.380 velocity question

[jarhead jim]

Hey all, loaded up some 95 grain lead semi flat nose on top of 3.5 grains of Win 231. Great performance, cycling, power and accuracy. About as hot as I want. Anyways, in my Walther PPK 3" barrel running the rounds through my Caldwell (piece of .....) chrony I wasn't able to get a fps reading. Would anyone here have any data that would tell me roughly what this bullet is traveling?

Thanks, Jim

[Larry Gibson]

That load should be running 950 - 1000 fps. It is a max load for the 380 ACP.

[jarhead jim]

That load should be running 950 - 1000 fps. It is a max load for the 380 ACP. Yup! It was snapping pretty good. I started with 2.8 and went up to 3.5. Wouldn't go any higher. I like the extra power. A concealed carry for a friend.

Jim

[Winger Ed.]

Your deal, but I'd be inclined to get a box of Hydra shock or Silver tips for that.

[jarhead jim]

Your deal, but I'd be inclined to get a box of Hydra shock or Silver tips for that. I advised her to get a box of factory loads for actual defense. These are just for her to practice with. Ammo is outrageously expensive.

Jim

[lotech]

I haven't loaded .380 in years but used to use a 100 grain flat nose design cast from a Lyman mould. I used 3 grs. 231; MV was 890 and it was accurate but I considered it max. in my PPK/S. Your load is a bit stouter but probably safe and I'll bet your getting 950 fps.

By the way, I tried several cast bullets ranging in weight from about 90 grs. to just over 120 gr. Powders included Bullseye, Unique, 231, Blue Dot, and Herco. 231 was consistently the best overall powder as far as accuracy and velocity, regardless of bullet weight.

[6thtexas]

That load should be running 950 - 1000 fps. It is a max load for the 380 ACP.

That's about dead on. I have run 3.5 gr. of HP-38 (same powder) with a 100 gr. FP out of a Ruger LCP and they average 902 fps out of the shorter barrel. FWIW, I have since backed down to 3.1 gr. as it gives plenty of penetration.

[jarhead jim]

Thanks guys! I appreciate all of the advice.

Jim

[mainiac]

I shot my 380 quite a bit,workin on loads.231 is the accuracy champ!