Reloading the 380 ACP from scratch today

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Armorer 101

Armorer 101

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Reloading 380 ACP from scratch in today’s market is a challenge. I am one to get real disturbed by gougers, so… I figured out my 550B Dillon would work with a 223 shell plate, a 9mm head for seating and the powder throw, with a 380 sizer and taper crimp bought on line and added. Found some once fired brass on line, polished it, and 1,000 FMJ 100g 380 bullets on line. Had Bullseye powder and small pistol primers. But I did not like the FMJs, so ran 100 on my lathe with a center drill bit, turned them to JHPs at 90g. Shoots about 2” at 10 yards from the little Kel-Tec, not great, but totally OK for a backup gun.

E48786E6-44ED-4A81-B642-FC91A5BD6D17.jpeg
 
Since introducing my wife to shooting I've made up a lot of 380ACP rounds. I'm find of the Everglades Ammo 95gr JHP, which feed reliably and shoot well from my numerous 380ACP pistols. I had to quit buying them when it dawned on me that my 380s were now more numerous than my 9mms. (remedied)
 
I reload 380 for my LCP. It doesn't get shot a whole lot so its my least loaded caliber. I bought 1000 bullets about 5 years ago and still have half of them
 
Armorer 101 said:
Reloading 380 ACP from scratch in today’s market is a challenge. I am one to get real disturbed by gougers, so… I figured out my 550B Dillon would work with a 223 shell plate, a 9mm head for seating and the powder throw, with a 380 sizer and taper crimp bought on line and added. Found some once fired brass on line, polished it, and 1,000 FMJ 100g 380 bullets on line. Had Bullseye powder and small pistol primers. But I did not like the FMJs, so ran 100 on my lathe with a center drill bit, turned them to JHPs at 90g. Shoots about 2” at 10 yards from the little Kel-Tec, not great, but totally OK for a backup gun.

View attachment 1046914
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I’d be very interested to see some gel tests of that bullet at that speed and see if it does what you expect. Pretty interesting idea.
 
With the open exposed lead bottom of a standard FMJ bullet watch out for blowing the core out of the bullet and leaving the jacket in the barrel. That has been reported to happen. A closed base bullet or one that's plated for a HP will always be a safer choice. Good on you for finding everything in these trying times to get er' done.
 
Interesting project. I was told forster sells a little drill but attachment to make hollow points haven't found it available. Would be ok to shoot but I'd use gold dots for hollow point if my backup.
 
380 ACP Ammo.jpeg I was inspired by this thread to get some rounds ready for next year, All of these are over Universal...but it doesn't make much of a dent in my supply at 380 ACP loads.

95gr Everglade Ammo JHP on left, 100gr Berry's HBRN on right
 
I load and shoot a lot of 380
I do not think the hole drilled in the tip will serve much purpose. It just fills up with "stuff" clothing and the bullet will not do much.
Nice drilling on center though.:)
Then of course we could get into the topic of handloads and hollowed out bullets for self defense!:what:
 
Rule3 said:
I load and shoot a lot of 380
I do not think the hole drilled in the tip will serve much purpose. It just fills up with "stuff" clothing and the bullet will not do much.
Nice drilling on center though.:)
Then of course we could get into the topic of handloads and hollowed out bullets for self defense!:what:
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At least it will create a meplat. It's a step better than a round nose.
 
So what kind of powder is everyone using? I had Winchester 231 out on my bench so I started reloading with this powder using loads of 2.8 grains and 3.0 grains. Both work great, the 2.8 grain load a tad more accurate.
 
I don't load a bunch of .380, but I've been trying to use up a pound of CFE Pistol and a 3.5gr load under a 95gr flat nose bullet has been a pretty good one for me.
It's the best use I've come up with for the CFE and at 3.5 grains, it's probably gonna take a while to use it up.
 
I’m using HP-38, VV N330, CFE-Pistol, Hi-Skor 700-X, and I just loaded 200 rds with Universal.

For Christmas I got Nosler 9, just to try something new. To my surprise they only list one load for 380 ACP…just one. It’s a doozy! I knew I’d heard about before…and have never heard of anyone trying it…that one load is a 115gr Nosler Sporting Hollow. Heaviest pill I’ve tried is 100gr, both plated and jacketed.

Anyway, of the several listed powders, I only have Hi-Skor 700-X, but they also list loads for HS-6, Unique, Bullseye, Zip, and Power Pistol. I have some primed cases, so I’m thinking I’ll load up a few…while wondering which of my pocket 380s to use for the test. Maybe my Bersa Thunder 380.
 
I have loaded some 380 ACP ammo for a family member. I used several powders but settled on W231/HP-38 with a 95gr FMJ bullet. I found that powder to produce accurate ammo. Give 2.9gr W231 a try and see if you like that load. That is with a 95gr bullet remember, not a 90gr bullet. I would think a charge of 3.2gr would do well with a 90gr jacketed bullet but I have not tried a 90gr bullet. That is not the max charge so it's safe. (unless there is something wrong with your gun)

Always check data you get on the NET. Mistakes can and will happen when writing numbers.
 
Howland937 said:
I don't load a bunch of .380, but I've been trying to use up a pound of CFE Pistol and a 3.5gr load under a 95gr flat nose bullet has been a pretty good one for me.
It's the best use I've come up with for the CFE and at 3.5 grains, it's probably gonna take a while to use it up.
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I've worked up a load with 4.0g CFE-P with 95g Everglades 95g JHP. Runs 870fps from a Ruger LCP. Figure thats not too bad. 3.4g of W231 gave similar results, I just have a lot more of the CFE-P,
 
Rule3 said:
Put some cross marks on the top and it will be even more better! Two step better :)Not!.

Probably just go flat and not penetrate anything,
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LoL my XTPs go flat and don't penetrate.
I would be scared of a jacket for separating if it was notched and drilled.
 
Rule3 said:
But the WINNER is an XTP bullet :)
I carry Hornady Critical Duty. (FTX)

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I watched that in the past. My carry is a spectrum loaded with American Gunner.
Personally if I had to do what the OP is. I would take a 115 plated and hollow it to a 95 grain.
 
What ever you feel comfortable with, the post is about how, not what you should like.
I have some experience, my first line gun is a Para Ord LDA Custom in 45 ACP with 8 and one, 230 JHPs. This is the backup, I know exactly what it will do at point blank, if the muzzle flash burns the mustache off it will stop an attack. I rode the Beach bars and dives on Highway 98 in FL for 15 years with a Deputy as his backup. Been to the rodeo, got the T shirt, the beer mug and the scars, graduated with honors, still walkng.
A 380 Kel-Tec with a 1.5” barrel is a backup gun only, and only if you have the knowledge and experience to make it 100% functional, an extended mag is helpful :)

AC28F34F-CB90-4E12-9083-20E86A0A734C.jpeg


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