380 acp 95 gn LeadRN with W231 and Titegroup

[marcodo]

Load lots of other calibers but just got the LCP and having a heck of a time finding 380's to shoot. So looks like I need to start reloading the good ole' 380

I have W231 and Titegroup on hand.

95gr lead round nose bullets on the way.

Can't seem to find lead reloding data...I see FMJ stuff but not lead.

Any help?

Also any special advice for this small caliber?

How important is a Lee Factory crimp die??? can I get by without it?

 

[RandyP]

I load only plated (local range rules) bullets, but "think" you are OK using the LOWEST charges posted for jacketed? The Hodgdon site shows a load for the 95gr FMJ:

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

I'm at work right now and all my manuals are at home.

 

[Jim Watson]

Lyman shows heavier loads for jacketed .380 than cast; so you should be ok with book loads.

 

[redintex]

As always should be stated with any load recipes given online, check with your manuals/official powder website. Having checked three of them on my end, here is what worked for me with a Keltec P3AT (very similar to your LCP, so it should be close - at least to get you in the ballpark to load a few and test out)

95 LRN W231 powder WSP primer 2.9g 231

2.8g was my starting load, but was not quite enough to blow the slide back and reliably eject/feed. The bump to 2.9g fed 100% and was very accurate and reliable for me.

YMMV, but that is my recipe.

 

[bedwards1]

I loaded my first 380 last night and the brass is really thin compared to others. The slightest wiggle in the shell holder or catch and you've folded a side. Also the primer pockets seem to vary. Loaded Magnus 100gr lfpbb with 3.4 gr sr4765 oal of .967 seemed to function fine in my Bersa.
I'm using the Lee carbide 3 die set. I think these have a taper and no crimp.

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

I haven't ever used the 2 powders you mention but do load cast slugs for practice rounds for my .380acp. Bullseye has been the ticket for cast slugs.
you can get by without the FCD for practice rounds.

 

[RidgwayCO]

For a plinking option, my 95gr lead round nose load for the .380 Auto uses 2.4gr of Titegroup (.21cc from my Lee Micro-Disk) for about 770 fps (and a massive 125 ft-lbs) out of the Bersa 95 (3.5" barrel). Very accurate and comfortable, reliably works the action, and deposits the brass in a nice neat pile not too far away. COL for this round is .950". I use CCI or Wolf small pistol primers and mixed headstamp brass for this load.

My Lee Classic Cast Turret press works great with RCBS carbide dies, and an additional RCBS taper crimp die (only because I like to seat and crimp in separate operations). I've gone away from the Lee factory crimp die, because I didn't need the post sizing, and found my accuracy was better without it. I taper crimp with the RCBS die just enough to remove the bell, and no more (neck tension firmly holds the bullet in place). No problems with sizing or bullet seating, and my brass seems like it will last forever. For these small powder throws, the Lee Micro-Disk works well in the Pro Auto-Disk measure.