Handloading 380auto for Accuracy

Status
Not open for further replies.
PH,
I'll admit, while working up the data for this thread, I shoot 10/15 factoy 380 rounds at beginning of range session to get "settled" into the Bersa, then I start my "test" rounds for my data.
End range session shooting my Sig M11-A1 9mm with proven handloads to relax.
After all, a range session shouldn't be all about testing!:neener:
jell-dog
 
mstreddy said:
....Your Wharf Rat series is what lead me to work up for my own Rat and pay attention to the differences. It truly is a different pistol and what got me by in all others just won't work there. Well, that's why we reload, ain't it?
Click to expand...

Right on the money, MstrEddy! ;) I used your suggestion & bought a set of decal grips; covered those with a Hogue slip-on made of black rubber. Much better now that I have something to firmly grip on the mouse.

I'm going to break-out some N-320 for my next 100g HBRN batch, as I think that particular bullet is going to wind-up in the Hall-Of-Fame for 380 Auto recipes :D

Here's a previous post with old VV data: http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=202248&d=1409579654
 
I dream about being in the 380 hall of fame AoG...and I'll be sure I thank you guys and give a shout out to youze guys' threads in my acceptance speech...On a serious note, i wish I could get my hands on some of that 320.
 
Potatohead said:
I dream about being in the 380 hall of fame AoG...and I'll be sure I thank you guys and give a shout out to youze guys' threads in my acceptance speech...On a serious note, i wish I could get my hands on some of that 320.
Click to expand...
I got some.
 
My 4 pounder of N320 is getting low. I did jump on a four pounder of N340 & 3N37 when it showed up though.

These 90 Gr Sierras are on sale. Reckin' they would work in .380? I am tempted to pick some up for 9MM. I recently tried some Remington 88 Gr JHPs from old in 9MM with 3N37 and Silhouette, and they were fun and shot well. Like a little laser.
 
Walkalong said:
My 4 pounder of N320 is getting low. I did jump on a four pounder of N340 & 3N37 when it showed up though.

These 90 Gr Sierras are on sale. Reckin' they would work in .380? I am tempted to pick some up for 9MM. I recently tried some Remington 88 Gr JHPs from old in 9MM with 3N37 and Silhouette, and they were fun and shot well. Like a little laser.
Click to expand...

We Love little lazerz!!:what:
 
Tater,
That is some serious 'Xperimenting there.

OK, Here's what I'll "suggest" given your powders and bullets. If you have the HP38 and the Berry's 100gr RN try those at 2.8-3.1gr at .976". Some of my best groups with my P238 1" and Less at 7 yards has been with that combo.
And yes, the slower powders will not work reliably unless you bump up a lot. My buddy is having the same issue with the 4756, not reliably cycling his P238. I told him to keep shooting them in his Beretta 84, they work better there.

And I agree, range time is much more than testing. I usually shoot some of the test loads, shoot some fun loads, other guns/calibers, maybe test some more. I think I'm going to try JD's idea of some shots to loosen up and then test.
 
For those asking "where did you get your load data?"

PUBLISHED SOURCES FOR MY LOAD DATA

SPEER RELOADING MANUAL #11 (1987) Page# 382 to 384
Data for Speer 100 gr TMJ 380 auto Bullet
BULLSEYE********* START 2.6gr to MAX 2.8gr***0.984" COL(SAMMI)(DOES NOT LIST MIN COL)
HP-38************ START 2.9gr to MAX 3.1gr***0.984" COL(SAMMI)(DOES NOT LIST MIN COL)

SPEER RELOADING MANUAL #14 (6th Printing 2013)
NO DATA SHOWN FOR 100gr 380auto BULLETS

HORNADY HAND BOOK of CARTRIDGE RELOADING 9th EDITION (2012) Page# 768
Data for 100gr FMJ/RN 380 auto Bullet
TITEGROUP******** START 2.3gr to MAX 3.0gr***MIN 0.980" COL
BULLSEYE********* START 2.3gr to MAX 3.1gr***MIN 0.980" COL
AA#2************ START 2.5gr to MAX 3.2gr***MIN 0.980" COL
HP-38************ START 2.5gr to MAX 3.3gr***MIN 0.980" COL
POWER PISTOL***** START 3.0gr to MAX 4.4gr***MIN 0.980" COL

MODERN RELOADING 2nd EDITION by Richard Lee (2013 Printing) Page# 514
Data for 100gr FMJ 380 auto Bullet
TITEGROUP******** START 2.6gr to MAX 3.0gr***MIN 0.980" COL
HP-38************ START 2.9gr to MAX 3.1gr***MIN 0.980" COL

