Questions concerning loading the Lehigh Defense Extreme Defense bullet

[lrrifleman]

Greetings! I don't know exactly why, but I'm a fan of the 380 cartridge and many of the pistols that fire it. Perhaps it's a combination of my age, my disabilities, and my ability to place effective shots within usual self-defense ranges. I currently own a G42, a Sig P365-380, and a Mauser HSc, and giving serious consideration to getting a Bodyguard 2.0.

In watching numerous YouTube videos about 380 bullet performance, I'm inclined to believe that the Lehigh Defense 68gr Extreme Defense bullet will make the 380 more effective, and possibly in league with the 9mm. Because of the cost of loaded SD ammo, I'm looking at getting a box of 100 bullets and loading my own STRICTLY for practice.

Has anyone here tried to reload these bullets (in any caliber) and had any issues? Are there any tricks to loading the Lehigh Defense bullets?

As always, thanks in advance for your help!

 

[David Sinko]

Are you finding any .380 load data for these? These unleaded bullets are necessarily long for caliber and the .380 is short on powder capacity. The bullets would be very light. Overall length will be critical. I have loaded all copper bullets for revolvers but never autos.

 

[lrrifleman]

Are you finding any .380 load data for these? These unleaded bullets are necessarily long for caliber and the .380 is short on powder capacity. The bullets would be very light. Overall length will be critical. I have loaded all copper bullets for revolvers but never autos.

Yes. Lehigh Defense has data, showing 10 different powders all with a C.O.A.L. of 0.96".

 

[STORMINORMAN]

I have loaded various caliber Lehigh bullets (380acp, 9mm, 357 SIG, 40 S&W, 10mm, 44 Special & Magnum, 45acp and 45 Colt) with no problems at all. As mentioned, Lehigh has extensive load data available on their website.

Though it may not always provide data that will correspond with the extreme velocities claimed by Buffalo Bore or Underwood versions using these projectiles, their load data upper limits are quite effective. After loading some for "practice" I would not hesitate to use them for defensive purposes. I typically load them in new Starline cases.

Cheers!

P.S. That 68gr bullet is truly excellent in 380acp, 9mm & 357 SIG.

 

[robertrwalsh]

I am suspicious of specialty bullets. I guess I am just sort of suspicious by nature. I don't want to depend on some gimick working correctly. Doesn't mean it won't work as advertised, just means I personally am disinclined to bet my life on it when a solid FMJ bullet will probably give adequate penetration in a .380 where a super-duper bullet may not. Bullet placement is criteria #1. Adequate penetration is criteria #2. Everything else is an almost academic #3.