I need help with .380 loads.

[maxbnc]

I have an LCP and want to load for it.
I began reloading 1977 for mainly pistols.
I finally found the dies I need but am unable to find 90 or 95 grain locally.
M. D. Smith's Page for the .380 has a recipe for 115 grain FMJ bullets. I have .354 bullets in that weight.
How does 2.2 grains of 231 sound to you guys?
My guess is 675 fps with that combination.
Does this sound reasonable to you guys?

 

[jag22]

I'm not looking at any load data but that sounds too light, may not cycle the action. I use 3.0 of 231 for 95 grn bullets and it seems like a medium to light load. You could try 2.2 but I wouldn't do too many cause I think you'll be taking them apart.

 

[TDC]

You're dealing with a very small case where the variation in a starting load to maximum charge can be 1 grain or less.

As jag22 advised, you need a powder charge large enough to cycle the action but not to exceed the pressure limits of the caliber or firearms capability.

I load for a LCP 380 also. I've tried bullet weights up to 124 grain in both JHPs and LSWC. In order to fit the magazine and cycle properly the bullets must be seated much deeper than the 90 or 95 grain weights that are recommended or commonly used. That further compounds the pressure/cycling issue.

I've concluded I'll stay with the 90 to 95 grain bullets. There is lots of highly tested reloading data available for those two weights. I realize the bullet locating problem that exists today but I would just wait the problem out until the bullets intended for the 380 are available.....

JMHO

 

[Rule3]

I used to be in a .380 pocket gun craze and loaded for a lot of them. A 115 gr bullet is heavy for the caliber and pretty useless except for paper punching. Hodgdon only lists to 100 gr and none of the big boys like Speer or Hornady have data for a 115.

That being said the LEE tables which came from somewhere else list for a 115 FMJ lists 2.7 grain of HP38 (which is W231) (MIN AND MAX) For a blistering 778 FPS out of an unknown length barrel.

So use at your own risk and be sure to not seat the bullet to deep as pressure increases rapidly in those tiny cases!

 

[Treeman]

You are on target with your starting point and expected velocity. It will probably cycle. If not creep up in small increments until it does. (my data shows 3.1 of 231 as max).I've loaded up to 125gr bullets in 380. You can make usable practice ammo with the heavier bullets but everything is easier with 88-105 grainers in this cartridge.

 

[tjpopkin]

I have years of experience in loading .380...
What I found, early on, with shooting my first gun...a Walther PPK, was that the absolute best load, and also the hottest, was made by SuperVel, a company now deceased. The load used a Sierra 90gr.jhp and I spent years trying to duplicate the load. Finally, using Unique, I got the same accuracy, but it was smokey. Accurate Arms started producing their powders around that time, and when I used #5, I duplicated the SuperVel load. This load, to this day, outperforms every commercial load in all my .380 guns....PPK (3 guns), LCP, and Sig 238. Get the AA loading guide and follow instructions.... I use 0.1gr. below max.
BTW, AA#5 is one of the best overall powders for my .40, .44 Spl, .44 Mag light loads, and it meters beautifully.
Terry

 

[maxbnc]

Thanks to each of you for taking time to reply!
I plan to go to a lighter bullet, when I can locate some or get a mould and sizing dies.

 

[Majojo4]

Sorry for hijacking this thread a little bit but I have a question that is somewhat related. I recently purchased a stainless walther ppk/s .380 and have been working up loads. I purchased some bullets at a show this weekend that I can't find load data for. It is an especially light defense bullet called Corbon 70 grain( actually weight is 72). I see a handful of information about this bullet used in cartridges called Corbon Pow'R Ball, but can not find loading information any where for a 70-72 grain bullet for 380. Any thoughts?

 

[Rule3]

Sorry for hijacking this thread a little bit but I have a question that is somewhat related. I recently purchased a stainless walther ppk/s .380 and have been working up loads. I purchased some bullets at a show this weekend that I can't find load data for. It is an especially light defense bullet called Corbon 70 grain( actually weight is 72). I see a handful of information about this bullet used in cartridges called Corbon Pow'R Ball, but can not find loading information any where for a 70-72 grain bullet for 380. Any thoughts?

I far as I know or have read, Corbon only sells loaded ammo and not components.The 70 grain is actually Glaser Powr Ball (same company) Sounds like pulled bullets, why I don't have a clue.

 

[deputy599]

4.1 power pistol Hornady 90 gr XTP cci small pistol primer chrony at 790 from my LCP