I have settled on the 95 gr Lee over 2.5 gr Promo (Red Dot clone) for my 380 FEG Walther knockoff. I also tried the Lee 102 gr round nose, but didn't see any appreciable advantage. They both cycled fine. Boolits heavier than those may require very deep seating to fit magazines in most 380s.
Wayne
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger - or else it gives you a bad rash.
Venison is free-range, organic, non-GMO and gluten-free
Accurate Molds 35-098R - basically the same mold that can be cut to specified diameter with preferred alloy, and quickly delivered once ordered.
I'm using the NOE version from an older run. It is VERY similar in profile to Winchester's Q4206 flat point FMJ which is my preferred thing in these lower power rounds where expansion would render penetration insufficient. Have confirmed it to run smoothly in Old Colts and FN's, 1980's PPK, Glock 42, and Ruger LCP.
WWJMBD?
In the Land of Oz, we cast with wheel weight and 2% Tin, Man.
I have two. As suggested the lil 95 g LEE IS A DANDY!!
But I like HP so the MP 356-95 is my first pic. Cast about 10:1 it expands nicely.
CW
NRA Life member • REMEMBER, FREEDOM IS NOT FREE its being paid for in BLOOD.
Come visit my RUMBLE & uTube page's !!
https://www.RUMBLE.com/user/Cwlongshot
https://youtube.com/channel/UCBOIIvlk30qD5a7xVLfmyfw
In a 1971-vintage Lyman reloading manual, there was data for a 115 gr. bevel-based projectile with which velocities approaching 900 f/s were obtained. While I agree that 95 - 100 gr. is a "more sensible" weight range, I do not think that 125 gr. is as outrageous as it may seem.
I. too, tried to ruin a locking breach Llama .380 by hot-loading it, and had best results with 115 gr. cast bullets and Unique or Herco.
From the LEE line-up of bullets, my first choice would be the 358-105-SWC, IF it can well and truly be sized appropriately and made to feel reliably. If either of these conditons cannot be met, then my choice would be the TL-356-95-RF.
While any propellant will work "OKAY" in .380, I've found that (now) Alliant Unique, or Herco, or Accurate AA#5 will tend to give best velocities, if at the expense of considerable muzzle flash. BE-86 is very similar to Unique in terms of reloading data, and reduces muzzle flash somewhat.
For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow. Ecclesiastes 1:18
He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool become servant to the wise of heart. Proverbs 11:29
...Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Matthew 25:40
Carpe SCOTCH!
I have had good results using the Lee TL356-95 in a PK380. From my mold these weigh 97 grains and work well over 4.4 grains of Power Pistol.
I have a ranch dog precursor to the Lee TL356-95 but lately I have been using an Accurate 35-100L, a ~100 grain TC that casts like a dream. I only wish I had ordered a 4 cavity. The various RN molds all work well, but the Lee 6 cavity 102 grain is cheaper and works just as good as any other.
_________________________________________________It's not that I can't spell: it is that I can't type.
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 |