Mould for .380 auto

[Ben Dover]

Guys / Gals, I needed a mould for .380 auto. Lee didnt offer a 6 cav so I bought their 2 cav #90305. It is nominally 100gr RN design. I dont see going heavier. It shoots well with 3.0gr Bullseye. I use their liquid alox on it. It surely would be nice to have a 6 cav though. Is anyone aware of a 6 cav for 380's ? Has anyone been satisfied with heavier bullets normally used in 9mm ? Thanks, Ben

[USARO4]

I have loaded .380 with the Lee TL 356-124-TC with good results. The bullets weigh 128 grs when cast with my WW/pure alloy and have a BHN of 10. I tumble lube them with JPW, size to .356 and TL again with a light coat of JPW. For a practice load I use 2.5 grs of Herco and a OAL of .985". This load gives good accuracy and fills the case. For a little hotter load I use 2.1 grs of WW231 or 1.9grs of Bullseye, same OAL. I have shot these loads through 3 Keltecs and 2 Bersa 380s. They always feed well and give as much accuracy as I expect with these little pistols.

[Sprue]

Contact Lee and ask them personally. They may be able to accommodate ya.

On another note, they will make a mold for you at your request I think. The fee's are not bad as I understand. Give 'em a holler.

Let us know what you find out

[GabbyM]

You can shoot the 38 caliber 105gr SWC in the 380 or 9mm.

[JIMinPHX]

I've been using the 102 gr RN in the .380 with good results. I've also been thinking about that .38 cal 105gr SWC, but I haven't tried it yet. It's my next mould to get. It's available in a 6-banger.

Midsouth shows 1 in stock -
http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=0000690315

This 120-gr TC 6-banger may also be an option -
http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=0000690387

[Bret4207]

I want to find an 80-90 gr FN for my 380. Lyman made one years ago 356404 at 95 gr. A little heavy, but it'd work.

[Thin Man]

GabbyM has the right idea. I have been using this mold for .380 for too long now. It always works well once you establish the OAL your pistol will prefer. Feeding is flawless, and point of aim/point of impact are equivalent with ball loads. Lee offers this mold in both 2X and 6X styles. In your off time, enjoy this boolit in any 38/357 revolver and perhaps similar bore larger case autos.

[GabbyM]

I was casting a new to me boolit this evening. A Magma 40 caliber 155gr swc. Looks like a shrunk down H&G #68 in 45 caliber. The Lee 38-105 looks the same. Just shrunk down some more. It's a great design.

[happy7]

Ben,

Lee did make that mold in a six cavity; I have one which is not for sale. But they discontinued it, like they've discontinued a lot of other useful molds. But this one is out there and if you are lucky, you might might run across a used one.

[Ben Dover]

Thanks for the interest and useful replies. I may have to try the 105gr that is suitable for both 380 and 9mm. Having the little fellow is more fun when you can afford to practice with it. Ben