Casting for 9 mm and 380

[wendyj]

I am ordering a lone wolf barrel for my glock 19 and am wanting to cast for it and a Bersa 380 I have. The .380 ammo is stupid high here. Any suggestions for a mold for both as this will be plinking ammo only.
Also going to order the Lone wolf or KKM barrel for husbands model 20. It will be used for his woods carry gun. Saw Hickock 45 shooting through his 10 mm and bullets were key holing until barrel change. Husband thinks cast would be great in the 10 mm.

[Grmps]

lee 356-102-1R works great in 380 in front of BE, haven't tried it in a 9MM yet, should work good for plinking. Lyman cast #4 has data for both

[mattw]

Cast is great in the 10mm. Shoot them in multiple Witnesses and S&W 610's, also the odd rifling of the MegaStar works well with them. I mainly shoot 200 and 220 grain flat nose and some 180 and 200 cast hollow points.

[jmort]

You could try the Ranch Dog 100 grain
http://noebulletmolds.com/NV/index.php?cPath=34_384
In a .380 ACP it will plink and then some. I know it has killed at least two man sized hogs with single shots to the body, not head shots. Not saying you should try it, just saying it has been done.

[Ed_Shot]

The Lee 356-102-R works just fine in my Bersa thunder .380, and LCP; and for 9MM in my G22 LW conversion barrel and in my CZ 75B. My brother's Colt Mustang has a tighter chamber which requires seating this Lee boolit deeper. I like the Lyman 356242 (90 gr.) better for .380 and light 9MM. I size all my .380 and 9MM to .358.

[JBinMN]

I have used the Lee 102R, the lee 120 & 124TC, as well as the Lee 124R in both a .380 & a 9mm. So far, no problems.

It is gonna be up to you to decide in the end. Most of us can only "suggest", since in the end it will be you & yours own doins that make the decision on what to get to be the "right one" or not.


A 115gr. might be suitable for both/dual duty, but I do not have one of those 115s so I cannot vouch for them. I think I will get a 115gr. sometime eventually... My excuse being that I am I am "hooked" on the habit of casting & handloading. As is said, YMMV. & G'Luck!


P.S. - If ya get a 115 & do not like it, please let me know as I might be in the market. LOL

[pworley1]

I use the Lyman 358242 121g in both the 380 and 9mm. It works very well for me.

[David2011]

Wendy,

I think your husband is right about cast in the 10mm. I have used thousands of boolits from the 6 cavity Lee 401-175-TC for USPSA competition. It's not my most favorite mold ever but I've gotten it to drop boolits without too much effort and it produces lots of boolits pretty quickly if volume is a consideration. I'm shooting them in an STI (the gun in my avitar) and accuracy is very good.

[Petrol & Powder]

I don't think finding a compromise between a .380 bullet and a 9mm bullet is going to be good compromise.

.380 Auto bullet weights top out around 100 grains and pistols chambered in 9mm Luger don't perform well with bullets below 115 grains.

I know that 15 grains seems like a small spread but the cartridges are vastly different despite their visual similarities and common bullet diameters.

A 120 grain TC bullet works well in many pistols chambered in 9mm Luger and that would be my recommendation for that application.
120 grains is just too heavy for the .380 Auto and lighter bullets don't work as well in the 9mm.
Going the other direction, the small casing of the .380 Auto combined with the SAAMI max pressure of 21,500 psi, restricts heavy bullets to very low charge weights and correspondingly low velocities.


I think you would be better served with TWO molds, one for 9mm Luger and one for .380 Auto.

[JBinMN]

I don't think finding a compromise between a .380 bullet and a 9mm bullet is going to be good compromise.

.380 Auto bullet weights top out around 100 grains and pistols chambered in 9mm Luger don't perform well with bullets below 115 grains.

I know that 15 grains seems like a small spread but the cartridges are vastly different despite their visual similarities and common bullet diameters.

