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Thread: .380 velocity question

  1. #1
    Boolit Bub jarhead jim's Avatar
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    .380 velocity question

    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
    My anger management classes are pissing me off!

  2. #2
    Boolit Grand Master


    Larry Gibson's Avatar
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    That load should be running 950 - 1000 fps. It is a max load for the 380 ACP.
    Larry Gibson

    “Deficient observation is merely a form of ignorance and responsible for the many morbid notions and foolish ideas prevailing.”
    ― Nikola Tesla

  3. #3
    Boolit Bub jarhead jim's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Larry Gibson View Post
    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
    My anger management classes are pissing me off!

  4. #4
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    Winger Ed.'s Avatar
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    Your deal, but I'd be inclined to get a box of Hydra shock or Silver tips for that.
    In school: We learn lessons, and are given tests.
    In life: We are given tests, and learn lessons.


    OK People. Enough of this idle chit-chat.
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  5. #5
    Boolit Bub jarhead jim's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Winger Ed. View Post
    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
    My anger management classes are pissing me off!

  6. #6
    Boolit Master
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    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.

  7. #7
    Boolit Buddy 6thtexas's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Larry Gibson View Post
    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.

  8. #8
    Boolit Bub jarhead jim's Avatar
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    Thanks guys! I appreciate all of the advice.

    Jim
    My anger management classes are pissing me off!

  9. #9
    Boolit Master

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

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Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check