reloading .380 ACP question.

380 cases are small, so you have to be careful when setting up your dies. I crushed a few case mouths before getting my powder through expanding die set just right.

Also, I ordered bullets from Montana Gold. Free shipping and $115 for 1K. The 95 g bullets work great.

 

I load for .380, 9x19 Luger and 9x18 Makarov. I echo the comments about overcharging the cases. Any case is vulnerable to overcharge but the tiny amount of Bullseye required for the .380 makes it tough to see a double charge. A double charge will easily fit in the .380 case.

I use cast lead bullets to load the 9x18 and Remington 95 grain FMJ for .380. So far, they have been easy to get.

Incidentally, the 9x19 Luger and 9x18 Makarov cases are very similar and you can trim a Luger case to use it for 9x18. I also load the .380 so it would be easy to pick the WRONG cartridge for the pistol I'm using. For that reason, I never use anything but the proper case with correct headstamp. Using a 9x18 Mak load with a 9x19 headstamp case is asking for trouble.

It's been my experience that the small cases are harder to load. I have giant hands so that may be something that my hand size creates. It may be different for you.

Flash

 

These are the projectiles that I use for .380.
Remington Bullets 380 ACP (356 Diameter) 95 Grain Full Metal Jacket

Flash

 

If you want some .380 brass, i have about 275,you can have them. Guns galore in killeen has 90 grhp for 380 and berry's,extreme and rocky mtn reloading all have 100 grain. I know they work well in my 9mm


Sent from my iPhone by a coffeeholic