380 handload question

[lrrifleman]

Greetings!

I currently have 2 380 pistols that I will be loading for: one that is a blowback action (Mauser HSc) and a locked breech action (Glock 42).

Currently, with factory manufactured ammo, there isn't a stated distinction for use in either type of action, but it seems some brands may be more reliable for blowback actions.

With different bullets, there seems to be a wide range of powders with vast load recommendations, each generating varying levels of chamber pressure.

For my Glock 42, it appears as though I need to look at charges that would launch the Sierra 90gr JHP V Crown bullet in the 950+ fps velocity range in order to get reliable functioning. Basically, I need to look at a maximum recommended load of CFE Pistol or near maximum loads of Ramshot Silhouette (all charges recommended from the current Sierra manual).

My question (finally) is, if I were to use the stiffer loads that will function reliably in the Glock in my Mauser HSc, would I risk damaging the little Mauser (an Interarms pistol)? Or would it be wiser to develop a second load that would produce lesser chamber pressures?

As always, thanks in advance for your help!

 

[max]

This is not a specific answer to your question, but European ammo was always said to be "hotter" than American.

 

[mikld]

I like reloading, from load research, assembly, shooting, reviewing/recording, so I would work up a load for a specific gun. I have 5, 44 Magnums and I normally have 4 different loads. My 629 prefers upper level 44 Special loads, my Contender uses jacketed bullets, and my Ruger SBH and Dan Wesson 44H do well with magnum loads with cast bullets. MY Puma uses RNFP only so that's another load. More loads, more fun...

 

[Paul in Nevada]

max has the right idea here. Back when locked breach bug out guns first hit the market, people quickly found out that only the euro made stuff was hot enough to cycle the action 100% of the time. The guns and the ammo have improved since then. The point still stands that your Mauser was built with a little more bump in mind than what US makers built for.

 

[STORMINORMAN]

Using Hodgdons 90gr XTP data for CFE Pistol (Note: their MAX is 4.2gr @ 1,010 fps) should work just fine in both your applications. Those Mauser HScs are fine, strong all steel weapons.

Cheers!

P.S. I have also had success with ACCURATE #5 in this type application as well.

 

[DWalt]

Acccurate #5 and Unique are (in my opinion) the best propellants for any .380 pistol. Actually, there's little performance difference between them.

 

[Imissedagain]

We use Bullseye and N320 for 380s.
100/115/120 Penn PCs
Hornady 115 XTP/FMJ

Recently, to test the minty/project gun...Colt P2 ...I loaded 2.0 and 2.2 gr of BE under the Penn 100gr PCs.
Couldn't find the SP primers so I used SP Mags.
Found the SP brick and bullets later in my bicycle helmet.
Forgot I took them out of the cabinet a few days earlier.