98grn RNL .380 ACP Load Question

[tonelar]

The few load resources I have don't address a bullet of this weight. Closest I can find are recipes for 95 and 100 grn FMJ.

Since lead is softer and easier to push, should I go with the 95grn recipe and back off 10-20% as a starting point?

My current powders are Titegroup and some Bullseye.

The bullets I bought are Bearcreek (moly powder-coated RNL).

 

[Charley]

Start with the starting loads for the jacketed 95 grain load, work up, and you will be fine.

 

[Dawico]

Midrange loads for 100gr bullets are probably what you are looking for.

As a safety concern, always use data for a heavier bullet than what you are using if you can't find your weight.

Max loads for a lighter bullet may be too much for your heavier bullet weight. Max loads for a heavier bullet should be safe for a lighter bullet. As always though start low and work your way up.

 

[tonelar]

Thanks guys. Hodgdon gives the smallest spread between min and max with titegroup.

2.6-3.0 100grn fmj
2.7-3.2 95grn fmj

So, I'll ignore the 95grn data and see what 2.6 and 2.7 are like.

 

[robertc1024]

Titegroup is a fast burning powder - like bullseye. It's less forgiving. Looking at the Hodgdon data, pretty much all of it is. All I can say, is measure carefully.

 

[Chips n Salsa]

at the height of the Obama ammo run, I was making the Missouri Bullet 95 gr lead RN for a friend. My notes showed I landed at 2.8 gr Red Dot. Red Dot is fast burning like those you list. I would think your numbers are spot-in.

 

[Deavis]

2.8 Titegroup will work perfectly for you.

 

[tonelar]

thanks guys. went out with 2.6 grn and the pistol functioned well, shots were alright for a micro sized pistol... will try 2.7 grn and 2.8 grn this weekend with a larger handgun and shoot for groups.

reminds me of when i loaded 45acp... little to no crimp at all.

 

[Deavis]

Almost every auto loading pistol, crimp .003" under neck max and you will never have an issue in SAAMI compliant chambers.

 

[Dawico]

thanks guys. went out with 2.6 grn and the pistol functioned well, shots were alright for a micro sized pistol... will try 2.7 grn and 2.8 grn this weekend with a larger handgun and shoot for groups.

reminds me of when i loaded 45acp... little to no crimp at all.

Just removing the bell is all most pistol cases need.

 

[Deavis]

Just removing the bell is all most pistol cases need.

Try that across tens of thousands of pistols you dont own and you'll find just removing just the bell isn't good enough. If you are crimping, it is no more work to crimp a couple thousandths more to enjoy the upside with no downside but I get that sentiment like I get neck sizing only.

 

[Dawico]

Try that across tens of thousands of pistols you dont own and you'll find just removing just the bell isn't good enough. If you are crimping, it is no more work to crimp a couple thousandths more to enjoy the upside with no downside but I get that sentiment like I get neck sizing only.

I can't and won't argue with that given the comparable number of handguns each of us load for. (My handful compared to your "all", same with neck sizing).

Good advise is just that, good advise.