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View Full Version : Bullet Length - How does it affect loads?



Wilsknife
04-19-2012, 10:45 PM
I'm considering boolit options for my 380 loads. My best choice so far is the Lee 356-102 2 ogive, but it ONLY comes in a two cavity. I would like to get/find a 6-cavity in this boolit. I'm also considering the Lee 358-120 truncated cone, the 380 bullet from Ranch Dog, and I have a Lyman 4-cavity Truncated cone(107 gn w/Lino). I think the Lyman might work, but I'm leery of setting it to the right length for fear that it would compress a load that shouldn't be compressed.
Basically, I'd like to create boolits faster than the 2-cavity will allow.

Your thoughts, and/or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[smilie=b:

Larry Gibson
04-20-2012, 09:48 AM
If you "work up the load" with the same seating depth of a specific bullet; the load, especially if using Bullseye, 231 or a similar powder for the 380 should not be "compressed".

Larry Gibson

MtGun44
04-20-2012, 07:40 PM
Small changes in the combustion chamber volume are not critical. If the boolit base is
pretty close to where another one was that had OK pressures, you are probably OK. Of
course, when you change components, back off a bit and work up again.

Bill

Wilsknife
04-25-2012, 07:30 PM
Thanks guys :-) I truly appreciate it. I asked a similar question elsewhere and one 'expletive deleted' that responded has been very rude to this rookie. I've only been loading about a year and a half and still have tons to learn.

"Knowledge is increased one simple question at a time" - Wil

popper
04-26-2012, 12:00 PM
120 gr is pretty heavy for a luger 'short' isn't it? Stuffing the case with powder should get you something like 700-750 fps? A 20-25% increase in bullet length.

Bret4207
04-28-2012, 06:53 AM
Go to Ranchdogs Bullet Molds site and look at his 380 mould. A much better choice for the 380 than anything Lee, or anyone else, makes.