Reloading 380 question

[mikey460sw]

Ok I'm new to reloading. So here's my question at my lgs everyone I talk to says the 380 is basicly a baby 9mm. Was looking for 95 grain bullets to load and they didn't have any there so they said they would order some for me and my receipt says 9mm 95 grain .355 did they order the wrong stuff or will this work because the 380 is a .355 bullet. I'm right or am I wrong thank for the input.

 

[SteveFi]

.380 uses .355 bullets - same diameter as 9mm

 

[Rule3]

Yes, the bullet is correct. 95 grain is a pretty standard bullet for the 380 Auto. And yes that bullet can be loaded in a 9mm Para but it is a tricky as not much of it goes into the case,

however a 380 is not really a baby 9mm. It is a 2mm shorter than a 9mm and is also called a 9mm short or Kurz but it does not develop the high pressure that a 9mm Luger (Para) does).

It's a fun round to shoot especially in a larger gun. Good pocket guns also.

 

[GyMac]

That's fine that you're patronizing your LGS, but I buy my bullets over the internet and, even with shipping, it's about half what the LGS charges. And for the .380, in my gun at least, lead works perfectly fine, maybe better. And a whole lot cheaper.

 

[m657]

re: lead vs FMJ 380 boolits

I've reloaded a few thousand of these over the years. My fingers are pretty bulky to handle these tiny cases. And while I have no preference for one over the other, I had less trouble over all from using the FMJ version. Less issue with feed/magazines/chambering, despite my spot check via chamber gauge often in the loading process.

YMMV as in all comments I make.

good luck in finding the perfect recipe

 

[mikey460sw]

Thanks for the info guys. I wil be loading them up later this can't wait to learn how to reload. I'm glad I have a buddy that has been doing it for many years now and he's going to show me the ropes. I have a lot of other things I'm going to be reloading so I'm sure I will be posting some more question.

 

[bwxmas]

I have shot a few hundred this week. and loaded a 1000 more
4.0 power pistol
3.5 cfe pistol
3.5 be 86
2.8 wst
2.9 bullseye
3.0 american select
3.0 greendot
2.8 unique with 121 jhp..just for fun
355 is your huckleberry, whether they call it 380, or 9mm
all good loads. no max loads, doublecheck before using any of these.
most loaded to .930-.950

 

[mikey460sw]

I have shot a few hundred this week. and loaded a 1000 more
4.0 power pistol
3.5 cfe pistol
3.5 be 86
2.8 wst
2.9 bullseye
3.0 american select
3.0 greendot
2.8 unique with 121 jhp..just for fun
355 is your huckleberry, whether they call it 380, or 9mm
all good loads. no max loads, doublecheck before using any of these.
most loaded to .930-.950

Is that the amount of powder that you are useing in each case with differnt brand of powders?

 

[bwxmas]

all loads that i have tried.
all good in my pistol.

 

[Doubless]

I find it rather interesting that the third edition of Lyman's Cast Bullet Handbook says to size the .380 to .355" and the 9X19 (parabellum) to .358".

I have been casting since 1980, and cast for both cartridges. I size both to .358" and have no problems at all with feeding OR leading. But I don't run them particularly hot, either.

 

[gwpercle]

That's fine that you're patronizing your LGS, but I buy my bullets over the internet and, even with shipping, it's about half what the LGS charges. And for the .380, in my gun at least, lead works perfectly fine, maybe better. And a whole lot cheaper.

But unless you know exactly what to order, you could wind up with a bunch of bullets for the wrong round! I have read of several people ordering the wrong bullets because of a lack of knowledge.
Go ahead and patronize your local shop, untill you know what you need. He's not just selling bullets , he's giving you correct advice....and how much is that worth?
Gary

 

[bwxmas]

Its not my fight, but i disagree.
There is no bullet company that would sell you the wrong bullet, if told what you needed it for. All it takes is a phone call.
I am not saying not to support the local guy, as you should, but sometimes they are wrong, like anyone.
I would not trust a single word that came out of my local guys mouth, as they are idiots of the first degree. I won't even walk in the store.
Doubless
I did shoot 356 out of the pistol, but chose not to post the loads, as some are not in the book.
If you look at the hodgdon manual, you will see that a lot of their loads are with .356 bullets. I would have no problem using 357-358 lead in a 380

