Noob question on powder for .380 ACP

[Ziggy2525]

I'm getting ready to start reloading. I'd like to start with .380 ACP. It's what I shoot most and factory ammo is comparatively expensive (30 cents per round in bulk).

I've searched this forum and did a Google search. The two powders I see people recommend the most for .380 are W231 and TITEGROUP.

What I haven't seen anyone discuss is if one of those is considered a better, easier to use choice for a noob. For a new reloader, is one preferable to the other? Would a different powder be better?

 

[Ballistic147]

I started out using Power Pistol for 380 due to it's wider spread between starting charges and max charges. Just gives you a little more room for error. The 231 powder leaves a little less margin of error but I am now comfortable with it.

 

[rockquarry]

I loaded for several .380 pistols a few years back, using only cast bullets. These ranged in weight from around 90 grs. to 120. Several powders were used with 231 showing best overall accuracy.

No Titegroup or Power Pistol was used, but these would be worth trying if I ever loaded for the .380 again. Having never used jacketed bullets in this cartridge, I can't comment.

As a minimum for load data material, I suggest a Lyman Handbook if you do not already have one.

 

[OKFC05]

HP38/W231 (same powder) has been a favorite .380 powder for decades. There isn't room in the small case for slow powders, and the pressure limits are much less than 9mm Luger. I haven't used Titegroup in .380, but intend to try it the next time I load .380 ( I don't shoot large amounts of .380 anymore, since I bought a compact 9mm.) With .380, don't start with MAX loads and remember there is no such thing as .380 +P. The little cases are much thinner than 9mm Luger

 

[indie_rocker]

.380 is a finicky round to start yourself reloading on. To each their own but that was just my experience. There is not a big selection of bullet weight or wide variation of powder charges. It's not as forgiving as just a slight step up as 9x19.

That said, I have recently taken a liking to BE86 and .380.

 

[Ziggy2525]

Thanks all for the info..

 

[BB57]

I've used:

Red Dot,
Unique,
Bullseye,
PB,
Titegroup,
Green Dot,
HS-5'
HP38/Win 231, and
700X

All of them work well in the .380 ACP with both 90 and 100 grain bullets.

The .380 ACP isn't any more challenging to reload for than the 9mm Para, but some hand loaders confuse the slightly greater difficulty in developing reliable loads for a blow back .380 ACP with the caliber, rather than with the operating system.

It is over all not a very particular cartridge in terms of powder preferences and assuming it's generating the recoil needed to operate well in the pistol, you won't see much difference between powders, and as noted the bullet weights are limited.

Just stay in the mid to middle upper range of the load data, and pay close attention to the OAL your pistol likes (rather than the published OAL), and you should be fine.

 

[muddocktor]

I've used Win 231/HP38 with good success in 380 Auto but lately I've been reloading it with Accurate #2 and also having good results with it. And Accurate #2 meters even better than 231 for me as it is a fine spherical powder instead of a flattened spherical like 231 and out of my old Lyman 55 measure it is just dead on every time. And it's pretty clean burning too. But it's been hard to find the last few years.

 

[ameridaddy]

I settled on 4.9gr Accurate #5, Berry 100gr plated bullet for practice.
837fps from 2-3/4" Sig P238
Powder meters very well, got near factory (PMC - 867 fps) velocity , no pressure signs, pleasant to shoot and accurate in my gun, shot to POA at 7 yards.

NB - 5.1 grains is MAX; work up carefully. I found under ~3.9 to 4.0 grains the gun would not cycle, even though handbook had lower starting loads.

 

[rwsmith]

If you don't have one already.....

Get a reloading manual with a good 'how to' section to learn the techniques of reloading. If you are shooting lead projectiles get a Lyman 49th.

 

[pinkymingeo]

I've been using AA5 and BE-86 under 100gr Hornady FMJs. Both powders meter great, and fill the case with just about zero airspace. No chance of a double charge.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I agree W231/HP-38 is the best choice for the 380 Auto but them again I use mostly W231 for loading handgun ammo from the 32 ACP to tge 45 ACP and the 45 Colt too lol.

 

[Nevada Ed]

Lots of powders out there to works with the different bullet weights.............. but

With the small 380 and the 9mm cases, I like to have a powder that is close to a 90% volume or even 100% so I can see what is going on, while I am loading these little cases.

If I can't see powder in the case, I get freaked out, while loading !!

Good loading.

 

[GeoJelly]

Another old thread resurrection - Sorry! Last year, when it looked like you-know-who was going to be #45 - I picked up two pounds of Power Pistol. Everyone else was buying powder too - so it was either PP or 231 or Bullseye. For the record, I have ordered a Hornady manual - but I'm not sure how much PP data it will have. OK, to the point, has anyone tried PP and have any PP data? I'll be using a MagTech (that's all Midway had in stock then ) 95-g FMJ. There is a tiny bit of data from Alliant itself - looks like 4.8-g max for a Speer 90-g GDHP. I am getting back into reloading after many years and understand that I'd never try a max load - so I'm guesstimating 4.1-4.2 for a 95-grainer. Rotor #4 on my Lil-Dandy should throw 4.1-ish of PP ... Thanks!

Oh - I won't test any of my handloads in my LCP or G42 - I have a CZ-83 for the first batch of 10 rounds with any load.

 

[RGVshooter]

I reload .380 for plinking/practice. I load on the light side. This recipe came straight from Hornady's 9th edition reload manual. It's in the middle range for Titegroup. I learned that many .380 pistols need around at least 800fps to function reliably. For me at least since I reload 9mm with TG, I stuck with it for my 380's. But whatever powder you use, try to stick with something that will put your loads at least 800fps or more. But I suggest between 850-950fps.

I use Hornady's 90gn XTP.

OAL 0.965"

2.9gr. Titegroup

Winchester WSP (small pistol primers)

Range brass pickups.

Pistol is a S&W M&P Bodyguard.

 

[cowboy4evr]

For a powder that really meters well , " True Blue " from Ramshot has been ideal for me in the 380 , it flows like water . For me , the only " finicky " part of reloading the 380 is that the cases are real short , harder for me to get a hold of .

 

[Moe Mentum]

I've used Red Dot, W231, and BE86, all have worked out well in the .380