A 120 grain TC bullet works well in many pistols chambered in 9mm Luger and that would be my recommendation for that application.
120 grains is just too heavy for the .380 Auto and lighter bullets don't work as well in the 9mm.
Going the other direction, the small casing of the .380 Auto combined with the SAAMI max pressure of 21,500 psi, restricts heavy bullets to very low charge weights and correspondingly low velocities.
---------------------------
Have a look at the velocities listed below. You may want to re-think your last sentences underlined above. I highlited in bold some of those velocities on the higher end. :

380 ACP 115 RCBS 38-90-RN 115gr HS-5 5.0 1097 0.000 CastData R1
380 ACP 115 RCBS 09-115-RN 115gr 700-x 2.4 905 0.000 CastData R1
380 ACP 115 RCBS 09-115-RN 115gr bullseye 2.7 921 0.000 CastData R1
380 ACP 115 RCBS 38-90-RN 115gr win 231 3.3 947 0.000 CastData R1
380 ACP 115 RCBS 38-90-RN 115gr bullseye 3.0 931 0.000 CastData R1
380 ACP 115 RCBS 38-90-RN 115gr 700-x 2.4 915 0.000 CastData R1
380 ACP 115 RCBS 09-115-RN 115gr HS-6 4.5 1049 0.000 CastData R1
380 ACP 115 RCBS 09-115-RN 115gr win 231 3.0 923 0.000 CastData R1
380 ACP 120 Lyman #358242 120gr Bullseye 1.9 746 0.000 CastLoads L1
380 ACP 120 Lyman #358242 120gr Unique 3.9 1060 0.000 CastLoads L1
380 ACP 120 Lyman #358242 120gr Red Dot 2.0 729 0.000 CastLoads L1
380 ACP 124 RCBS 09-124-CN 124gr HS-5 4.0 930 0.000 CastData R1
380 ACP 124 RCBS 9mm-124-RN 124gr pb 2.0 689 0.000 CastData R1
380 ACP 124 RCBS 9mm-124-RN 124gr bullseye 2.0 720 0.000 CastData R1
380 ACP 124 RCBS 9mm-124-RN 124gr red dot 2.0 767 0.000 CastData R1
380 ACP 124 RCBS 9mm-124-RN 124gr unique 2.6 755 0.000 CastData R1
380 ACP 124 RCBS 09-124-CN 124gr win 231 2.1 714 0.000 CastData R1
380 ACP 124 RCBS 09-124-CN 124gr bullseye 2.0 752 0.000 CastData R1
380 ACP 124 RCBS 09-124-CN 124gr pb 2.0 749 0.000 CastData R1
380 ACP 124 RCBS 9mm-124-RN 124gr 700-x 2.0 784 0.000 CastData R1
380 ACP 124 RCBS 9mm-124-RN 124gr win 231 2.1 696 0.000 CastData R1
380 ACP 124 RCBS 9mm-124-RN 124gr HS-5 4.0 907 0.000 CastData R1
380 ACP 124 RCBS 9mm-124-RN 124gr HP-38 2.2 724 0.000 CastData R1

Source:http://castpics.net/dpl/index.php/re...et-data-lookup

Even the velocities of most of the 124gr. are averaging out in the 700+ fps ranges
----------------------------------
I think you would be better served with TWO molds, one for 9mm Luger and one for .380 Auto.

More molds is always a better idea , IMO, so I agree with ya there...

I did not go get the data for you for the 9mm & the smaller boolits. You can use the source link I posted above & just change the parameter to 9mm for that to see what lighter boolits do for performance in the 9mm. I think you might be surprised based on your comments..
Just sayin'...

[DerekP Houston]

I've been shooting the 100gr RN NOE design since I got my bersa and the same mold works for my LCP2. I've also reloaded with XTP 90gr jacketed with good success for SD type rounds.

[Petrol & Powder]

JBinMN, I'm not going to get into a heated discussion about 380 & 9mm ballistics but I'm not going to condone unsafe practices either.

I've been loading 9mm for many years (several decades actually) and I've tried both heavy and light for caliber bullets in the 9mm Luger.

My comments are not flippant, off-the-cuff remarks made by someone gleaning questionable data from the internet. My comments are reflections of my own results based on many years of experience. I have found no reason to stray away from the 115-125 gran range with the 9mm Luger. If you wish to do something else, that's fine.


As for 1050+fps with a 120 grain bullet in a 380 Auto OR 1097 fps with a 115 grain bullet in a 380 Auto; I'm not sure that's going to happen in a 3" barrel and within SAAMI limits. Again, if you want to do that, have at it.

I think that the quest for one "do it all" mold for the 9mm Luger and 380 Auto cartridges will not serve the OP well. The OP was looking for one mold that could be a duel purpose mold for those two cartridges and while it is possible that some bullet weight could be found that would work in both of those applications, I don't think that it would be a good compromise in terms of performance.

Most .380 Auto pistols are simple blowback designs with short barrels. The max SAAMI limits for that cartridge is 21,500 psi.
Most 9mm pistol operate from a locked breach and the max limit for that cartridge is 35,000 psi.

