380 load development for different actions

[lrrifleman]

Greetings!

I currently have 2 380s that I am looking to develop loads for: a Glock 42 (locked breech) and an Interarms Mauser HSc (blow back).

To date, I have only worked on the load for the Glock. I have found that I must load the Glock ammo hot, requiring a muzzle velocity of close to 970 fps, with a Sierra 90gr JHP V crown bullet. I am also loading an Xtreme 100gr FNRN (plated) at about 960 fps. If the Mauser will feed a JHP, I fear that a muzzle velocity hovering close to 970 fps would be excessive for a blow back action.

Would the members here suggest that I aim for a velocity closer to 900 fps for the blow back Mauser?

As always, I appreciate the help that you extend!

 

[alwslate]

I have a bunch of .380 autos, all blow back. I don’t load the .380 as yet because I have several thousand rounds of ammo. But looking at load data and handloading articles in Handloader magazine shows that 970 FPS with a 90 gr bullet is in no way a too hot load for any sound .380.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

Hornady factory 90 grain ammo is 1000 fps, I would try that!

Ivan

 

[alwslate]

The pressure limit for the .380 is the same for all guns and is 21,500 psi. Most factory ammo today is underloaded. Do you own any reloading manuals? Load data shows over 1,000 FPS with 100 gr FMJ without exceeding maximum pressure. The pressure standards are the same regardless of gun type and there is no official .380 +P. You’re not going to blow up your Mauser with any published data. 100 gr FMJ ammo would certainly seem preferable to 90 JHPs for SD for penetration. And Hornady listed velocities often prove to be quite optimistic in reality.

 

[hoytx10]

As long as you load within maximum of your favorite and current manual, you should be fine. As always, start at 10% below maximum and load up. I load for both a S&W Bodyguard 380 and Glock 42 and have settled on maximum charges for both with CFE Pistol powder. You are very correct, my Glock 42 only cycles with a maximum charge.

 

[OKFC05]

I load only for blowback .380's, and use a max load of titegroup under Hornady 90gr. If your Mauser seems to be getting battered, replace the recoil spring.
My SIG 230 has shot thousands of these with nothing more than installing extra-strength recoil spring. I don't share your apparent concern that any modern .380 needs mild loads.

 

[Nevada Ed]

A LOT depends on how smooth the action is on the blow back and how
much the upper half weighs plus the strength of the recoil spring.......

as to how much fps or pressure will be needed for 100% ejection.

Good luck with your pistol.

 

[Speedo2]

Here are some chrono results from a G42. The red line is published data (from Lyman's 48th) vs the blue line, which were from my chrono results. The charted data points are generally the average of 10 shots each. I fully agree with the above statements that G42's prefer max loads. -S2

ETA: I had a SIG P230S in which the higher loads were rather annoying due to recoil. That gun was intended to be for Mrs.Speedo, but it didn't last too long with us. The G42 is much more pleasant to shoot.

 

[STORMINORMAN]

I wouldn't worry too much about the strength of the all steel Mauser HSc with any factory level ammunition or, as opined previously, your "favorite" reloading manual's maximums...

Usually the typical problem with 380acp blowback actions in my experience is sufficient pressure to reliably work the action: that and correct bullet length as far as feeding is concerned.

Cheers!

 

[Paul in Nevada]

European 380 loadings are usually warmer than US ones. If you can get close to factory US velocities you should be safe in both guns.