380 lead bullet?

[Andrew Quigley]

Just got a Kel-tec p3at and want to reload for it. Also I was wanting to use lead bullets for plinking and practicing but all the load data shows JHP or FMJ bullets.
I cast my own for all my other pistols and rifles and I'd rather cast for the Kel-tec as well. Anybody know if I can sub a cast lead bullet in place of the FMJ or JHP. Plan on using either Unique or Titegroup. Thanks

[Calehedron]

I use the Lyman 356242 90gr RN bullet in my Bersa Thunder 380. I mostly use 3gr of Bullseye but you can use 2.4-2.7gr of Titegroup or 3.1-3.7gr of Unique according to the data I have.

[Jbar4Ranch]

I use a Lee 90305 cast bullet of about 105 grains with good results in a P3 AT, a pair of Bersa Thunders, a NAA Guardian, and a SIG P232. It doesn't work in my LCP - it won't even fully chamber, so I suspect there's a bit of a mismatch between the bullet's ogive and the gun's freebore.

[Larry Gibson]

I've used both the Lee 356-102-1R and the 358-105-SWC in several .380s over the years. I load them over 2.5 gr of Bullseye. Accuracy and functioning with both bullets has been excellent. Velocities in my AMT Backup (one of the first made/well made) with 2 3/4" barrel run about 750 fps with both bullets.

Larry Gibson

[Dale53]

I've used the Lee 358-105-SWC in my (previous) Walther and my Sig-Sauer (present) .380. It is kind of a copy of the H&G #68 for the .45 ACP. It cuts nice clean holes in what it hits (including wabbits).

Dale53

[Andrew Quigley]

358-105-SWC ? Don't you find them a little big or do ya sizre them down? I usually run my other bullets .001 over but figure .002 might lead the barrel. Any problems?

[Dale53]

Andrew;
It all depends on the chamber dimensions of your pistol. My Walther and Sig-Sauer both will handle .358" bullets. Strip your pistol, make up one dummy round and see if it'll drop in the barrel without resistance. If it does, you are good to go.

Dale53

[bobthenailer]

i have a omc back up and a kel tec 380 both work excellent with the lee 95 rn or the saeco 95 rn try 2.5 to 3.0 of BE or tight group.also try bullets sized to .357 or .358 also ive been shooting the 380 for about 30 years and all i shoot are cast bullets for pratice . i use the speer factory ammo gold dot for personal carry and reload the gold dots for for when checking function and point of impact.