380 Load Data

[mtgrs737]

Hi all,

I have some Lee 356-102 RN boolits sized to .357" diameter that I want to load into 380acp cases but don't find much data on this type of boolit in 380acp. Do any of you folks here have a favorite load for a Ruger LCP or a Beretta 84 class of pistol? I have most commonly available powders and primmers. Thanks!

[ddeaton]

I am getting ready to load up some Montana Gold 95 gr jhp's only because the price of 380 now. These will be for me and a buddies LCP. I will let you know what I come up with. I am thinking of Unique maybe. I am sorry I havent any info yet, but am interested in replies from the experts here also.

[mtgrs737]

For a LCP with a short barrel I was thinking that leaning toward a faster burning powder would be the way to go, but I was wondering what others here were loading for this caliber.

[Larry Gibson]

Hi all,

I have some Lee 356-102 RN boolits sized to .357" diameter that I want to load into 380acp cases but don't find much data on this type of boolit in 380acp. Do any of you folks here have a favorite load for a Ruger LCP or a Beretta 84 class of pistol? I have most commonly available powders and primmers. Thanks!

I have been using that very bullet in numerous .380s since the early '80s when I picked up a AMT Backup (still have it and still carry it....when the wife doesn't take it ) I've use the same load in several other .380s (PPKs, Llamas, Colts, Brownings, several others and the Barretta 84). I size the bullets .356 but .357 should work but if you have chambering problems then size to .356. I use Javelina lube. Cases are mixed (many are range pick ups) and any regular SP primer is used though CCI and Federals give the best reliable ignition with some weaker striker fired pistols. I load the Lee 106 gr RNs over 2.5 gr Bullseye. This produces 740 fps out of the 2 3/4" barreled AMT. Accuracy is also very good in all pistols with this load. Start at 1.9 gr Bullseye and work up in .1 or .2 gr increments until you get reliable functioning in your pistol.

Another good bullet is the Lee 358-105-SWC over the same 2.5 gr Bullseye it runs 800+ fps out of slightly longer barrels than the AMTs.

Larry Gibson

[JIMinPHX]

I use 3 grains of Bullseye under that boolit as my standard .380 load. It's slightly slower than most factory ammo, but it's comfortable enough to shoot all day & it gives me good accuracy.

Correction ;
3gr of Bullseye under that little Lee RN 102 gives me 890fps average. It's not slower than most factory ammo, but it does seem to kick a lot less in my wife's PPK.

[mrmeanbean74]

I load a 95 gn lead rn it's a lyman mold and use 2.7 grains of titegroup.works real good for me.oh yea i size to 356 also.

[putteral]

I size the Lee 358-105gr-SWC down to .356 and use 4.1 grs of AA#5. It has been by far the most accruate load in my Walther (Interarms) PPK/S. 105 is pretty close to 102. Give it a try .

[mrmeanbean74]

just got my loading notes out and the same boolit as above in my last post hp-38 2.7 gr is another good load for that boolit.

[mtgrs737]

Thanks for you inputs guys, they are appreciated!

[DanWalker]

I'm loading the LEE 105 swc over 2.4 grains of red dot for my Bersa Thunder 380.
Shoots great.

[Cherokee]

I use 109 gr TC CB and 3.1 of 231. Hits 900 fps out of my BDA, SD of 20

[snaggdit]

I'm loading the LEE 105 swc over 2.4 grains of red dot for my Bersa Thunder 380.
Shoots great.

I had tried Red Dot with the Lee 102 RN, but started too hot (3 gr). I had swelled cases. I might have to go back and try 2.4gr. I then tried Acc #2 and that worked well with the Lee 102gr boolit. I ended up at 3.4gr in a Bursa. My Chrono has been flaky lately, but it said 950fps.

[mtgrs737]

I did a little function/load testing tonight in the 380acp. I started out with 2.5grs. of Bullseye over the Lee 109gr. RN boolit sized .357" with a Rem 1 1/2 SP primer. This load cycled my LCP but I didn't feel that it was as positive as I would of liked. The next load was 2.7grs of Bullseye and I felt that this load was firm and positive and it seemed that I was getting better slide functioning. The last loading was 2.9grs. of Bullseye and it was very close to factory loading in recoil. This boolit is a bit heavier than the standard Lee and has a slightly thicker base so I am not so sure I would want to go over 3.0grs of Bullseye with it. None of the loads flatened primers too much but the two heavier loads did give a more nomal primer appearance. The lightest load had primers that were low enough on pressure that the primer cup did not form around the firing pin indent. I would say that all rounds chambered and cycled just like factory ammo with no FTF or FTE even with the boolit size diameter of .357". I have settled on the 2.7gr loading for my first few boxes of practice loads, now to see how they group. LOL!