Handloading 380auto for Accuracy

Status
Not open for further replies.
jell-dog

jell-dog

Member.
Joined
Apr 17, 2014
Messages
650
Location
Buffalo Commons
CAUTION: The following thread includes posts of loading data tested in my guns chambered for this cartridge. Posts by other THR members contain loading data tested in their guns chambered for this cartridge.
USE AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Neither the writer, The High Road, nor the staff of THR assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information.

I was inspired to start this thread because of the great examples of sharing handloading data by Artofgolf, mstreddy, bds, blarby, Walkalong, Gamestalker, RCmodel and many, many others on the pages of THR.
I was asked by my better half to come up with an accurate, mild recoil cartridge for her BERSA FIRESTORM 380 auto.
So, since I was doing all this research, I thought I would share my results with the members of THR.

I will be testing these powders over the coming weeks: AA#2, AA#5, BULLSEYE, POWER PISTOL, BE-86, HP-38, TIGHTGROUP, CFE-PISTOL with the 2 bullets I have on hand for comparison, 100gr FRONTIER PLATED RN & 100gr BERRYS PLATED HBRN.

I am not a GRAND MASTER MARKSMAN, but an average shooter, reloader.
I invite you all to share your pet loads, bullets, powders, primers, and data on this thread and welcome any and all comments on the subject of Handloading for the 380auto.

GLOCK G-42 owners, GREAT reloading information as well as fixing problems for G-42 at these links:

OP Artofgolf - Handloading for the Glock 42
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=759187
OP Artofgolf - Handloading for the Glock 42 PartII
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=760320
OP Artofgolf - Handloading for the Glock 42 PartIII
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=760659
OP mstreddy - Handloading for the Glock 42 PartIV
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=763394

Here is another EXCELLENT Thread source for data using Alliant BE-86 powder.
In this thread many members of THR experienced in reloading
are engaged in ongoing development of safe BE-86 data for MANY pistol cartridges, with input from Paul, a rep. from Alliant Reloading:

OP tightgroup tiger - BE-86
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=760289

Other threads may be found through search engine.

So, these are my opinions, using my gun, working up 380auto loads for moderate recoil and accuracy.Your Mileage May Very :uhoh:

So, lets get this thread going already! :D

AA#2 for the bullets in this test = START 2.7gr, MAX 3.2gr according to Accurate Powders Load data:
http://www.accuratepowder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/WP_LoadSpec_1-23-14.pdf

Basic info: Using the format began by Artofgolf, mstreddy, bds, and many other contributors of load data, here are the guidelines I will be using: 7 yards, standing, open sights, no pistol rest, target has 1/2" grid lines, 5 rounds at each powder weight.
I will be shooting a BERSA FIRESTORM 380 with 3 1/2" barrel for all range work.

Below Left: AA#2 2.8gr, CCI, mixed brass, OAL 0.975" Using 100gr FRONTIER PLATED RN, Start load, Mod.recoil, Fair Accy, Group 2.0" W/Flyer, 1.75" WO/Flyer
Below Right: 04A_AA#2_2.8gr, CCI, mixed brass, OAL 0.975" Using 100gr BERRYS PLATED HBRN, Start load, Mod.recoil, Fair Accy, Group 1.75"
28_AA2_front_berry_zps18e0f382.gif

Below Left: AA#2_3.0gr, CCI, mixed brass, OAL 0.975" Using 100gr FRONTIER PLATED RN, Mod.recoil, Fair/Good Accy, Group 2.0" W/FLYER, 1.25" WO/Flyer
Below Right: AA#2_3.0gr, CCI, mixed brass, OAL 0.975" Using 100gr BERRYS PLATED HBRN, Mod.recoil, Fair Accy, Group 1.75"
Note: My previous "go to" load for 380auto, good accuracy
30AA2_front_berry_zps9cedd57b.gif

Below Left: AA#2_3.2gr, CCI, mixed brass, OAL 0.975" Using 100gr FRONTIER PLATED RN, Mod.recoil, Fair/Good Accy, Group 2.5" W/Flyer, 1.5" WO/Flyer
Below Right: AA#2_3.2gr, CCI, mixed brass, OAL 0.975" Using 100gr BERRYS PLATED HBRN, Mod.recoil, Poor Accy, Group 2.5"
32AA2_front_berry_zpsca30db4f.gif

Next will be for AA#5 as soon as I get my data ready to post.
 
Last edited:
whose cases are you using, jd?

nice start to a fine write-up, by the way.

murf

forget it, i just saw the "mixed cases" in your post. still interested in your results, though.
 
