380 ACP and BE-86

[Micha2u]

I've had good results with Alliant's BE-86 powder in some 9mm Luger and .38 Special loads that I put together and would also like to use this powder in loading 380 ACP.

My bullet of choice would be Berry's 100 gr. hollow base round nose but Alliants online Reloader's Guide does not show a 100 gr. 380 ACP load. Has anyone worked up a load with the 100 gr. Berry bullet and BE-86 in 380 ACP that I could use as a starting point? It looked like the topic was mentioned in an earlier BE-86 thread but I could not find follow up postings with any more info.

 

[Toprudder]

If it helps, I worked up some loads using 100gn Xtreme plated bullets and BE86. I don't remember where I got the original load data from, though.

Standard disclaimer - My loads, my gun, my results. YMMV. Start low and work up.

Using Winchester small pistol primers, and COL of 0.955. Shot from Bersa Thunder 380.
3.4gn, 724.0fps, 29.0sd, 64spread
3.5gn, 732.8fps, 19.2sd, 47spread
3.6gn, 757.8fps, 22sd, 54spread

 

[Walkalong]

Offhand it seems as if it would be a bit slow for .380, especially blow back actions. I have always used W-231 or slower.

 

[Micha2u]

Thanks for the feedback, especially the velocity stats.

I have been loading with a COL of 0.980" with these bullets in the past and that has worked out well for me so I will stick with that overall length. I may try to work up some loads using what you have done. I assume by your reply that functioning in your weapon was acceptable with all your loads.

 

[Micha2u]

I have been using Power Pistol in the past with the Berry's 100 gr. bullet and I think that BE-86 may be (but I'm not sure since I can't find it on a burn rate chart) a bit faster than Power Pistol. Anyway, I've got BE-86 and I'd like to find a good load using it on my 380 ACP.

 

[Micha2u]

If it helps, I worked up some loads using 100gn Xtreme plated bullets and BE86. I don't remember where I got the original load data from, though.

Standard disclaimer - My loads, my gun, my results. YMMV. Start low and work up.

Using Winchester small pistol primers, and COL of 0.955. Shot from Bersa Thunder 380.
3.4gn, 724.0fps, 29.0sd, 64spread
3.5gn, 732.8fps, 19.2sd, 47spread
3.6gn, 757.8fps, 22sd, 54spread

I did not see this before but just saw the following on the http://smith-wessonforum.com for a 380 ACP load:

COAL: 0.965"
Berry's 100 GR HBRN - 4.1 GR BE-86 - 832 FPS - 36 FPS Spread - 13.2 STD DEV - 155 Ft-Lb

Between what you've given me an that S&W Forum info., I think I may have enough to move ahead with my loading project for my Ruger LCP II.

 

[Dudedog]

Kahr P380 short barrel 2.5"

******Note: Not a listed load*******

MIxed range brass S+B SP, charges as thrown after setting the measure
String: 1
Date: 3/20/2016
Time: 12:36:54 PM
Grains: 100
Hi Vel: 821
Low Vel: 782
Ave Vel: 804
Ext Spread: 39
Std Dev: 18
Xtreme 100 RNFP 4.0 BE86.950 OAl
Velocity Power Factor Ft/Lbs
789 78.9 138.215
821 82.1 149.654
810 81 145.671
782 78.2 135.774
821 82.1 149.654

Fine in my gun (locked breech, not blowback) but probably close to a MAX load maybe above.
I would not start at 4, work up to it.

Factory Federal 95gr FMJ in the same gun for comparison
String: 2
Date: 8/14/2016
Time: 8:44:02 AM
Grains: 95
Hi Vel: 845
Low Vel: 826
Ave Vel: 832
Ext Spread: 19
Std Dev: 7
Federal .380 95 FMJ
Velocity Power Factor Ft/Lbs
845 80.275 150.605
828 78.66 144.606
835 79.325 147.061
829 78.755 144.955
826 78.47 143.908

 

[Micha2u]

Thanks guys...just what I was looking for.

 

[Toprudder]

I assume by your reply that functioning in your weapon was acceptable with all your loads.

Yes, all loads cycled my Bersa, which is a blow-back design.