I finally got in some more reloading dies...

WB
[subject]
Friday, August 22, 2025, 10:05 (20 days ago)

It all started when I stumbled upon a box of (500) .380 ACP brass I had forgotten about. I can’t remember what I was even doing with them. I do have a pocket pistol so chambered but had never loaded for it other than some tinkering using 9mm Luger dies. Which didn’t go so smoothly. Finally, I found a set of LEE carbide .380 dies for $20! The .380 specific bullets are not very interesting, and I thought of modifying some .357 molds to create a custom gas check 100-115 gr. FN design for extra use in .357 SIG and 9x25 Dillon. That may still be possible.

I did source some old data that listed “heavier” .380 cast bullets. The .380 case gets thick inside quickly and can bulge if you force too long a bullet, too deep, while seating. Meanwhile I have had a glorious time mentally buying “.380’s” while surfing the net. I absolutely love the Walther PP, not PPK, in .380 (hard to find, most are 7.35mm), Mauser HSc, Astra Constable, too, several other European designs as well. I was shocked to find Glock make no less than (3) different .380 models. The G42,25, and 28. These are made in America to overcome the GCA’68 rules. I also read they are modified non-locked breach configurations. Anyone with a G42 that can explain that to me?

I’ve got enough sourced to begin to play. Dispensing 2.0 gr. Bullseye sounds a little dicey. Just something different to light my fire.

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I load the heaviest bullet that loads easily ..

Jim Taylor
[subject]
Saturday, August 23, 2025, 08:22 (19 days ago) @ WB

The 380 JHP are worthless unless you limit them to shooting cats. Too light to penetrate very well through clothing etc. I use a cast lead 98 gr. roundnose and run it fairly hard. The big problem as you mentioned is the taper inside the cartridge case. Seat and crimp or the bullets will be pushed back up making them odd lengths, affecting the accuracy and velocity.

It would be a pain to inside ream cases

WB
[subject]
Saturday, August 23, 2025, 10:48 (19 days ago) @ Jim Taylor

I'm going to try some 124 gr. LEE TC. Just cause I gotta know... See how far out my mag will let me run.

That didn't go quite as planned...

WB
[subject]
Saturday, August 23, 2025, 14:57 (19 days ago) @ WB

The reloading is of course straightforward. I forgot the need for a more specialized loading tray to hold things, the cases are so short. Like the .32 ACP! Not to mention that the RCBS powder measure was not made for this, unless using the special small capacity drum. 1.8 gr. Bullseye was about the lowest I could consistently throw.

I thought I was being real smart and loaded to max. allowable magazine dimensions, it's not much, until it is. The first pic shows where I wanted to be, just a smidge longer than factory but worked fine in the mag. Until I tried to eject the loaded round. It was stuck! Too long to clear the chamber port. It's just a teeny dimension but it's there. The chamber port can't me made bigger or case support would suffer. That's one reason .380's have such blunt stubby bullets. Very unforgiving.

I had to seat a little deeper. I did not see any case bulge and the rounds chambered fine, ejected loaded too, after shortening them. Took a lot of zip out of my zeal. MY little pocket pistol was a booger to clear too, much less safely. Can't get in a hurry.

I'm going to look at a very blunt and short ojive design next.

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I have one of those PA63 Hungarian versions of the Walther PP, which I love. Again a cartridge never really intended to be sporting reloaded, but you can. I got a set of carbide dies for it and a 95 gr. RN bullet mold. It's hot, runs about 1100+ fps! Like the difference between the .40 and 10mm to the .380 and Mak. But it's mostly that one or two bullet choices. It's actually a 9.3x18mm, .367" bullet. The fixed barrel, blow back action gun is very accurate too. Something about that size of a semi-auto, not too big, not too small, just enough without much waste.

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Bear Creek Supply 380 98 grain

Jim Taylor
[subject]
Saturday, August 23, 2025, 17:37 (18 days ago) @ WB

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The shoulder makes loading them easier.

My velocities were abysmal, 600 fps

WB
[subject]
Saturday, August 23, 2025, 18:07 (18 days ago) @ Jim Taylor

Not many folks load .380, much less heavier bullets. I was figuring on 700 fps, but way short, maybe it was the 2.5” barrel. It’s a locked breach gun, I might look into developing some of my own loads using slower powders. I’ve been thinking about buying a larger platform to play with. I just bet AA#7 or Longshot would make it step up a bit. If the case would hold enough. Underwood markets a 68 gr. +P .380 load at 1400 fps! Same bullet from the .357 SIG (got one of those too) run 2100 fps!

Jim ~ do you like Bear Creek Supply?

Dave H.
[subject]
Sunday, August 24, 2025, 12:41 (18 days ago) @ Jim Taylor

Now that MBW is closed, I’m in need of some good sources for cast bullets. I don’t cast anymore.

I have used them for 9 years ..

Jim Taylor
[subject]
Sunday, August 24, 2025, 13:49 (18 days ago) @ Dave H.

never had an issue. I always call and make the purchase over the phone. Delivery has always been great. And his moly-covered bullets have been barrel-friendly in everything I've shot them in.

Thanks

Dave H.
[subject]
Sunday, August 24, 2025, 15:39 (18 days ago) @ Jim Taylor

Good to know you’ve had good experiences. I’ll add them to my list

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