The new RMR 95gr FMJ RN 380

[RMH]

I am working up some test loads for the wife's M&P 380ez with the new RMR 95gr FMJ. The two powders that I want to try first is W244 and N320.

There is current data for the W244 so my plan is to make up 10 rounds each from 3.2gr to 3.6gr by .1gr increments.

However with the N320, the latest data I can find is from 2002. It lists the max load for the Speer TMJ 95gr at 3.7gr with starting load reduced by 15%. From the information that I can find, the RMR is about .015 longer than the Speer. With the reduced case capacity I am thinking of a max load of 3.6gr with a starting load of 3.2gr.

My question is, is this 16 year old data safe to use, if so, does my numbers look ok?

I would like to hear from anyone who has used this new bullet and what powder you used.

 

[markr6754]

Mine isn't a perfect answer to your question, but I've been using the Speer TMJ 95gr for my 380s, as well as some Berry's 100gr HBRN.
I've used VV N320 with really good results.

My best load with VV N320 is [email protected]" C.O.L. I've tried other loads and differing combinations of COL, but this one is the winner in my RIA Baby Rock M1911 A. These rounds also run quite well in a Bersa Thunder 380. I'm not sure how old my load data is for VV N320...I grabbed it from a European site and converted the units to grains and inches.

I've had some magazine issues with the Sierra flat nose, so I have shot a lot more Berry's, but I'll be watching your experience closely to see whether RMR 95gr FMJ should be my goto.

For the Berry's 100gr, HP-38 and VV N320 are both excellent powders with about the same load level, except that I load at 0.98" more often than 0.96". That's the nice thing about hand loading...find what fits your pistol best.

 

[RMH]

markr6754 Thanks for your insight

My wife's other 380 is a Taurus PT-638. The load we have been using is the Berrys 100gr HBRN over 3.1gr of W231 (HP-38), .970 oal. She has run about 8000 rounds thru it with very good results. The M&P 380ez doesn't do as well so we are going to try something different.

 

[markr6754]

RMH - very interesting. I may have to try 0.97” for my HP-38 and Berry’s loads. My best load has been 2.9gr HP-38, followed by 3.1gr. Both at 0.98”. Since they fed and fired well I never considered shortening the C.O.L.

I can’t pick up any RMR bullets for 380ACP right now as I just ordered 4000 9mm 115gr FMJ. But the price for 2000 rounds looks mighty tempting. Have to wait a bit though as I am well over budget on reloading. Stupid gun show....took all my money last month.

 

[FROGO207]

Yeah gun shows do tend to hit your fun money stash don't they. I will be watching for your results/thoughts as I will be getting some 380 RN soon and these RMR bullets look like a good one to try for sure.

 

[Dudedog]

One of my manuals shows Sierra 95gr FMJ FN .900 OAL N320 start 2.3 MAX 2.6
Manual is fairly new the Data I don't know about.
The data shown for this bullet with W231 in that Manual is less than Hodgdon shows for a 95gr bullet with W231 but Hodgdons OAL is longer.
Funny VV #10 .pdf from 2012 does not show any .380 data....

I really like AA#2 for .380 meters great in .380 size charges. CFE-P works well for full power MAX type loads
90 GR. HDY JHP Hodgdon CFE Pistol .355" .970" 3.7 880 11,900 PSI 4.2 1,010 19,500 PSI
95 GR. SPR FMJ Hodgdon CFE Pistol .355" .970" 3.7 822 12,000 PSI 4.2 986 19,500 PSI
100 GR. HDY FMJ Hodgdon CFE Pistol .355" .980" 3.3 794 12,400 PSI 4 955 19,800 PSI
I haven't tried W244 in .380 yet but data shows some good numbers
90 GR. HDY JHP Winchester 244 .355" .955" 3.2 930 15,600 PSI 3.7 1,061 19,800 PSI
95 GR. SPR FMJ Winchester 244 .355" .970" 3.2 848 14,800 PSI 3.7 995 19,600 PSI
100 GR. HDY FMJ Winchester 244 .355" .980" 3 851 16,600 PSI 3.5 994 19,500 PSI
The above are from Hodgdon data, I believe there are no typos but always double check.

 

[markr6754]

One of my manuals shows Sierra 95gr FMJ FN .900 OAL N320 start 2.3 MAX 2.6
Manual is fairly new the Data I don't know about.

That is one scary short bullet. I went as low as .932 OAL w VV N320 due to magazine issues and the Sierra 95gr FMJ FP. My 2/2002 Vihtavuori European load manual specifies 3.6gr max load for 95gr Speer TMJ at 24.9mm or .980 COL, and I try to follow VV guides. They load everything much longer than other powder makers. ie 1.142” for 9mm, no matter the bullet used. I like N320, but have been using HP-38 and known loads for 380ACP vs experimenting with VV. I’ll return to try again one day. I don’t know why VV stopped publishing 380 loads, but when I switched to the Berry’s 100gr HBRN, my pistols loved VV N320 at 3.1gr and 0.98”.

 

[RMH]

We went to the range with the W244 loads. I don't have a chronograph yet so all I can give just observations.

The recoil of the 3.2gr loads are very light. The slide locked back with the last round. The brass was very dirty. And poor grouping. As we moved up the load levels everything improved and the groups got smaller. The best performance was at the upper end, 3.5gr and 3.6gr. This bullet and powder combination show a lot of promise. Next I will load 50 rounds each of the 3.5gr and 3.6gr for further testing.

I really like AA#2 for .380 meters great in .380 size charges

I knew there was a powder I was forgetting the last time I was in Phoenix. I will add that to my list. I need to stop trusting my memory