.

rc

 

[Reefinmike]

I have no problem slinging lead out of my TCP, problem is that it sends brass about a half mile behind my shoulder and I only recover about 10% of my own brass, the rest i find in front of the firing line. I load 38 and 45 as well as 380. I use a 95gr cast boolit and 3.0gr of hp38 which works well for all calibers I load. I couldnt tell you the fps, but theyre warm little loads and they make the 10 ounce gun want to jump straight out of my hand just as hard or if not harder than factory ammo. ive put about 2000 rounds of lead through it without problem.

I dont shoot her much anymore, just about 25 rounds a week to ensure the ccw is working as it should... its really not fun to shoot.

 

[Muddydogs]

Im planning on it, I aquired 1000 rounds of brass from the AR15.com equipment exchange. I have been looking at molds but decided to get a 45 mold first as thats all I need for the 45. For the 380 I still need dies and all the goodys to set up the LnL press.

 

[ssyoumans]

I load the MBC LRN "Secret Agent" bullets. I've used Bullseye, W231, and Unique, all work well in your 45 & 38 too. No problem shooting Lead, JHP, FMJ, plated in one session. Velocity is low, no leading concerns with the MBC bullets.

 

[GCBurner]

I've been reloading 95gr. cast lead RN for my P3AT with 3.1 grains of Bullseye in mixed range pick-up brass. I started using the cast lead a while back when there was a shortage of jacketed bullets at reasonable prices. A friend saved me a bucketfull of .380 brass that got sorted out from the 9mm and .40S&W sweepings at the pistol range, so I've got enough to last for a while.
One thing I've found from experience reloading the .380s is that case length can vary considerably among different brands, and from once-fired to previously-reloaded. For best results, make sure all the brass is trimmed to the same length, and for my P3AT, I make sure the overall length of the loaded rounds is a bit under the max listed. I don't know about the LCP or other P3ATs, but the chamber on mine is tight enough that rounds that are at or over the max will jam into the rifling, and affect feeding and ejection.

 

[mgmorden]

I haven't gotten desperate enough to try this yet myself, but can't you trim .223 brass to length and use it for .380ACP?

Granted, .223 brass isn't easy to come by either, but there seems to be a bit more of it on the ground at the local range than .380ACP.

 

[GCBurner]

I haven't gotten desperate enough to try this yet myself, but can't you trim .223 brass to length and use it for .380ACP?

Granted, .223 brass isn't easy to come by either, but there seems to be a bit more of it on the ground at the local range than .380ACP.

The .223 and .380 have the same size base, and use the same shell holder, but I think the .223 brass would be a lot thicker, and reduce case capacity. I've got enough .380 empties that I don't have any inclination to try this, but if ever forced to improvise, I would probably reduce the starting load quite a bit, and watch for signs of too much pressure.

 

[dentkimterry]

I reload .380 with 95gr lead round nose bullets and they work very well in my LCP, P238 and Walther PPK/S. I love them!

 

[lonewolf5347]

Powder:
Bullseye or
win:231?

 

[beatledog7]

The majority of the guidance in the manuals on my shelf says W231 is marginally the most accurate in .380ACP, but note marginally. I load mine with W231, but I'd just as readily use Bullseye.

 

[lonewolf5347]

I need to ask another question I am looking to get a set of RCBS dies I wonder if the Expander Die will except my powder thrower threw the die ,I have a Lee set up progressive 4 stage classic press
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/348753/lee-pro-auto-disk-powder-measure?cm_vc=subv1540522