Last edited:
Just a suggestion as I know how much time and effort go into this kinds of tests. Just to remove one of the variables, perhaps try and use all the same brand of brass. I do not sort my brass for regular range ammo but in trying to determine accuracy take as many variables out off the mix if you can. Also may want to shoot with hands on a rest.
 
Rule3 said:
Just a suggestion as I know how much time and effort go into this kinds of tests. Just to remove one of the variables, perhaps try and use all the same brand of brass. I do not sort my brass for regular range ammo but in trying to determine accuracy take as many variables out off the mix if you can. Also may want to shoot with hands on a rest.
Click to expand...
I appreciate your suggestion, on those loads I decide to develop further, I will sort to same headstamp brass.
All the brass used for these load tests were sorted to 0.673" +/- 0.001" case length.
In future load development I will sort to headstamp (just hope I have enough of one headstamp to run full series otherwise will have to reload brass used in first part of series).
Don't have a pistol rest yet, but have 1 on wish list!
 
Yes a makeshift rest will let you group some better I bet;) good suggestion! I use a pile of towels two pillows I was using memory foam do not! My loads for the g42 are warm 100g. EXTRM F.P.'s W/W231 B.E. and short! Been waiting on the berbs. HBRN 100 grainers cause after 95g. M.G,'s I have to get back on them I have 500 to load.
 
You can use a range bag, towels, old pillow, sand bag anything like that. No need to buy anything.
 
Very interested in your results.

Since you have Power Pistol in the lineup, my pet load is PP 3.5gn behind Xtreme 100gn RNFP. Reduced recoil for my wife's plinking loads.
 
I haven't come up with an accurate 380 load yet and Im starting to wonder if one exists. Good luck though!
 
Another vote for using the same head stamp, I find the variations affect case tension on the bullet. Also when developing a load I try to use cases that have been reloaded the same number of times.
I reload for 9x18 makarov, a lot of the brass I use is trimmed 9x19, I do plan to reload .380acp but most of brass I have is mixed head stamps :(
I look forward to seeing more of your results, the first powder I'll try for 380acp will be W-231 with Extreme's 100gr plated FP this is my favorite powder I've tried for the 9x18 Mak.
 
Last edited:
Jell-Dog,

Excellent write-up. I like how you have defined the accuracy standard that you will be using/following. Nice touch. I think I'll borrow it for my next write-up.
OK, now I have to complete the next installment on the Glock series.

Your quest to find a pleasant load for your wife to shoot is something like my venture into loading for the 380 in the first place. I wanted to enjoy shooting my LCP without the associated snappiness inherent in the caliber. That made it so much fun, that I know own 4 380 pistols. And, it's still fun.

Now, not to be contrarian -- but it's a 380, brass is rare compared to 9MM. Amassing one headstamp for serious testing is probably difficult. It's being shot out of a pocket pistol, not a target/match gun. I think that offhand and even mixed brass will give us a fair representation of what we (the shooter) can do with these little mouse guns. But of course, this is just IMHO and of course YMMV!
 
A .380 isn't exactly a fine target pistol. For self defense anything inside a 6" circle at 20 feet should do, for me anyway. But I'm always looking for better accuracy as I shoot my G42 in GSSF matches. My friends accuracy is much better than mine with the same load. Practice is the key. My favorite powder for the .380 is W231.
 
Last edited:
Back when I loaded the .380, I had four, maybe five, pistol powders. I used W-231, and then AA #2. Both worked well enough for me back then. Shooting groups with a Colt Mustang wasn't easy. At least not for me. I lost interest in the .380 as a carry gun and range pistol, preferring the .32 for both.

The new Browning .380 mini 1911 is very interesting though.
 
I did a pretty extensive testing experiment with AA#5 and 95 grain Hunters Supply lead hollow points. My father requested that I load him some for his Ruger LCP.

I will have to ask if he has the targets I shot still.

I ended up settling on 4.3 grains of AA#5. I seated them out a little longer than most would and found the best accuracy and function at that OAL and charge weight.

I should add that the AA#5 is relatively low flash too.
E42B27E0-D52C-4C9B-BBA4-48F3FB3D1ED4.jpg
 
Toprudder said:
Very interested in your results.

Since you have Power Pistol in the lineup, my pet load is PP 3.5gn behind Xtreme 100gn RNFP. Reduced recoil for my wife's plinking loads.
Click to expand...

Toprudder,
Now that data is timely!!:D
I just ordered some X-Treme 100gn RNFP's on Friday, January 9th:what:
Thank you!!
jell-dog
 
ljnowell said:
I did a pretty extensive testing experiment with AA#5 and 95 grain Hunters Supply lead hollow points. My father requested that I load him some for his Ruger LCP.

