.431" - .432" can't be right.
I use a set of unmodified Hornady dies. I don't know what the expander plug measures, but it must be right, because it holds the bullets firmly.
.380 acp reloading
- Thread starter tomahawk223
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.431" - .432" can't be right.
I use a set of unmodified Hornady dies. I don't know what the expander plug measures, but it must be right, because it holds the bullets firmly.
My first effort......
...of a few rounds with 95 grain Missouri RN bullets was not very successful. I'll be trying again soon. I think I used W231 but it
wasn't the loading that was the problem. Feed and eject was bad.
I'll be more careful next time I'v and try to see where the problem is. I've only got one .380 and I'll plunk them in the barrel to check their fit.
...of a few rounds with 95 grain Missouri RN bullets was not very successful. I'll be trying again soon. I think I used W231 but it
wasn't the loading that was the problem. Feed and eject was bad.
I'll be more careful next time I'v and try to see where the problem is. I've only got one .380 and I'll plunk them in the barrel to check their fit.
.38SuperMan
Member
I have a Beretta 84 and a 1st model Ruger LCP that I load for. I load on a Dillon Square Deal B and anRCBS Rock Chucker with no issues. I use Berry’s 100gr plated and primarily use Bullseye but have used 231 with excellent results. I have data for Accurate 2 and may try it next time.
I’ve not found 380 to present any u usual problems other than needing slender fingers to handle cases and bullets. I don’t find them any more difficult to load than 9mm or 32 S&W Long. As far a loads I run pretty close to minimum loads and don’t have any reliability issues. I just plunk with my loads and use Hydra-shock’s if I’m carrying.
I’ve not found 380 to present any u usual problems other than needing slender fingers to handle cases and bullets. I don’t find them any more difficult to load than 9mm or 32 S&W Long. As far a loads I run pretty close to minimum loads and don’t have any reliability issues. I just plunk with my loads and use Hydra-shock’s if I’m carrying.
380ACP cases, can be made from 223/5.56 brass.
You will have to ream the inside of the mouth, to the
depth that you'll seat the bullet.
Just another fun thing to try, if you have not been given
any orders, from the Mrs.
IIRC, some Speer cases, have a ridge, on the inside, and if you
seat your bullet deep enough, the case will bulge, and not chamber.
Our Dillon 550, only loads 45ACP and 380ACP.
You will have to ream the inside of the mouth, to the
depth that you'll seat the bullet.
Just another fun thing to try, if you have not been given
any orders, from the Mrs.
IIRC, some Speer cases, have a ridge, on the inside, and if you
seat your bullet deep enough, the case will bulge, and not chamber.
Our Dillon 550, only loads 45ACP and 380ACP.
max503
Member
GypsmJim
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That's my load as well. Both of my 380s are Rugers and both have been 100%. Neither gun has ever fired a factory round, and neither has showed any leading.
My 102s are lubed with Lee liquid alox, and are hard cast at about 12 BH.
OP
tomahawk223
Member
thanks for all the reply's, looks like I'll be ordering a set of .380 dies. I have alot of primers and powder. can anyone recommend a brass catcher for a pistol that can stand up by its self in a port.
max503
Member
They make ones that attach to the rails if your gun has rails.
GypsmJim
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Eons ago when I was concerned about losing 30.06 brass I put a catcher on my Garand. What a pita. It was too cumbersome. For my club or my home range at worst I lost only 1 or 2 anyway.
My .380 is either shot at my indoor range, or outdoors at my own range. Indoors, basically none get lost, and outdoors, since my 15' spot is partially in the woods, I lose them all. Not a problem for me. 1000 once fired polished brass are so cheap that I don't even try to find them any more.
If you find a catcher for a pistol that is not cumbersome and affect your shots, let me know. I'll buy one.
kbm6893
Member
I have. No different than loading for 9MM once the die’s are set. Shot probably 400 of my reloads through my Bodyguard .380. No issues at all.
OP
tomahawk223
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the indoor range i use here in NJ is claiming that the DEP is telling them once the brass hits the floor you cant pickit up as its "hazardous" or some such BS.
rockquarry
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Some years ago, I experimented with cast bullet loads in several .380s, including a Makarov, a Colt 1908, and a Walther PPK/S. The loads had to be accurate and function with 100% reliability.
I tried three bullet designs ranging in weight from 93 grs. to 122 grs. I used five powders. Bullets were sized to .356". The most accurate load with each bullet weight used 231 powder. Loads were tested at 25 yards, a stringent test for small .380 guns with not the best sights, but 25 yards will tell you much more about accuracy that shooting up close.
Eventually lost interest in the cartridge as I did the 9mm and sold my .380s. Regardless, it's a good cast bullet cartridge if you have the urge.
I tried three bullet designs ranging in weight from 93 grs. to 122 grs. I used five powders. Bullets were sized to .356". The most accurate load with each bullet weight used 231 powder. Loads were tested at 25 yards, a stringent test for small .380 guns with not the best sights, but 25 yards will tell you much more about accuracy that shooting up close.
Eventually lost interest in the cartridge as I did the 9mm and sold my .380s. Regardless, it's a good cast bullet cartridge if you have the urge.
Yikes, that isn't right!
Corrected above to .351"- .352"
Sorry, typo. Blame it on my new glasses
.
bigggbbruce
Member
Yes, hand cramps, those case are a bear to handle with arthritis.
Just my 2-cents as long as we are still using pennies. Both my carries are S&W EZ in 9mm or 380ACP. Both take the same BlackHawk CPQ holster. I load 9mm (115gr and 124gr, RN and HP), 380ACP (100,gr HP) and .223, 62gr. FMJ. My favorite bullet is Xtreme due to price. Powders vary on supply but CFE is my favorite. I just bought an 8# keg of ARComp for $150 and developed a rifle load for it that works great. Primers are a hit/miss on cheap pricing but I fall into good deals now and then and take advantage of them even if I don't need them now. TexasGunTrader.com is a great site for local reloading supplies. I have a Lee single stage in use for over 10 years and still running. I like reloading almost as much as I do shooting. My wife of 49 years is my shooting partner. I run all my new load recipes through a Chrony for velocity numbers. I'm not an avid reader of this forum but I do visit on and off.
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