Reloading 380 acp

[Cecil S.]

Just wanted to get feed back from anyone reloading for this round. My focus is on the 88 grn JHP (I have 90 and 100grn JHP also) just want other information. I am a fan of Accurate Powders I have from #2 through #9. Anyone playing with this round?

 

[Pawnee Bill]

You need little fingers.

 

[old codger]

Have you shot one? Never had any problem with factory rounds but getting reliable reloads can be trying. And do not even ask about recovering the cases in a grass area.
Reloading is pretty straight forward but with such a small case your powder dispensing needs to be dead on accurate. Also your seating depth is critical.

 

[Cecil S.]

Have you shot one? Never had any problem with factory rounds but getting reliable reloads can be trying. And do not even ask about recovering the cases in a grass area.
Reloading is pretty straight forward but with such a small case your powder dispensing needs to be dead on accurate. Also your seating depth is critical.

As a matter of fact yes i have. As a reloader I wish to get the most out of my rounds (this is why we reload). With a small amount of thinking netting catches the majority of my pistol rounds. You should try it. If your reloading is so "straight forward" let me know your favorite powder choices and I will deal with what is so critical.

 

[Litespeed]

I have loaded a ton of the 90gr XTP and shot them through several .380s with no issues. I'm using Titegroup powder and talked to a guy at my range on Tuesday about my new 80x, turns out he loads for 380 and uses Titegroup as well. My loads are 3.1 gr of Titegroup in new Starline cases.

 

[KMW 1954]

I shoot a lot of Extreme 100gr RNFP and cast a lot of 105gr RN. I have loaded both these with Ramshot Silhouette, HP-38 and AA#2. The #2 has worked the best with both bullets.

 

[linebaugh]

You need little fingers.

skinny fingers

 

[Cecil S.]

I shoot a lot of Extreme 100gr RNFP and cast a lot of 105gr RN. I have loaded both these with Ramshot Silhouette, HP-38 and AA#2. The #2 has worked the best with both bullets.

I plan on starting with #2.

 

[jds holler]

My advice is keep your eyes open for good deals on cases, because you're gonna lose some. Other than that -- loading for this round is easy peesey. jd

 

[mike mccormick]

I load 100gr lead round nose over titegroup. Pretty straightforward process. Plunk test and test fire several to ensure they will feed and function before loading very many.

 

[Minshooter]

Titegroup and N320 have worked best for me in .380.
I used to use (The older version of) Unique, but these two burn cleaner -for me.

 

[KMW 1954]

I plan on starting with #2.

The #2 shoots very well and has been generally available and inexpensive.

 

[DGP4]

Titegroup works for me well enough that I never tried anything else.

 

[jdague12]

3.5gr of W244 with a 90gr JHP works great. Gets you right around 1000fps. Titegroup is my typical powder, but I’ve been trying out W244.

 

[Cecil S.]

Titegroup and N320 have worked best for me in .380.
I used to use (The older version of) Unique, but these two burn cleaner -for me.

I to have Unique I use it in my 38spl. You are right it dose burn dirty.

 

[Cecil S.]

My advice is keep your eyes open for good deals on cases, because you're gonna lose some. Other than that -- loading for this round is easy peesey. jd

Hey jds holler, I have a life time supply of range pickup thanks to a friend of mine. So I am set to play with this round. I like that its small for pocket carry and wish to see what the Crono tells me. I even think I bought a bag of Starline brass for the final load. Should be fun.

 

[tommeboy]

I use the Lee 105gr swc bullet over SW Auto pistol. It shoots great. Use a ball powder as the amount of flake powder is soo small it does not meter very well.

 

[jds holler]

I've been using the 98 gr. Bear Creek Supply round nose. I love those little pills, and whatever coating they put on them. HP 38 is my new powder of choice. Clean, snappy, accurate through the measure. jd

 

[CaptJim]

I know this is an old thread but I thought I would add to it with my recent .380 experience. I have loaded Bullseye, 231/HP38, Winchester Super Target and Super Field in this caliber and have settled on HP38/W231 for target and general purpose rounds, mostly using the Xtreme 100gr plated RNFP and some lead round nose. I load these with 2.8gr W231 which gives me just shy of 700 fps out of my LCP.

For full power (SD) I prefer the slower WSF. This will push the 90gr Xtreme RNFP 1025fps with 4.4gr without over pressure signs, (this load is not published and was worked up to and is safe in my gun.) The 4.4 gr load is pretty stout and not something I would use for plinking.
Both these powders burn clean and meter well out of my LNL measure.

CJ