.380 ACP with 115g XTP ???

[Coyote_Hunter_]

A couple weeks ago I acquired a like-new Walther PPK/S (S&W). Since ammo is so scare and I already relaod 9mm Luger, deciding to reload the .380 ACP was the easy choice.

Components are a bit hard to come by but I have primers, 115g XTP and HS-6 powder. Lyman 48 suggests this combination with starting loads of 3.1g / 677fps to a max 4.5g / 945fps / 15,200 CUP.

This combination will work for me but I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with the combination or at least the 115g bullets?

 

[NCsmitty]

No experience loading 380, but my experience in general says go for it. I would stay away from the MAX load to avoid beating up your new Walther and perhaps limit the load to 4.0gr. Should provide a good punch with that heavier bullet. It should give you close to 900fps with an educated guess. Just be careful as it is just a blow back design.
Good luck.
I found this at M. D. Smith's website.

----------------------------------------
115 grain FMJ or JHP
AA No. 7---- 5.4 gr.----872 fps

HS-6----4.5 gr.-----885
-----------------------------------------

These are ALL MAXIMUM LOADS: Start at 10% less
and work up!


NCsmitty

 

[ants]

380 Auto with 115g XTP

It's actually harder than it seems to exceed 900fps with that bullet. Depending upon powder, expect 760 to 860. Some powders barely exceed 700. That little cartridge really can't push big bullets unless you work hard at it.

Remember that your powder charge is small and your barrel is short. Fast powders pop so fast that you really don't get much velocity. Slow powders are still burning when the bullet is long gone. Best velocity is in the range of W231, but I get absolutely best performance from Vihtavuori N320. I know, VV is expensive, but a $25 pound gives you more than 1,700 rounds. And you might not shoot that many in two years from a 380auto. So why get bent out of shape over an expensive powder, especially when it really performs in that little gun. Please post back and let me know if you find another really good powder like your HS6. I've tried all the powders that other people swear are the absolute best, but the chrono doesn't lie. Nor do the split cases.

Expect your brass to split a lot sooner than any other cartridge. Sometimes it takes only 3 or 4 loads to split. Don't worry about it. Just shoot and enjoy.

My favorite OAL for the 115g XTP: 0.956".
Let me know if you discover another length works best for you.
Don't worry about the bulge after you seat the bullet. It's normal for 380Auto. Just check it in your chamber to make sure it seats all the way.

 

[NCsmitty]

Depending upon powder, expect 760 to 860. Some powders barely exceed 700.

Makes sense to me ants. That's a very short barrel on the PPK/S.

NCsmitty

 

[doorman]

Not to hijack the thread, but are you aware of the S&W recall on the PPK/S.
Something to do with the decocker.

 

[Coyote_Hunter_]

doorman -

Thanks. I became aware when I went on the Walther America site to see if I could look up the date of manufacture with the serial number. (No, but they responded to an email question the next day. Mine was made in 2005.)

It seems the problem is using the decocker with a loaded chamber can cause a rather loud noise - often followed, I assume, by lots of angry or surprised shouting.

I registered for a free UPS shipping label. S&W is paying all the costs. That's what I call good customer service.

 

[Coyote_Hunter_]

Called a local supplier today and will have bullets, powder and primer on Monday. That means I can save the 115g XTP's for my 9mm.

Hope to shoot some factory loads this coming weekend, weather permitting.

 

[moooose102]

i have loaded some of these, with mixed results. one problem i had is that the bullet needs to be seated into the case further. the taper of the case will bulge the case to a point where it would not feed correctly in both of my 380's. i did eventually find 2 different case brands that would work, but in any case, the bullets would not shoot fast enough to initiate expansion consistently. i still have a few around, but i just use them for target practice.