 

[mikey460sw]

You guys all have good points. I went to my lgs knowing they maybe a few $ more than what I could get off the internet but I am a newbe to reloading. At my lgs the guys there reload themself so I wanted to get the right stuff and I don't have a book yet to look at to know what to get. After finding out some of thing I got I now can look around and find stuff cheaper. My buddy that's helping me learn how to reload was unable to come with me and the guys there are realy nice and are very helpful with stuff when you ask them questions. I have been in a few lgs around here that I would not have gone to for this stuff because they do not like to help ya out they just want that guy that comes in and doent know anything about guns so they can sell them what they want to selll.

 

[bwxmas]

As long as it suits your needs..Its all good.
Just have fun, and doublecheck what anyone tells you.
Even good reloaders make mistakes.

 

[RMC1]

I use Hornady 90gr XTP with 3.4 grs of TiteGroup for my P238. I'm getting well over 1000 fps which, according to some of the gel tests on youtube, provides excellent performance for that particular projectile. My wife sure likes the way it shoots and so do I.

 

[rwsmith]

It's great to have someone.....

Its great to have someone teach, but read a good how to reloading manual to get all of the ins and outs. Some cartridges have a few special considerations. With most semi auto pistol cartridges, type of crimp and Cartridge Over All Length are important. Have fun and don't be afraid to ask questions.

 

[hard nose street cop]

Ok I'm new to reloading. So here's my question at my lgs everyone I talk to says the 380 is basicly a baby 9mm. Was looking for 95 grain bullets to load and they didn't have any there so they said they would order some for me and my receipt says 9mm 95 grain .355 did they order the wrong stuff or will this work because the 380 is a .355 bullet. I'm right or am I wrong thank for the input.

Mikey the .380 has many names one of which is the 9MM Browning Short with that said there are some difference's in the brass, the .380 is a straight sided case where the 9x19 has a internal taper in the brass. Yes .355 is the right for both rounds. Now keep this in mind 95 Gr bullets is the heaviest that should go in the case as designed by John Browning, due to it's very small case capacity. So don't be tempted to use 100, 115 Gr bullets in the small case, all that will do for you increase your pressures, failure to feed, and reduce your velocity's

 

[Magload]

It is always a fun trip to the LGS and gives me a lot of ideas what I want to buy online. I have been buying powder from them even with their 100% markup but at least I have powder.

 

[BC38]

Now keep this in mind 95 Gr bullets is the heaviest that should go in the case as designed by John Browning, due to it's very small case capacity. So don't be tempted to use 100, 115 Gr bullets in the small case, all that will do for you increase your pressures, failure to feed, and reduce your velocity's

This is something I have never heard before. There are plenty of recipes for 100gr 380 projectiles in the load books. Like all other calibers these reloading specs all have slightly reduced powder charges (compared to those for the 95gr bullet) to compensate for the heavier bullet.

Take the 9mm luger for example. Why is it OK to increase the bullet weight from 115gr to 124gr (almost 8% weight increase) with a slightly reduced powder charge, but NOT OK to increase the 380 bullet weight from 95gr to 100gr (less than 6% weight increase) with a correspondingly reduced powder charge? And if it really isn't OK, why does everybody publish load data for doing it?

Can someone explain this one to me? It doesn't make sense with what I've learned about reloading I don't get it...

 

[hard nose street cop]

This is something I have never heard before. There are plenty of recipes for 100gr 380 projectiles in the load books. Like all other calibers these reloading specs all have slightly reduced powder charges (compared to those for the 95gr bullet) to compensate for the heavier bullet.

Take the 9mm luger for example. Why is it OK to increase the bullet weight from 115gr to 124gr (almost 8% weight increase) with a slightly reduced powder charge, but NOT OK to increase the 380 bullet weight from 95gr to 100gr (less than 6% weight increase) with a correspondingly reduced powder charge? And if it really isn't OK, why does everybody publish load data for doing it?

Can someone explain this one to me? It doesn't make sense with what I've learned about reloading I don't get it...

