littleriver1
US Veteran
Can I reload 380's using my 9MM Lee equipment?
reloading 380?
- Thread starter littleriver1
- Start date
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NO, Nein!.......
It is worth $40 to get GOOD loads...................
Go pick up a 380 die set.
Go pick up a 380 die set.
Wee Hooker
Member
Here's why. A 380 case is undersized in several areas as compared to a 9mm. Easy way to see for yourself is that your 380 case will run through your 9mm sizing die like it wasn't there. Then the case will likely fall out of the shell holder anyway.
That said, you'll easily pay for the proper dies within just a half dozen box's of ammo. FWIW, you'll also likely be able to tailor some pleasant shooting range loads once set up.
That said, you'll easily pay for the proper dies within just a half dozen box's of ammo. FWIW, you'll also likely be able to tailor some pleasant shooting range loads once set up.
fredj338
Member
You could probably cobble something together that would fire, but it's not the best approach. As noted, the only thing the 380 & 9 share is bullet dia. Everything else is diff.
venomballistics
Member
It might be a fun exorcise to try it.
at least a dummy round.
But those of us who value our sanity would ultimately get a set of 380 dies for the task in the long run.
at least a dummy round.
But those of us who value our sanity would ultimately get a set of 380 dies for the task in the long run.
Once upon a time, long, long ago, I bought an AMT .380 only because the seller would not separate two pistols and I wanted his .38 Colt Diamond Back. I did not want the stink'in little thing but I shoot my guns and my budget was tight.
Your .222 Rem/.223 shell holder, RCBS #10, is the correct one. For resizing your .223 FL sizer is just as good as any non-carbide .380 sizer. 9 MM expanders of course have the correct diameter but it's possible yours might expand too far down the .380 case. My RCBS 9 MM expander/flaring pug worked just fine. For seating just turn your 9 MM seating stem down low. I don't remember how I taper crimped but just like .45 ACPs can be taper crimped with some .30-06 head rifle resizers I'm sure I used a rifle die for a cartridge with the .222 Rem./.223 head.
Good reloads could not make me like that AMT .380 so I found it a loving home. I'm glad I did not spend money on factory ammo or .380 dies at that time.
If you have a nice .380 that is a keeper buy .380 carbide dies.
Your .222 Rem/.223 shell holder, RCBS #10, is the correct one. For resizing your .223 FL sizer is just as good as any non-carbide .380 sizer. 9 MM expanders of course have the correct diameter but it's possible yours might expand too far down the .380 case. My RCBS 9 MM expander/flaring pug worked just fine. For seating just turn your 9 MM seating stem down low. I don't remember how I taper crimped but just like .45 ACPs can be taper crimped with some .30-06 head rifle resizers I'm sure I used a rifle die for a cartridge with the .222 Rem./.223 head.
Good reloads could not make me like that AMT .380 so I found it a loving home. I'm glad I did not spend money on factory ammo or .380 dies at that time.
If you have a nice .380 that is a keeper buy .380 carbide dies.
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Arub
Member
My thoughts are 'try a few' and see for yourself. If the .380 doesn't resize properly you should feel the lack of resistance when you try to seat the first couple of bullets. Watch for consistency in OALs if you do try. Might be able to save the cost of a set of dies.
