380 Ruger LPC

[1Shirt]

Interested in loads (from experiance) for the little Ruger. Am currently going with 2.4gr. of Tight Group, Win/Starline brass, Win SP, 102 Lee, sized .357. Seems adequate, and accurate within the limitations of a little short bbl. I am wondering if anyone has had any problems with .357 sizing, and if you have recommendations for perhaps a more efficient powder? Thanks in advance for all who respond to this thread.
1Shirt!:coffee:

[Phoenix]

Removed - sorry that was my JHP data

I load for the LCP with Universal. Not using the Lee bullet yet. I have the mold. I have cast a bunch but have not actually loaded it yet.

The data I originally posted was for 100gr JHP from Hornady.

[fcvan]

I have been loading the Lee 356-102 1R and the 358-105 SWC over 3 grains of Bullseye in my .380 pistols for 25+ years. I have been sizing to .358 exclusively. Over the years, the 102 1R load has worked well in a Beretta M70, Beretta M85, Browning BDA, Walther PPK, Walther PK380, FEG PA63, Taurus TCP 738, and a Ruger LCP. Unfortunately, I have personally fired each of the above weapons EXCEPT the LCP. It belongs to my niece's husband and I wasn't with him when he shot the weapon. My brother was and he said it worked fine. The 105 SWC load has been fired in the PA 63 and the Berettas. I have read where folks have loaded the Lee 356-120 TC and the 356-126 2R in the .380 with decent results. I would not hesitate to fire the heavier boolit in the PA 63 (a Walther PP clone) but I'm sure it will be a handful in the TCP 738 and likely the LCP.

[fecmech]

I use 3.0/BE and the Ranch Dog 100 gr rnfp for practice and 3.6/BE for social purposes. I size .358 as my Ruger has a .357 groove. The 3.6/BE load does 900 fps from the Ruger and is max according to RD's load data.

[Ed_Shot]

Just loaded and fired my first .380 ACP rounds in a Ruger LCP (brother's weapon) last weekend. Used Lee 356-102-1R sized to .358 with WL 2500+ lube over Unique 3.0 gr. as speced in the Lyman CB HB 4th Ed. Used Lee dies (including FCD) with the addition of my Lyman 9MM M die. Worked great. From a supported position at 21' it would hold a 1.5" group but I had trouble finding the paper firing unsupported.

[bobthenailer]

I currently have 2, 380 pistols a orgional OMC back up about 35+ years old and a Kel Tec, in both guns i use either 3.0gr of Tightgroup or Bullseye powder, i size all of my cast bullets for the 380 as well as 9mm & 38 super @.357 dia
. Orgionaly i used the lee 2 cavity 102-1R and soon afterwards replaced it with a Saeco 4 cavity #380 95gr RN both bullets are accurate and feed well from perhaps 8, 380 pistols.

[Muddydogs]

Just loaded and fired my first .380 ACP rounds in a Ruger LCP (brother's weapon) last weekend. Used Lee 356-102-1R sized to .358 with WL 2500+ lube over Unique 3.0 gr. as speced in the Lyman CB HB 4th Ed. Used Lee dies (including FCD) with the addition of my Lyman 9MM M die. Worked great. From a supported position at 21' it would hold a 1.5" group but I had trouble finding the paper firing unsupported.

What size is the 356 mold dropping the bullets at? My .380 slugged at .357 so I need at least a .358 mold and assumed that this mold would be dropping bullets closer to .356 then .358.

[Phoenix]

What size is the 356 mold dropping the bullets at? My .380 slugged at .357 so I need at least a .358 mold and assumed that this mold would be dropping bullets closer to .356 then .358.

380s have such short barrels you might be surprised how little if any leading you get with a matched size. I have more than one handgun that performs accurately and does not lead without following the .001 over rule. What I have found is the shorter the barrel and the less aggressive the rifling the less it tends to lead. With pressures being under 20k and 3 inch barrels being common I would try it at .357 before worrying about it. Worst case Lap the mold .001 bigger.

I just measured, My Lee 102 mold drops .3569 Close enough to .357

[LeadRecycler]

What size is the 356 mold dropping the bullets at? My .380 slugged at .357 so I need at least a .358 mold and assumed that this mold would be dropping bullets closer to .356 then .358.

Mine drops at .362, so I size them to .358. Works fine in both the LCP and a Bersa Thunder.

[Phoenix]

Mine drops at .362, so I size them to .358. Works fine in both the LCP and a Bersa Thunder.

That seems really big for a .356 mold

[1Shirt]

Mine drops .360 with my mix. Thanks for all the replies guys, some good scoop.
1Shirt!

[reloader28]

Another vote for 3gr BE and sized .358 with 103gr FN.
Shoots good out of a Bersa, 2 Hi-Points, 2 Tauruses, and 2 Walthers

[Buck-N-Rut]

Ok. The best mold for this is what in your opinions? I have a bersa and a .358 sizer. What mold should I buy?

[rintinglen]

Get on board for the Ranch dog 358-100 TC group buy. Great boolit! Tumble lubed, 3.0 grains of Bullseye or 3.2 grains of ww-231 will let you shoot to limit of your gun's accuracy. I was lucky enough to get one before RD closed his doors and it is great. Failing that, I'd go for the Lee 102 grn RN.

[Hal]

I have that ranch dog mold also……. Loaded bullseye …was ok….. Tested it next with unv clays… load development done! Off hand at 20 feet eqauls very tight groups out of my s&w bodyguard

[reloader28]

The Ranch Dog 100gr is mine too.

Hal, what Clays load did you use?
I have alotta Clays and very little BE now.

[warf73]

I have Red dot, Herco, and AA7 loaded ready for testing with RD 100gr. The red dot load was the most accurate with berry 100gr plated bullets by a large margin. I hope the red dot comes out on top again with the Ranch Dog 100gr boolit.

[Buck-N-Rut]

So where can I find one of these molds.

[Hal]

Rl 28
hi... "universal clays"...... I have "clays" ...... But use it for shotgun.... Note; everyone... The data for these two powders are very different.... Do not interchange it!

[Triggernosis]

So where can I find one of these molds.

See post #14 then the "Group Buys" sub-forum.

[pdgraham]

For 380 in my Taurus TCP (Taurus attempt at a LCP clone) I'm loading 3.6gr Unique under a 90gr lead bullet cast from a Lyman mold with Winchester Small Pistol Primers

It chronographs out of that puppy at an average of 880 fps and is very accurate

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m54/nfe6848m/380-1.jpg

10 yards rapid fire, many mag changes (three I think).

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m54/nfe6848m/picsay-1334451771.jpg

[warf73]

So where can I find one of these molds.

Look right here http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?180849-380ACP-Ranch-Dog-Mold

If you like it shoot me a pm I'll hook you up with ordering info.

Warf

[Buck-N-Rut]

Warf- pm sent