.380 Auto bullet choice

[Walkalong]

Long ago I had a Colt Mustang, but traded it away, so I went decades without a .380. A couple of years ago my FIL gave his Beretta Pico .380 to my wife. Great little gun for carry. I dusted off my old RCBS .380 dies and loaded up some rounds to play with it at the range. I used some Federal 95 gr JSPs I bought on sale some time back.

I have now taken ownership of a Bersa .380, so I am looking for a good bulk bullet cheap for plinking with it. Looks like there are options in coated or plated for 8, 9, or 10 cents a bullet.

What are y'all using?

 

[Dudedog]

I like the RMR 95gr FMJs also had good luck with the Xtreme 100gr RNFPs. The RMRs are a better price and can take higher vels if you decide to
use them in 9mm.


.$075 before the THR 5% discount.

If your interested PM me, I can spare a small sample of the RMR 95s, the Xtreme 100s and I think I have some HBRN Berrys (can't remember off the top of my head if they are 100s or 95s)

 

[Walkalong]

Nice, both look like good options.

The RMRs are a better price and can take higher vels if you decide to
use them in 9mm.

I use JHPs for that, but yes.

 

[Charlie98]

My brother still has our Colt Government .380... it's a fun pistol to shoot, unlike his PPK/s, which I hate.

It's been so long since I loaded my last run of 1000 .380's, I forget what I used for a bullet, but it was most likely a 90 or 95grn FMJ bullet. Personally, I always used Unique in the .380, but if I were to work up from scratch now, I would probably pick something like W244.

 

[Charlie98]

I use JHPs for that, but yes.

When Midway used to sell bulk bullets (they may still do, it's been a while...) I bought some bulk 102grn Remington Golden Saber component bullets... probably the most accurate bullet I ever fired in the Colt.

 

[Ernie Bass]

I plan to get back into reloading.Most especially the 380 of which I have never reloaded, (which is hard to believe considering how much of it I shoot). What I see as a potential problem is the fact that I will not be able to test any of my loads because all my ranges are closed and will be for a long time. Most like will go with the XTREM 100 gr. Not sure yet. Normally I would experiment with different loads, but given the virus halt on shooing, will now have to ask for advice for a simple but reliable reload, powder and weight. These well be shot out of small barrel pistols.

I know it may not be simple, but I need to start somewhere. I have plenty of Titegroup Powder, Unique and a few others.
Thanks

 

[Obturation]

I don't load 380 , but I use the same bullet for range & carry. 95 grain fmj fp. Works for me, keeps things simple.
Now how about that 380 brass?! Expensive for what it is.
I was going to load for it but my g42 throws brass pretty far and they get tangled up in other cases if tumbling a mixed bunch and I only shoot a 50 rd box out of my only 380 when I hit the range so I just figured for me it's best to buy it loaded.
Good luck @Walkalong , if you find a load you really like it may inspire me to take on another cartridge for handloading.

 

[Charlie98]

What I see as a potential problem is the fact that I will not be able to test any of my loads because all my ranges are closed and will be for a long time.

Unique

I feel your pain. Our local indoor range was open, but suddenly they closed...

As I mentioned, I've always loaded .380 with Unique... as long as you have a measure that doesn't mind tiny charges.

 

[Crazy Horse]

Walkalong,

Love the Bersa, I have a Bersa Thunder in Two tone. It's a solid pistol Before I started reloading, I used Magtech Ammo. I have reloaded for it, but it doesn't get out much. A bullet that I used and enjoyed was the Speer TMJ in 95 grain. It felt excellent and was very accurate. For bulk, I would agree with Dudedog. That bullet looks almost exactly like the Speer 95g TMJ. Plus I've used RMR's 124gr FMJ 9mm bullets and they are great.

I eyeballed a CC bersa in all black, but alas, I have realized that my eyes aren't what they used to be. The sights on the Bersa CC are super small and not adjustable.

Enjoy the Bersa, The only thing I have done to it is change out the plastic grips to Bersa rubber grips. They are stickier and feel much better. The only recommendation I could make is to use only Bersa magazines. I tried some Mec Gar mags, and the firearm would always jam. I narrowed it down to the magazine. Now I have 5 Bersa mags and no jams whatsoever.

CH

 

[kmw1954]

Been using 100gr Xtreme and a Lee cast 356-102-R1 and both have worked very well.

 

[LiveLife]

380 Auto bullet ... What are y'all using?

For TCP 738, I had been using X-Treme 100 gr plated RNFP but when RMR started manufacturing 95 gr FMJ, I switched.

If back ordering with RMR, I can PIF you 500/1000 bullets until you get your order received.