Some compromises are just too far apart to be worth the compromise. You may not share that opinion and that's fine but my opinion is that the OP would be better served with one mold in the 100-105 grain range and another in the 120 grain range.
YMMV.

Respectfully, Petrol & Powder

[popper]

You can find a design you like and get Accurate to make one mould with both in it, or any combination. IIRC, $15 for each added type. His moulds are GREAT. I have a couple and they work fine, even casting just one cavity. I use 130 in the 9, 165 in 40sw, go heavier for 10.

[JBinMN]

JBinMN, I'm not going to get into a heated discussion about 380 & 9mm ballistics but I'm not going to condone unsafe practices either.

Please point out those, "unsafe practices" you are not condoning that have been offered

I've been loading 9mm for many years (several decades actually) and I've tried both heavy and light for caliber bullets in the 9mm Luger.

My comments are not flippant, off-the-cuff remarks made by someone gleaning questionable data from the internet. My comments are reflections of my own results based on many years of experience. I have found no reason to stray away from the 115-125 gran range with the 9mm Luger. If you wish to do something else, that's fine.


As for 1050+fps with a 120 grain bullet in a 380 Auto OR 1097 fps with a 115 grain bullet in a 380 Auto; I'm not sure that's going to happen in a 3" barrel and within SAAMI limits. Again, if you want to do that, have at it.

I think that the quest for one "do it all" mold for the 9mm Luger and 380 Auto cartridges will not serve the OP well. The OP was looking for one mold that could be a duel purpose mold for those two cartridges and while it is possible that some bullet weight could be found that would work in both of those applications, I don't think that it would be a good compromise in terms of performance.

Most .380 Auto pistols are simple blowback designs with short barrels. The max SAAMI limits for that cartridge is 21,500 psi.
Most 9mm pistol operate from a locked breach and the max limit for that cartridge is 35,000 psi.

Some compromises are just too far apart to be worth the compromise. You may not share that opinion and that's fine but my opinion is that the OP would be better served with one mold in the 100-105 grain range and another in the 120 grain range.
YMMV.

Respectfully, Petrol & Powder

Sure. OK. No sweat. Wasn't even trying to start any argument. No intention of that.... You appear to have become a bit "set off" by my post. I really do not understand why.

I just pointed out that your comments do not reflect others data. And that data I shared was only from the Castpics.net source. Which is not just some BS data that makes no sense, nor goes against safe limits.

I could have shared more info/data from others, including my own data for the .380 & 9mm. Not going to do that. There are a lot of sources folks can use to find out the info they need. I was only trying to point out that your comments were not universally shared by others. It is on you to feel any affront, as none was meant.


You and I disagree on this & so be it. Don't let it ruin your day.

I just shared what I know, & have researched BEFORE I posted. Some things that have worked for me & others who have done similar. Just like YOU mentioned what you know & have done...

IMO, your just dismissing data that is shared on the internet regarding firearms data can go BOTH ways...

Think about that.

If You dismiss others comments & results posted on the internet, based on your "own experience", how can you expect others to accept YOUR data & experience posted on the internet?

They are both posted on the internet, so does that make both of them suspect?

Possibly.

Yes, there are irresponsible things posted on the internet & there is also responsible info to be found on the internet. YOU are not the only authority , nor the deciding source for what is or what is not correct info or correct info, nor irresponsible info, or responsible info.
Please keep that in mind.
"I" do..


Regardless, it will be up to the OP to decide what She & her "Sig. Other" want to believe what they find on the internet or even here a CB.GL forum, no matter what you & I say here. I posted some data & can offer more data that will substantiate that your comments may not be as common for others, as it has apparently been for YOU.

Respectfully Yours, indeed...

To any & all... This is the disclaimer...

Verify & corroborate data you are presented with, no matter the source, & always work up loads for your own firearm from the minimum loads up & do not start with the maximum. Consider that the firearm or test barrel, as well as components like primer type, etc., do not match YOUR firearm & components, so adjust accordingly & work up slowly being SAFE.

I hope everyone has a wonderful day & don't let too much get to ya. Ain't worth it...


P.S. - No one mentioned a 3" barrel but you. Don't know where ya decided on that. but No Worry. I won't...

"Gleaning questionable data"?
Where????

And... about those "unsafe practices"... who mentioned any?

No need to answer, but that is an "unsubstantiated allegation" you may wish to be very careful with using...

