Loading a Ranch Dog 380 Bullet

[Whipple]

I notice in my Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook 4th Edition that the max load for a 100 grain 380 bullet is 3.1 grains of W231 and Ranch Dog list his bullet at 3.7 grains of W231. Does anyone load and use the 3.7 grains in a Ranch Dog 380 100 grain bullet?
Bob

[grampa243]

seating depth is going to play a part in pressure and max load..

as always work up slowly and watch for high pressure signs.

[FergusonTO35]

Are you talking about using this boolit in .380 or 9mm? I'm using the Lee version in 9mm and its great!

[Whipple]

I'm making up loads for my Sig P238 .380. Starting at 2.7 grain of W231 and going up to 3.1 grains which is the max load in my lyman manual. Ranch Dog data shows up to 3.7 grains.

[62chevy]

You can ask Ranch Dog over at his new site: http://www.lee-loader.com/index.php

Join and ask him why 3.7 grains. The site isn't that busy so shouldn't take to long to get a response from him.

[Whipple]

Thanks for all the help, I posted on the Lee-Loader board and will see what they have to say.
Bob

[Treeman]

Ranch Dog's data is Quickload generated....and the max loadings are higher than most sources because there is room............look at the SAAMI specs and then look at the pressures of the listed loads where available..... Years ago few manuals had pressure data for .380............usually they worked up loads to something that would function reliably and stopped. When pressure data started being generated for .380 the loads didn't change much but the pressures tend to be running about 60-65% of allowable. 3.1 of 231 will run my guns and keeps the brass close but it is clearly below some factory loads. Work up with caution but RanchDog's data gives you a realistic safe ceiling for more potent loads.

[blackpowder man]

I have to seat those boolits pretty deep to chamber in a p238. His data is from a Taurus, I believe, that has a bigger chamber and bore. His OAL is pretty long compared to what I had to seat to.

[Whipple]

I seated mine to around .940, I don't think I can go much longer and still fit in the mag. I haven't had a chance to test fire them but looking forward to getting to the range.