Question with 380 bullet diameter

[NJ Poolman]

Hello,
I recently purchased a bodyguard 380 and I need some help with info for reloading bullet diameter. My question is my current carry ammo bullet diameter is .350 and I want to know if I can use .355? I have an opportunity to buy a large lot of these diameter bullets and need to know if I can use them or not with this firearm. Thank you for your help & God Bless America....

 

[DWalt]

.355 is the standard bullet diameter for the .380 ACP. Sure you can use them assuming they are not too heavy. What ammo is it that is loaded with a .350 bullet?

 

[Treeman]

.355 is standard for the .380. Are you by chance measuring the bullet in a loaded round at the case mouth? Some ammo has the case mouth over the beginning of the bullet ogive. If you are getting .350 at the bullet shank check the accuracy of your calipers.

 

[Ohioron]

In a .380 do not go over 95 grain bullet. Usually the best for a .380 is 85 or 90 grain.
If you want a larger bullet then go to a 9mm.
Currently i use the 90 grain XTP from Hornady for practice. I carry the 95 grain Winchester bonded jhp in my Ruger LCP for carry purposes.
I would not hesitate to use the 90 grain XTP for carry but i have a box of the Winchester 95 grain bullets and for litigation concerns carry factory ammo for concealed carry.

 

[125JHP]

As said above, don't use bullets intended for 9mm guns in a 380 although they are the same diameter (.355). Typically 90 & 95 grain projectiles are what you find. There are some 100gr Hornady and 102gr Remington available and they are fine in the 380 once you are experienced in loading that caliber but I wouldn't go any higher than that.

 

[NJ Poolman]

Good Morning and Thank You all for your answers. Yes the bullet I measured at the case mouth was a Hornady Critical Defense 90gr FTX.
The bullet that I can get a great deal on is 1,000 of the X-Treme 380 100gr RNFP "which I wanted to load for breaking in my BG 380 & plinking" and 1,000 once fired brass for $140.00. Is this too heavy of a round for my BG 380? Thanks again for all your help! God's Speed.....

 

[125JHP]

After testing a number of different rounds I have loaded up a couple hundred 100gr FMJ and another couple hundred of the Magtech 95gr JSP (which looks like the XTP profile with a tip filled with lead). I also have 102gr Golden Sabre.
I personally think these slightly heavier options are equal or better than the normal 90/95gr offerings. I still load the 90 XTP also.

I think you will do just fine with the 100gr if you keep to reasonable .380 velocities.

 

[NJ Poolman]

380 Bullet Diameter

125JHP,
Thank you for your advice! May I ask what powder you are using and what powder charge have you found that your BG likes with the 100gr bullet? Thanks again, NJ Poolman

 

[125JHP]

I don't have a BG but have tested loads in a Beretta 70S, Colt Mustang and Bersa 380.

Before you decide on a load level to start at, determine whether your gun is a locked breach or blow-back design as it may impact your loads, IMO a locked breach design most likely will handle the higher pressures a little better as they don't depend so much on the condition of the recoil spring.

Although I also have tried Bullseye, Unique, W231, Zip, AA-7 and even Herco with various levels of success, I have settled on using AA-5 and N-320 in many of my current loads, including the ones in the 100gr range.

I suggest you consult several load manuals & data sources looking at the loads in the 850+ fps range. If you have access to a chronograph, try to get your loads to where they are accurate and approaching the mid 900 fps range if your gun will handle it.

 

[shovelwrench]

Power Pistol (alliant powder) is a GREAT performer in the .380, and will propel most any bullet at or near 1000fps.... 4.6gr under a 100/102gr bullet.

 

[125JHP]

Another thing I usually watch, is how far the cases are being thrown compared to factory ammo. I find thet factory loads often land 4'~6' away, if they are hitting the dirt 10~12' then the load is pretty hot and if they are bouncing at 16~18 feet then the recoil spring is too weak or the load is way over pressure, probably both.

These are just my rules of thumb, depending on gun, caliber & load.... YMMV

 

[NJ Poolman]

Thank you very much for the info! Wishing you all a Wonderful New Year.... God's Speed