I'll stop there. You must have been having a bad day with all these "digs" with based on what???

I hope you feel better.

[Petrol & Powder]

"........... No intention of that.... You appear to have become a bit "set off" by my post. I really do not understand why."



lots of colored fonts, bold type and several paragraphs may have a little to do with that............

oh yea, and don't forget the snarky tone

[Petrol & Powder]

Sure. OK. No sweat. Wasn't even trying to start any argument. No intention of that.... You appear to have become a bit "set off" by my post. I really do not understand why.

I just pointed out that your comments do not reflect others data. And that data I shared was only from the Castpics.net source. Which is not just some BS data that makes no sense, nor goes against safe limits.

I could have shared more info/data from others, including my own data for the .380 & 9mm. Not going to do that. There are a lot of sources folks can use to find out the info they need. I was only trying to point out that your comments were not universally shared by others. It is on you to feel any affront, as none was meant.


You and I disagree on this & so be it. Don't let it ruin your day.

I just shared what I know, & have researched BEFORE I posted. Some things that have worked for me & others who have done similar. Just like YOU mentioned what you know & have done...

IMO, your just dismissing data that is shared on the internet regarding firearms data can go BOTH ways...

Think about that.

If You dismiss others comments & results posted on the internet, based on your "own experience", how can you expect others to accept YOUR data & experience posted on the internet?

They are both posted on the internet, so does that make both of them suspect?

Possibly.

Yes, there are irresponsible things posted on the internet & there is also responsible info to be found on the internet. YOU are not the only authority , nor the deciding source for what is or what is not correct info or correct info, nor irresponsible info, or responsible info.
Please keep that in mind.
"I" do..


Regardless, it will be up to the OP to decide what She & her "Sig. Other" want to believe what they find on the internet or even here a CB.GL forum, no matter what you & I say here. I posted some data & can offer more data that will substantiate that your comments may not be as common for others, as it has apparently been for YOU.

Respectfully Yours, indeed...

To any & all... This is the disclaimer...

Verify & corroborate data you are presented with, no matter the source, & always work up loads for your own firearm from the minimum loads up & do not start with the maximum. Consider that the firearm or test barrel, as well as components like primer type, etc., do not match YOUR firearm & components, so adjust accordingly & work up slowly being SAFE.

I hope everyone has a wonderful day & don't let too much get to ya. Ain't worth it...


P.S. - No one mentioned a 3" barrel but you. Don't know where ya decided on that. but No Worry. I won't...

"Gleaning questionable data"?
Where????

And... about those "unsafe practices"... who mentioned any?

No need to answer, but that is an "unsubstantiated allegation" you may wish to be very careful with using...

I'll stop there. You must have been having a bad day with all these "digs" with based on what???

I hope you feel better.

/\ Can I get a ruling on this post from someone else /\ Anyone think this might classify as snarky ? Perhaps even a bit passive aggressive ?

[JBinMN]

"........... No intention of that.... You appear to have become a bit "set off" by my post. I really do not understand why."



lots of colored fonts, bold type and several paragraphs may have a little to do with that............

oh yea, and don't forget the snarky tone

The colored fonts for any of my words, were to try to differentiate from your words.

Bold type & underlining was for emphasis of specific places & things that were written.

Several paragraphs are due to my not being able to be concise when dealing with the written word. I am much better understood when I speak my mind rather than type it.

Lastly, How anyone can put snarky" to apply to typed words that have no inflection, like the spoken word has inflection & can offer, is beyond me.

As I said, " I hope you feel better.".


Enough with this now...
-----------

Folks, Please continue the topic & my apologies for the slight sidetrack due to a difference in opinion. Sometimes these things happen...

[JBinMN]

/\ Can I get a ruling on this post from someone else /\ Anyone think this might classify as snarky ? Perhaps even a bit passive aggressive ?

LOL

I am done with ya. I was not kidding. I really do hope you feel better.

[P Flados]

For this application "plinking ammo only", it is pretty easy to recommend starting with the Lee 102 if there is no emotional bias against Lee molds.

My mold drops at 108 gr & has done fine through a couple of 380s.

Lots have gone down range from a 9 mm Glock (and from 38s, & 357s).

Note that we got an aftermarket barrel for the Glock in search of leading free performance.

It did not help much.

Eventually I found that a custom expander plug made a huge improvement. Other tooling and technique changes also seem to have helped. Now both of my 9 mm loads (a target load and a book max load) are working fine with a PC coated Lee 120 and with his factory barrel.