The 9mm case is thicker at the web than the .380 and works at a much higher pressures
The .380 works at lower pressures than the 9MM
As you go up in bullet weight bullets generally get longer, which in turn will effect the OAL of the loaded round, if the round is too long it wont feed, and if you set it down further in the case so it will feed your going to raise the pressures, thus reducing the space for powder in the already small case. The .380 was designed to take the 95 Gr FMJ/JHP bullet that is why you will find most factory loads loaded with this bullet weight. Remington does makes a 102 Gr JHP and the factory velocity are very low. Sure you can load a 100 Gr bullet in the .380 the results are going to be lower velocity's and higher pressures. A 100 gr bullet would be a better choice in the 9MM or the Colt Super 38 Auto where the velocity's would be higher and the brass has plenty of case capacity for the bullet and powder. The .380 is a fun round to reload and shoot the reloader must know it in limitations and work within it's designed parameters

 

[BC38]

...Remington does makes a 102 Gr JHP and the factory velocity are very low. Sure you can load a 100 Gr bullet in the .380 the results are going to be lower velocity's and higher pressures.... The .380 is a fun round to reload and shoot the reloader must know it in limitations and work within it's designed parameters

OK, so then following the published load data for loading 100gr bullets with the reduced powder charges (and correspondingly lower velocities) is OK.
I guess I misunderstood your previous post to say that wasn't.
I'm asking because I ordered several hundred Xtreme 100gr plated bullets for loading 380. That was the only weight of bullet they offered for the 380.
Since I'm just loading plinking rounds I can handle lower charges and velocities.
For my SD loads I only use commercial ammo.

 

[hard nose street cop]

OK, so then following the published load data for loading 100gr bullets with the reduced powder charges (and correspondingly lower velocities) is OK.
I guess I misunderstood your previous post to say that wasn't.
I'm asking because I ordered several hundred Xtreme 100gr plated bullets for loading 380. That was the only weight of bullet they offered for the 380.
Since I'm just loading plinking rounds I can handle lower charges and velocities.
For my SD loads I only use commercial ammo.

Ok now you have to find the right OAL for your reloads that will feed consisted in your 380. Depending on the length of your barrel will effect your velocity's and recoil. Velocity's will be higher from a Walther PPK/S with a 3.3 inch barrel as apposed to Bodyguard's 2 inch barrel. The powder you use should be in the medium burn rate that will fit in small space that will be left in the case. Good luck

 

[Mcwsky09]

OK, so then following the published load data for loading 100gr bullets with the reduced powder charges (and correspondingly lower velocities) is OK.
I guess I misunderstood your previous post to say that wasn't.
I'm asking because I ordered several hundred Xtreme 100gr plated bullets for loading 380. That was the only weight of bullet they offered for the 380.
Since I'm just loading plinking rounds I can handle lower charges and velocities.
For my SD loads I only use commercial ammo.

I'm using Xtreme's 100grain for my 380 reloads. The only issue I have is the powder I am currently using does not meter well as low volumes through my press I have to charge them by hand.
Once I use up what I have I will need to either find another powder that does meter well or might not reload the 380s maybe just clean them and sell em to pay for factory loads (aluminum for outdoor practice to save $)

 

[BC38]

Ok now you have to find the right OAL for your reloads that will feed consisted in your 380. Depending on the length of your barrel will effect your velocity's and recoil. Velocity's will be higher from a Walther PPK/S with a 3.3 inch barrel as apposed to Bodyguard's 2 inch barrel. The powder you use should be in the medium burn rate that will fit in small space that will be left in the case. Good luck

Yeah, I don't have either of those but I do have a Colt Govt. Model 80 and a Taurus TCP, so I'll have to figure out an OAL that works for both.

I've got 3 powder choices in my current inventory: Bullseye, Unique, and Power Pistol. From what I've read I'm thinking the Power Pistol will probably work the best of those 3. I'm thinking the Unique is probably too bulky for the small case volume, and I'm thinking the Bullseye being the fastest of the 3 might be just a little too fast.

Sound like I'm on the right track?

