? Same projectiles for 9mm and .380?

[halvey]

My .380 dies should be arriving today. Can I use 9mm bullets for loading the .380?

From what I see, 9mm and .380 are 0.355 diameter, but for lead bullets, 9mm is also listed at 0.355 but the .380 for lead is listed at 0.356.

I'll probably get a bunch of different .380 bullets to see what works for self defense, but I'd like to practice with the cheaper lead bullets.

I think Clark mentioned using 147 gr bullets in the .380 before. Anyone have any experience with heavier bullets and the .380.

It'll be through a Kel Tec if that matters.

 

[Mikul]

I load .380 bullets in my 9mm. Most 9mm lead bullets are sized to .356. That's the trend: jacketed bullets at 0.001" smaller than lead for the same caliber. The only problem is that most 9mm bullets are too heavy for .380, you may have difficulty finding load data for those bullets.

Have fun!

 

[45crittergitter]

Yes, you can use 9mm Parabellum/Luger bullets to load .380 ACP, assuming you have data for the bullet weight you're using, and the OAL is ok. Personally, I wouldn't go much over 100 grains.

 

[griz]

Clark loads to find what fails first. I find that interesting myself, but I believe even Clark will tell you that those are not normal everyday loads. In short, no 147's in a 380.

 

[Zak Smith]

380AUTO/ACP bullets can be used in 9x19 / 9mm PARA.

9mm MAKAROV bullets CAN NOT.

I've used the 90gr 380ACP Gold Dot bullet in 9x19 loads - mild is 1400fps.

-z

 

[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.

My stanard load is with 158 gr XTP for M1903 .380 pistols at 1187 fps.

For the tiny little Kel-Tec P3AT, I use 90 gr or 115 gr JHP.

 

[45crittergitter]

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.

My stanard load is with 158 gr XTP for M1903 .380 pistols at 1187 fps.

Ya think?

 

[halvey]

More info...

I used Berry's 100 gr and loaded a batch up for my Kel Tec .380.

The Lyman manual lists 2.0 to 3.1 of Bullseye with this bullet. The "Metalliac Cartridge..." books lists I *think* 2.4-2.8 of Bullseye.

I loaded 2.0, 2.2, 2.5, 2.7, 2.9 and 3.1 exactly at the OAL listed. All fired fine without ANY signs of pressure. In fact, the top 3.1 load seemed to recoil less than the Magtech .380 95 gr ball ammo. I think it's listed as .380 A, with the A meaning 95 gr round nose ammo.

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.

I don't get the variation in the 2 books. I didn't look at any other sources, but I'm thinking I can go a bit higher. I didn't have my chrono out as it was getting dark and cold quick.

 

[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.

I use the same bullets in .380, 9mm, 9x23mm, 38 sp, and 357 mag.
The real pressure spike danger with big diameter bullets is not when they squeze down to get in the barrel, but if the case and chamber neck pinch the bullet so it can't get started.


My carry loads for Kel-Tek P3AT:
1) 90 gr GD .355", 6.1 gr Power Pistol, .968", OAL, no crimp,
2) 110 gr XTP .357", 6.5 gr 800X, .963" no crimp, no bulge

While I can exceed 357 mag loads in my heavy 1903 .380, I can barely exceed 9mm max loads in a P3AT. It has several problems with heavy loads:
1) Thin chamber walls
2) Poor case support
3) Light weight slide



I just got some 115 gr XTP .355" and some 115 gr Gold Dot .355", and I hope to work up some loads at lunch this week.

 

[griz]

What kind of velocities are you getting with those loads? Are they compressed? I imagine they are a handful in something as light as the kel tec.

 

[halvey]

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. I noticed Clark's load: 1) 90 gr GD .355", 6.1 gr Power Pistol, .968", OAL, no crimp,
is 1.5 grs over the stated max.

I checked my Bullseye loads against the Alliant manual and they stated 3.3 Bullseye for 100 gr RN is the max. That is the heaviest load I've seen printed for that bullet. This tells me either:
1) Alliant knows something the others don't
2) the other guys (Lymant et al) are worried about getting sued.
3) the other guys (Lymant et al) are playing it safe

 

[Johnny Guest]

Experimentation with VIGOROUS loads - -

Member Clark has a long history of doing some *ahem* rather daring experimentation with his loading. If you search his previous posts, you’ll see that he is not at all shy about “testing to destruction†and is clear about this.

Clark is quite conscientious in prefacing posts of his extra heavy loads with the Bold Print CAUTION notice. This type entry is allowed in THR’s H&R forum for general information, but is not suggested that others use the information for their own loading. Indeed, the “official policy†of this board is to suggest that members stick with published loads, until the individual is knowledgeable enough to accept the hazards of “expanding the envelope.â€

This entry should not be read as censure of any member, but only to further clarify forum policy. I myself exceed published loads on occasion, but I accept responsibility for my personal safety and any consequent damage to my firearms or my own carcass.

Best,
Johnny Guest
H&R Forum Moderator

 

[greg531mi]

Good for you Johnny, I load my 380 with 88 grain remingtons, with 3.2 grains of WW231. I tried 3.0 grains, and they did not group well. I heard that titegroup is cleaner and might work up a load, that is going from strating load, and increasing it 1/2 grain til max.
I always look at two references, either the powder companies booklet or a Lyman reloading maual. Speer has some HOT Loads in there's. I almost never load to max, unless it groups the best!
You got to look at some of my 32 acp loads from Speer, they look like a funnel!!! Luckly, the gun took it.

 

[Clark]

Griz,
I have not measured the velocity, but yes, a whole magazine of that ammo is painful to the right hand.

It is different feeling than 42 ounce 44 mag S&W model 29 pushing 240 gr at 1450 fps.

The 44 moves the hand more, and the P3AT stings the palm more.