bedbugbilly
02-11-2014, 02:27 PM
I currently reload and primarily shoot 38 spl. & 9mm. I'm getting set up to reload .380 ACP - primarily because I have an older friend (early 80s) that recently purchased a Smith .380 BG. I'm looking to reload some general "plinking rounds" - nothing "hot" but some that will cycle well and afford some fun plinking at out to 25 yards (mostly shorter distances though). I'm doing this so he can have the opportunity to shoot more and we can do it together to get him "out and about" once in a while. I sold my .380 several years back and will probably pick up either a Bersa or a Walther PPK 380 - mine will be strictly for plinking.
I have gotten a supply of range brass and am ready to order my dies and mold. I'm trying to do this on a budget so will just get a Lee DC mold - but - now I'm stuck on which mold/boolit will be the best for what I'm trying to accomplish?
Looking at the Lees - I see a 356-102-1R and a 356-95-RF as well as several heavier gr. wts. that according to the description are for 9mm, 38 ACP, etc. Right now, I'm using the Lee 356-120-TC for my 9mm and it works slick. I'm thinking that a 95 or a 102 is more appropriate for a .380 ACP though???
I know that each pistol is a "creature unto itself" but which mold do I want / should I go with for general plinking and shooting with a .380 that has a history of cycling well, etc.? Suggestions please? Greatly appreciated.
As a side note - the 120 gr. TC that I'm using in my 9mm drop at about .358 - I'm sizing them to .357 and TL in alox/paste wax and load over 3.5 gr. of BE - they work well in my SR9 - no leading problems. Casting with range lead. On the .380, I'll probable use BE.
I'm in AZ - my reloading stuff is back in MI so I can't load up one of the 120 gr TC in a .380 case to see what the OAL of it is. I am still thinking that I need a lighter gr. wt. for the .380?
I have gotten a supply of range brass and am ready to order my dies and mold. I'm trying to do this on a budget so will just get a Lee DC mold - but - now I'm stuck on which mold/boolit will be the best for what I'm trying to accomplish?
Looking at the Lees - I see a 356-102-1R and a 356-95-RF as well as several heavier gr. wts. that according to the description are for 9mm, 38 ACP, etc. Right now, I'm using the Lee 356-120-TC for my 9mm and it works slick. I'm thinking that a 95 or a 102 is more appropriate for a .380 ACP though???
I know that each pistol is a "creature unto itself" but which mold do I want / should I go with for general plinking and shooting with a .380 that has a history of cycling well, etc.? Suggestions please? Greatly appreciated.
As a side note - the 120 gr. TC that I'm using in my 9mm drop at about .358 - I'm sizing them to .357 and TL in alox/paste wax and load over 3.5 gr. of BE - they work well in my SR9 - no leading problems. Casting with range lead. On the .380, I'll probable use BE.
I'm in AZ - my reloading stuff is back in MI so I can't load up one of the 120 gr TC in a .380 case to see what the OAL of it is. I am still thinking that I need a lighter gr. wt. for the .380?