BG 380 loading problem

[rmmoorejr]

I have a new BG 380 and it will not load FMJ rounds. the slide will not go all the way forward on its own. I have to push the slide by hand to the full forward position. This problem does not exist if I use any type of hollow point round. I have only put about 150 rounds through it. Is it just not broken in yet or do I need to have it looked at?

 

[SMSgt]

The COL of those rounds may be too long. Either chamber one and extract it or look at one that's been chambered. Are there any marks on the bullet from the rifling? If so, those won't work.

Not all rounds of the same bullet weight are the same length. What brand & weight are causing you grief?

 

[OKFC05]

Are you sling shotting the slide or riding it down? Pull all the way back and let go for surest feeding.
As SMSGT says, check length of cartridge for interference with rifling.

 

[rmmoorejr]

will have to go back and check exactly which brand and weight. Even if I push slide forward and fire the weapon the next round will not chamber completely. Funny thing is I also have a SIG 238 and it does not like hollow points but will eat and FMJ you can throw in it. Thanks for the info and I will check it out tomorrow.

 

[gdnagle]

You can also break the firearm down and drop the round into the barrel to see if it goes into the chamber such as a plunk test. Make sure the chamber is clean also as you didn't say whether you did a cleaning before you shot it. Have you tried another batch or brand of ammo. You can also measure the OAL of the FMJ it shouldn't be longer then .980. Sammi gives dimensions of .910 min .984 max OAL.

Like OKFC05 said don't ride the slide when chambering a round and watch the laser screw if you have the laser version.

And a warm

from "wild and wonderful " West Virginia at least that's what they tell us.

 

[GaryS]

As I posted over in the The Lounge, my Bersa is a finicky eater of ammunition. It doesn't like the round nose of the Federal 95gr target ammo, but has no problem with the truncated cone shape of the WWB 95gr target ammo.

I don't know if this is a quirk of .380 guns in general or not. It seems that you have to just try different brands and find one your gun likes. Just hope it's a round that's available and not too expensive.

 

[rmmoorejr]

wonderful info, I will get out the caliper and take some measurements. Never thought about a drop test.

 

[gdnagle]

As a FYI I have never had a problem with my BG380. Guess I could be lucky. Have fired several thousand rounds of whatever I could find with no problems. Most of it was FMJ with different shooters. Your option if you want to send it back to S&W, but I would try a different brand FMJ first if the OAL was within specs. It still could be a barrel problem.

 

[GaryS]

For those who are interested, this is what the jam looked like in my Bersa.

Looking at it, I'm more convinced that bullet size and shape had a lot to do with this.

I'm going to try to find some 90gr ammunition and see how that runs.

 

[rmmoorejr]

took the BG to the shop where i bought it and we tried a variety of shells and very few would drop in the chamber. tried the same with another BG and all the shells just fell right in place. I am thinking a bad barrel. I guess I will contact S&W about returning.
Thanks to everyone who helped me out with responses.

 

[ralph7]

For those who are interested, this is what the jam looked like in my Bersa.

Looking at it, I'm more convinced that bullet size and shape had a lot to do with this.

I'm going to try to find some 90gr ammunition and see how that runs.

That looks like a magazine problem.

 

[GaryS]

That looks like a magazine problem.

It seemed that way, but going to a different profile of bullet seems to have solved the problem.

In case it didn't would you suspect that the there is a problem with the magazine lips?

It might be worth me calling the Bersa importer and asking if they would swap out the magazines.

 

[ralph7]

Yes, the lips may be spread too wide, releasing the cartridge too soon. If you have a few magazines to play with, you might try bending them in slightly, or just get another factory one as you suggested.

 

[VBS]

VBS

I have a 380 BG so far no problem feeding. But the saftey on mine is is so hard to apply or take off that carrying on safe would not be an option. Have cleaned and lubed, very little improvement. How does yours work?

 

[Telly]

That looks like a magazine problem.

Had the same problem with Magtech mag.'s Bought some Bersa factory mag.'s and never had a issue again.

 

[Ozarker]

VBS.. I have the same problem with my BG. With that trigger I just leave it off safety for the same reason. Goes on fairly easy, but really have to work at getting it off.
Not a problem I want if the weapon is needed. No other problems.