.380 acp reloading

[JoeDice]

I load 380 Auto for my wife’s S&W EZ. She shoots my various 9 mm autos just fine but can’t operate the slide . So we got her the 380 EZ which she can work the slide, plus less recoil. I load my 38 Specials and 380 Auto on a Lee Classic Turret press with their 4 die set. I use the 100 gr X-tream bullet with 2.8 grs of Bullseye. My cartridge OAL varies more than I would like . The load data calls for .975 but mine vary as much as .970 to .981. The gun doesn’t seem to care it feed reliable with them all .
I read that some reloaders claim the 380 cases stretch more than other straight wall pistol cases . I measured some of mine and some are longer than others, which increase over all length . That the only problem I have had with loading 380 auto. Alliant powders are getting expensive so I’m going to to try some w231 and also w572 in the near future.

 

[skipperjb777]

I load 380 for six guns - Ruger Security Max, Walther CCP, Sig P238, Berreta 80X and S&W BG2 original and comp versions. Like others I use the Xtreme 100gr plated bullets because of price. I had settled on a load using Tite-Group at 2.7-2.8 grains and a COL of .975. However....the BG2 original will not reliably seat the reload at .975 and after numerous plink tests with the barrel I found that a .955-.960 COL functioned with out a problem. That said, I started to think about alternative powders that I have BE, HP-38, and CFE. I ruled out BE since I want to use it for my 38 148gr WC's and its hard to find. Also I started loading at a COL of .945. I found that Tite-group loaded at 2.8 grs did not produce consistent accuracy with any of the six except the 80X. Using the HP-38 at 3 grains produced good results for me in all but the BG2 original and the recoil seemed very mild in comparison to the Tite-Group and CFE. The CFE loaded at 3.8 grains produced almost the same results as the HP-38 with the BG2 original showing better results when compared against the HP-38 load. I was really surprised with 80X as it has been in the dog house resently, but its groupings for all three laods were very tight, so it may have redeemed itself. I use a RCBS turret press, but use a Rebel for re-sizing and de-capping. I also use a combination of RCBS and Lee dies, using the RCBS seating die and the Lee factory crimp die.

 

[A-300 Dave]

I have reloaded for a Beretta 84F & a Colt Government for many years without any issues. I have had great results with 95 gr & 115 gr bullets over 231, Bullseye, Unique and currently with Power Pistol. I use an old RCBS Rock Chucker press and RCBS. Large fingers is about my only complaint.

 

[Mk VII]

I found W-W cases would not hold the bullet tight enough.
With S&B ones I taper crimp as a separate operation as, again, the bullet moved inside with each shot.

 

[Gunny209]

Perhaps because it shoots accurately, feeds and chambers reliably, and gets good velocity. That's why I used a 122 grain cast bullet in several .380s.

lol what is good velocity for a 122 gn .380acp????

 

[glenwolde]

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.

LOL. Do they make revolver shooters dump on the floor? Do they dress in Hazmat Suits to clean it up?

 

[glenwolde]

I load 380 Auto for my wife’s S&W EZ. She shoots my various 9 mm autos just fine but can’t operate the slide . So we got her the 380 EZ which she can work the slide, plus less recoil. I load my 38 Specials and 380 Auto on a Lee Classic Turret press with their 4 die set. I use the 100 gr X-tream bullet with 2.8 grs of Bullseye. My cartridge OAL varies more than I would like . The load data calls for .975 but mine vary as much as .970 to .981. The gun doesn’t seem to care it feed reliable with them all .
I read that some reloaders claim the 380 cases stretch more than other straight wall pistol cases . I measured some of mine and some are longer than others, which increase over all length . That the only problem I have had with loading 380 auto. Alliant powders are getting expensive so I’m going to to try some w231 and also w572 in the near future.

I had a problem with inconsistent OAL. I found the Lee seating die was not seating the bullets straight. It was hard to tell on the short stubby bullet but once I looked closely and rolled some loaded rounds around on the bench-top it became apparent. It could have been the seating stem not matching the profile very well but I was given a Hornady seating die before I got around to getting a new stem. The variation greatly improved.