I will have to ask if he has the targets I shot still.

I ended up settling on 4.3 grains of AA#5. I seated them out a little longer than most would and found the best accuracy and function at that OAL and charge weight.

I should add that the AA#5 is relatively low flash too.
E42B27E0-D52C-4C9B-BBA4-48F3FB3D1ED4.jpg
Click to expand...

ljnowell,
Interesting, I hadn't considered lead bullets, however, I may try some.
Be assured that all "pet load" or other data shared on this thread will be recorded in my loading log book.
That way, I will be able to have the data at hand when I get the described components.
Thank you!
jell-dog
 
1. If you want accuracy comparison without prior practice and present conditions effects, learn to shoot from a rest. Preferably at greater range than seven yards.

2. I think eight powders and two similar cheap bullets is backwards. Get some Sierra and/or Hornady hollowpoints.
 
jell-dog said:
.....This is the sharing of information I was hoping for when I decided to start this thread! jell-dog
Click to expand...
Hey jell-dog, it appears your testing is in full-swing :) Looks like you put a lot of time & effort on your postings ~ good job!
 
Last edited:
And round ball 380 to be used W/FCD! .380 PICO fun time? Favorites J.Dog thank u sir.
 
My results for AA#5 powder.

Basic info: Here are the guidelines I will be using: 7 yards, standing, open sights, no pistol rest, target has 1/2" grid lines, 5 rounds at each powder weight.
I will be shooting a BERSA FIRESTORM 380 with 3 1/2" barrel for all range work, using the 2 bullets I have on hand:100gr FRONTIER PLATED RN & 100gr BERRYS PLATED HBRN.

My definition of Good Accy is 1.5" group or less.
My definition of Fair Accy is over 1.5" group up to 1.75" group.
My definition of Poor Accy is is over 1.75" group.
My definition of Flyers is shooter error, not holding steady on target, so I will give my opinions on accuracy based on best of 4 out of 5 shots where there are obvious Flyers outside the group.

AA#5 load data Start 4.2gr to 5.1gr according to Accurate Powders Load data:
http://www.accuratepowder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/WP_LoadSpec_1-23-14.pdf

There is room to load and test at higher powder weights as I only went to 4.6gr and published MAX is 5.1gr for plated 100gr bullets in 380auto.

Below Left: AA#5_4.2gr, CCI, mixed brass, OAL 0.975" Using 100gr FRONTIER PLATED RN, Start load, Mod.recoil, Poor Accy, Group 3.5" W/Flyer, 2.5" WO/Flyer
Below Right: AA#5_4.2gr, CCI, mixed brass, OAL 0.975" Using 100gr BERRYS PLATED HBRN, Start load, Mod.recoil, Poor Accy, Group 3.5" W/Flyer, 2.25" WO/Flyer
42_AA5_front_berry_zpsfb12c318.gif


Below Left: 4.4gr, CCI, mixed brass, OAL 0.975" Using 100gr FRONTIER PLATED RN, Mod.recoil, Fair/Good Accy, Group 1.75" W/Flyer, 0.75" WO/Flyer
Note: W/O flyer, this is an accurate load
Below Right: 4.4gr, CCI, mixed brass, OAL 0.975" Using 100gr BERRYS PLATED HBRN, Mod.recoil, Good Accy, Group 2.25" W/Flyer, 0.75" WO/Flyer
44_AA5_front_berry_zps138a3725.gif


Below Left: 4.6gr, CCI, mixed brass, OAL 0.975" Using 100gr FRONTIER PLATED RN, Sligthly Snappy recoil, Poor Accy, Group 2.25" W/Both Flyers
Below Right: 4.6gr, CCI, mixed brass, OAL 0.975" Using 100gr BERRYS PLATED HBRN, Snapy recoil, Poor Accy, Group 3.0"
46_AA5_front_berry_zps771d6a83.gif

Next time I will be sharing results with BULLSEYE powder.:D
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

ssyoumans
  • Locked
Question for 380 reloaders...
Replies
11
Views
1K
RandyP
R
LiveLife
  • Locked
380Auto X-Treme 100 gr RNFP Range Test
Replies
20
Views
6K
Conservidave
C
D
  • Locked
Loading 380 Help
Replies
3
Views
646
DDawg
D
E
  • Locked
Can you use handloads in MP5 clone?
Replies
7
Views
658
nettlle
nettlle
mstreddy
  • Locked
Handloading for the Glock 42 - Part IV
2 3 4 5 6 7
Replies
154
Views
13K
Mad Chemist
M
Back
Top