 

[BC38]

I'm using Xtreme's 100grain for my 380 reloads. The only issue I have is the powder I am currently using does not meter well as low volumes through my press I have to charge them by hand.
Once I use up what I have I will need to either find another powder that does meter well or might not reload the 380s maybe just clean them and sell em to pay for factory loads (aluminum for outdoor practice to save $)

Which powder are you talking about that meters so poorly in low volumes that you have to charge them by hand?

 

[RMC1]

Yeah, I don't have either of those but I do have a Colt Govt. Model 80 and a Taurus TCP, so I'll have to figure out an OAL that works for both.

I've got 3 powder choices in my current inventory: Bullseye, Unique, and Power Pistol. From what I've read I'm thinking the Power Pistol will probably work the best of those 3. I'm thinking the Unique is probably too bulky for the small case volume, and I'm thinking the Bullseye being the fastest of the 3 might be just a little too fast.

Sound like I'm on the right track?

I don't know what your barrel length is but Power Pistol is a bit on the slow side for my P238 and gives an impressive fireball at the muzzle. So for loading 380 I use TiteGroup and I'm very satisfied with the results.

 

[BC38]

I don't know what your barrel length is but Power Pistol is a bit on the slow side for my P238 and gives an impressive fireball at the muzzle. So for loading 380 I use TiteGroup and I'm very satisfied with the results.

The barrel lengths are 2.84" for the Taurus and 3.25" for the Colt. According to Wikipedia your P238 has a 2.7" barrel - slightly shorter than either of my little 380s. Interestingly enough the Wiki article also says that the P238 is essentially a copy of the Colt Mustang - the shorter grip and shorter barrel variant of my little Colt. From the photo in the Wiki it sure does look like the Mustang.

Of the powders I have the Unique is the one that has the closest burn rate to Titegroup. Guess I'll have to at least give that a try.

I just noticed that in the post by bwxmas above he has used all 3 of my powders but not Titegroup...

 

[BC38]

I have shot a few hundred this week. and loaded a 1000 more
4.0 power pistol
3.5 cfe pistol
3.5 be 86
2.8 wst
2.9 bullseye
3.0 american select
3.0 greendot
2.8 unique with 121 jhp..just for fun
355 is your huckleberry, whether they call it 380, or 9mm
all good loads. no max loads, doublecheck before using any of these.
most loaded to .930-.950

all loads that i have tried.
all good in my pistol.

And what bullet are you using? Cast lead, plated, or FMJ? 95gr or 100gr?

Also what pistol are you shooting them out of - specifically the barrel length?

 

[Mcwsky09]

Which powder are you talking about that meters so poorly in low volumes that you have to charge them by hand?

IMR 800X (same with 700X) which is rather large flakes and with the Lee auto disk the smaller volumes, below about .66cc or so the large flakes do not flow well since all the disks are the same height the different volumes are the result of smaller diameters.
For large volumes, even 9mm but more so .40 and .45 with the larger diameter it works fine.
Other powders such as Power Pistol and several rifle powers I have used are either spherical or cylindrical and flow more easily, although I typical am loading larger volumes with those powders.
even when I charge by hand with the 800X is seems like at times the flakes stack up neatly and more grains fit in the same volume than other times when they are more randomly stacked so a smaller grain load fills the same volume.
Non flake powders (in my limited experience of reloading for the last couple years) simply don't flow as reliably or as consistently as other particle shapes do.

 

[bwxmas]

And what bullet are you using? Lead, plated or FMJ? 95gr or 100gr?

Also what pistol are you shooting them out of - specifically the barrel length?

Don't overthink it.
Just shoot..that is how I learned.
I have shot from .925-.980. I settle on .950. As long as it fits in your pistol, run it.
I won't mention the loads I have shot off the book, but they work.
The list I gave you up the threads, are the loads that worked for me.
I have shot over 500 in the last few days.
My favorite is actually 3.0 SR7625, but you don't have that
I shoot
Lead roundnose 95
extreme 100
Montana gold 95
extreme 115
Of the powders you are shooting, this is what I would do.
2.7-3.1 bullseye .950, and shoot.
3.5-4.0 Power pistol.. .950 and shoot.
3.3-3.7 Unique. 950 shoot..
You will find it.
My best load with those powders was 4.0 Power Pistol I am shooting left handed, and my writing sucks. My right arm is broke. that is why my writing looks weird