• 380Auto Brazos 95 gr Hi-Tek RN $42/1106 + $7 flat rate ($44.30/1000 shipped) - https://www.brazosprecision.com/380-95gr-Round-NoseBevel-BaseGroove-1106ct-0038bullet_p_40.html

• 380Auto RMR 95 gr FMJ $71.25/1000 (with 5% THR discount) + free shipping back order ($67.45/1000 on 4000 quantity) - https://www.rmrbullets.com/shop/bullets/pistol/9mm-355/380-95-gr-rmr-fmj-round-nose-bullets-new/

• 380Auto PowerBond 100 gr plated RN $82/1000 + free shipping - https://store.tjconevera.com/po38010rnplb.html

• 380Auto X-Treme 100 gr plated RNFP $70/1000 + $14.50 shipping - https://www.xtremebullets.com/380-100-RNFP-p/xc380-100rnfp-b0500.htm

• 380Auto 95 gr FMJ $91/1000 + free shipping - https://store.tjconevera.com/tjco38095fmj2.html

• 380Auto 90 gr JHP $94/1000 + free shipping - https://store.tjconevera.com/newtjco38090.html

• 380Auto 95 gr JHP $94/1000 + free shipping - https://store.tjconevera.com/newtjco38095.html

 

[GoldieMI]

I like the RMR 95gr FMJs also had good luck with the Xtreme 100gr RNFPs. The RMRs are a better price and can take higher vels if you decide to
use them in 9mm.

same here...using the RMRs currently. If you need a PIF of brass or Bullets- drop me a message in the inbox and I will throw it in the USPS tomorrow when I go to the post office.

 

[cfullgraf]

I use 90-95 grain RN, cast or plated in my 380’s depending what I find.

My 380 ACP hand guns are not picky on brand.

 

[Soonerpesek]

SNS Casting makes a good Hi-Tek coated bullet.
.380acp 95gr LRN coated----$64.00/ 1000.
It helps if you buy other calibers at the same time, as shipping is flat rate $15.00 for up to 70 lbs.

 

[12Bravo20]

I have been using Berry's plated 100Gr RNHB over a 3.1Gr load of Hodgdon Universal. That shoots well in my Llama IIIA and my Kel-Tec P3AT. Years ago I had a Bersa Thunder that the same loads shot well in also. The main reason for using the 100 Gr RNHB is because I got a good deal on them years ago. I still have about 600-700 bullets left.

The biggest problem that I have is finding the .380 brass at the range. I swear it goes into a wormhole to another dimension.

 

[Dudedog]

Kahr P380 2.5"
Mixed range brass, S+B SP
Charges as thrown after setting measure

String: 2
Date: 8/14/2016
Time: 9:23:07 AM
Grains: 100
Hi Vel: 862
Low Vel: 843
Ave Vel: 853
Ext Spread: 19
Std Dev: 7 (this is funny, same ES and SD as the factory Federal I tested!, but about 20fps faster on average)
380 100 Xtreme 4.0 CFE-P
Velocity Power Factor Ft/Lbs
862 77.58 148.477
843 75.87 142.004
855 76.95 146.075
850 76.5 144.372
856 77.04 146.417

4.0 CFE-P is a listed MAX load, I worked up to 4.0

String: 7
Date: 3/20/2016
Time: 12:28:03 PM
Grains: 100
Hi Vel: 862
Low Vel: 815
Ave Vel: 844
Ext Spread: 47
Std Dev: 17
Xtreme 100 RNFP 4.0 WSF .950 OAl
Velocity Power Factor Ft/Lbs
855 85.5 162.306
845 84.5 158.531
815 81.5 147.474 (this one messed up the ES and SD numbers, they would be good without it)
845 84.5 158.531
862 86.2 164.974

No listed data for WSF in .380 in my books I worked up to this

Factory Federal 95gr FMJ in my Kahr for reference
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


Somehere I have chrono data for the RMRs 95 FMJs but the files seem to be hiding from me at the moment, My AA#2 data seems to be hiding with the FMJ Data.

 

[irishlad]

I use hornady 100 gr fmj.

 

[Walkalong]

unlike his PPK/s, which I hate.

They don't fit me well either.

 

[Walkalong]

The biggest problem that I have is finding the .380 brass at the range. I swear it goes into a wormhole to another dimension.

In my experience, they are not as bad as .32ACP. .32s just go bang, then poof, they're gone. I lose more of them than anything, so I get the wormhole theory.

 

[Walkalong]

My AA#2 data seems to be hiding

AA #2 is what I used to load .380 with. Back then I had AA #2. W-231, Unique, AA #5, 700X, and that was it.

 

[Walkalong]

The sights on the Bersa CC are super small and not adjustable.

Mine has white dots on the sights, so these old eyes should be able to use them effectively.

 

[Walkalong]

I had been using

Great links, thanks.

I have a bunch of 90 or 95 Gr JHPs, but I use them for my "little lasers" in 9MM. So named by @Artofgolf

 

[Charlie98]

The biggest problem that I have is finding the .380 brass at the range. I swear it goes into a wormhole to another dimension.

Actually, they magically show up when I'm shooting 9mm... usually when I'm not careful about sorting the brass afterwards.

 

[Dudedog]

.380 is easy, it's my 9mm Mak brass that falls in the wormhole!
After hunting for it, it becomes easy to spot .380 and .38 Super in the 9mm stuff laying around.
(being a brass scrounger I grab it all, only problem is if I get any more .38 Super I may need to buy a .38 Super to use it)

PS:
I would have already have bought one except choices of .38 Super guns on CAs stupid list is pretty slim.

 

[12Bravo20]

I don't own a 32 and only have one pistol in 9x18 so don't reload them. Yes I usually find 380, 9x18, and 9mm when ever I clean my 40 brass.

There has been some good suggestions for bullets and powder. 95-100 gr plated or coated bullets will serve well for range ammo.

Just remember that if you are using plated bullets, it is recommended to start of using either lead round nose data or the starting/minimum load for FMJ. Unless you pistol requires a hot load to function, then stick with a mild load for target/range use.