Comparing Reloading Rounds

[frjeff]

Quick visit to the range this morn. Compared two 380ACP reloads:

3.1gr HP38 under RME 95gr FMJ
3.3gr Accurate #2 under RME 95gr FMJ
Bersa Thunder

Nothing too phenomenal. Looks like a tighter group with the Acc #2, but I think the shooter was a bit more relaxed and slow for the Acc #2 shooting. Got rid of the low/left problem. Looks like now I have more of a shooting high problem. But, this 79 year old is not too concerned. Thinking all of these hits would do damage in body mass.

Shot 3 mags of factory Blazer Brass with results most similar to the HP38 home load rounds.

Also, was there to test my DIY brass catcher. Once positioned properly, she caught 96% of the fired rounds. Pleased!

 

[NMexJim]

Good shooting

So that load of AA2 should be running at about 822 fps. You might want to increase a bit just to see how you like it. Get a feel for mid-range loads. Bullet mass x speed / 1000 (this gives you a reasonable number to work with) = power factor. This gives a figure to generally compare loads. This does not account for bullet performance say FMJ compared to hollow point.

I would recommend you purchase a factory round for carry. The Bersa has enough mass for about any factory load. Blow-back fixed barrel pistols are soft-shooting pistols anyway.

During summer I carry a P380 Kahr which is very light and small. Rounds like Federal HST feel much stouter than the Hornady, and the Hornady feeds well, so that's what I carry at least for now.

 

[Frulk]

Nice grouping…gun used?…distance?

 

[CoalCrackerAl]

Good shooting indeed.

 

[frjeff]

Nice grouping…gun used?…distance?

Bersa Thunder @ 8 yards

 

[frjeff]

Good shooting

So that load of AA2 should be running at about 822 fps. You might want to increase a bit just to see how you like it. Get a feel for mid-range loads. Bullet mass x speed / 1000 (this gives you a reasonable number to work with) = power factor. This gives a figure to generally compare loads. This does not account for bullet performance say FMJ compared to hollow point.

I would recommend you purchase a factory round for carry. The Bersa has enough mass for about any factory load. Blow-back fixed barrel pistols are soft-shooting pistols anyway.

During summer I carry a P380 Kahr which is very light and small. Rounds like Federal HST feel much stouter than the Hornady, and the Hornady feeds well, so that's what I carry at least for now.

Daily carry is with Sig Sauer Elite V-Crown 90gr JHP

​

 

[FROGO207]

Good looking plumbers nightmare you built there. PVC pipe and fittings are like tinker toys IMO. Just plain fun to make stuff with. I made a couple in the past that some of the joints I used holes drilled and pins so the contraption could be taken apart for easier transportation. Think 7' tall and like a narrow hockey net with a 5 gallon bucket at the bottom to funnel the brass into.
Worked well for everything but my Mini 14's.

 

[frjeff]

Good looking plumbers nightmare you built there. PVC pipe and fittings are like tinker toys IMO. Just plain fun to make stuff with. I made a couple in the past that some of the joints I used holes drilled and pins so the contraption could be taken apart for easier transportation. Think 7' tall and like a narrow hockey net with a 5 gallon bucket at the bottom to funnel the brass into.
Worked well for everything but my Mini 14's.

Can attach the brass catcher to my photo tripod for shooting standing. Tripod gives about infinite adjustability.

 

[Remington1911]

I would love to see your brass catching solution. I have made a few "plumbers nightmares".....I love that, but none have really worked for me. I am really looking at something for rifles.

 

[frjeff]

I would love to see your brass catching solution. I have made a few "plumbers nightmares".....I love that, but none have really worked for me. I am really looking at something for rifles.

I copied mine from a YouTuber. Should fold, but the bottom and top would not stay in place, so I glued it all. No problem as it sits on a car seat or easily fits in trunk without folding. Mesh must be as loose as possible or it becomes a trampoline and cases bounce out and all over.



There is also a video where he tests it.

 

[9mmepiphany]

If this thread appears a bit disjointed, it's because I merged two identical threads that the OP started 15 mins apart

 

[frjeff]

If this thread appears a bit disjointed, it's because I merged two identical threads that the OP started 15 mins apart

And, I have no idea how I did that?

 

[LiveLife]

Compared two 380ACP reloads ... 3.1gr HP38 ... 3.3gr Accurate #2 ... Bersa Thunder

Looks like a tighter group with the Acc #2, but I think the shooter was a bit more relaxed ... Shot 3 mags of factory Blazer Brass with results most similar to the HP38.

Since there are shooting variables to include shooter input/fatigue, when my findings are not readily conclusive, I repeat range test several times until I have confirmation (Like determining the most accurate powder charge from several powders for the same bullet).

You will find that many of us reload because our reloads can produce smaller groups than factory ammunition. I started shooting USPSA matches with most accurate factory ammunition I tested (PMC and S&B from my comparison sample). I was told to reload to reduce my group size and my initial match rounds reduced group size over 40%.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

I usually test side by side too and shooting fatigue can be a factor. More than anything else for me is the time factor: lighter recoil loads tend let me rush my shots. Heat and humidity are also factors. It’s looking pretty darn good on your end. Maybe stick to the No.2 load for a while and sprinkle a magazine of the W231 in randomly to see if there’s any real difference. Maybe. But I would say you don’t need to do anything with that load except shoot it.

 

[Dudedog]

3.3gr Accurate #2 under RME 95gr FMJ

Looks like that load is shooting well for you.
Always nice when things work out well.

 

[41 Mag]

Looks like your loads are working well for you.

On the catcher, keep an eye on other caliber brass that might stay toasty a bit longer. I had some 10mm cases ALMOST melt through one I made up, and have had a couple stick to the Caldwell I got gifted to me.

 

[Ks5shooter]

Well done!