HODGDON BASIC RELOADING MANUAL (2014) Page# 20
Includes data for HODGDON, IMR & WINCHESTER Powders
ONLY LISTS MAX CHARGE FOR EACH POWDER, REDUCE AT LEAST 10% FOR START LOAD
100gr Hordnay FMJ Bullet
CFE-PISTOL*****MAX 4.0gr***MIN 0.980" COL
HP-38**********MAX 3.1gr***MIN 0.980" COL
TIGHTGROUP****MAX 3.0gr***MIN 0.980" COL

WESTERN POWDERS RELOADING & LOAD DATA GUIDE Edition 5.0
AA#2**100gr BERRY'S HBRN******START 2.8gr to MAX 3.2gr***MIN 0.960" COL
AA#2**100gr RAINIER RN********START 2.7gr to MAX 3.2gr***MIN 0.960" COL
AA#5**100gr BERRY'S HBRN******START 4.3gr to MAX 5.1gr***MIN 0.960" COL
AA#5**100gr RAINIER RN********START 4.2gr to MAX 5.0gr***MIN 0.960" COL

ALLIANT POWDER DATA (Basic Reloading Manual 2004 Printing Page# 43)
ONLY LISTS MAX CHARGE FOR EACH POWDER, REDUCE AT LEAST 10% FOR START LOAD
100gr FMJ/RN 380 auto Bullet
BULLSEYE******MAX 3.3gr***MIN 0.975" COL
POWER PISTOL**MAX 4.6gr***MIN 0.975" COL
(along with other good powders)

LOAD DATA FROM THE INTERNET
CAUTION: The following internet sites include UNPUBLISHED loading data.
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 the information on these websites.

LOAD DATA FROM THR FORUM in Handloading for the Glock 42, PARTS I, II, III, IV:
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

LOAD DATA FROM THR FORUM in BE-86
OP tightgroup tiger - BE-86
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=760289

M.D. SMITH'S RELOADING PAGES:
http://www.reloadammo.com/380auto.htm

STEVE'S RELOADING PAGES:
http://stevespages.com/355p.html

HANDLOADS.COM
http://handloads.com/loaddata/defau...&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source=

I hope this load data information is as helpful to you as it is to me.:D:D
 
BE-86

For those asking "where did you get your load data?":
http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=9769824&postcount=60

My results for BE-86 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.

Below Left: BE-86 3.5gr, CCI, mixed brass, OAL 0.975" Using 100gr FRONTIER PLATED RN, 0.1gr Over Start load, Mild/Moderate recoil, Good Accy, Group 2.0" W/Flyer, 1.5" WO/Flyer
Note: this is the most accurate load I have worked up for the Bersa to date, W/O flyer is equal to accuracy of BULLSEYE 2.8gr Under 100gr FRONTIER PLATED RN BULLET
Below Right: BE-86_3.5gr, CCI, mixed brass, OAL 0.975" Using 100gr BERRYS PLATED HBRN, Start load, Mod. recoil, Poor Accy, Group 3.75"
35_BE-86_front-berry_zps382a3bc5.gif

Below Left: BE-86 3.7gr, CCI, mixed brass, OAL 0.975" Using 100gr FRONTIER PLATED RN, Snapy recoil, Poor/Fair Accy, Group 2.75" W/Flyer, 1.75" WO/Flyer
Below Right: BE-86_3.7gr, CCI, mixed brass, OAL 0.975" Using 100gr BERRYS PLATED HBRN, Mod.Snapy recoil, Poor Accy, Group 4.5"
37_BE-86_front-berry_zps23a47382.gif

Below Left: BE-86 3.9gr, CCI, mixed brass, OAL 0.975" Using 100gr FRONTIER PLATED RN, VERY Snappy recoil, Poor Accy, Group 3.75" W/Flyer, 2.0" WO/Flyer
Note: I will not use this VERY SNAPY load again in my wife's Bursa Firestorm 380.
Below Right: BE-86_3.9gr, CCI, mixed brass, OAL 0.975" Using 100gr BERRYS PLATED HBRN, Mod.Snapy recoil, Good Accy, Group 1.5"
Note: Felt recoil was not as snapy as the same 3.9gr BE-86 powder charge under a 100gr FRONTIER PLATED RN bullet so we will continue to develop this BE-86 load data in my wife's Bersa Firestorm 380.
39_BE-86_front-berry_zps576e9dbb.gif

My next post will be with POWERPISTOL powder:D
 
mstreddy said:
Tater,
That is some serious 'Xperimenting there.

OK, Here's what I'll "suggest" given your powders and bullets. If you have the HP38 and the Berry's 100gr RN try those at 2.8-3.1gr at .976". Some of my best groups with my P238 1" and Less at 7 yards has been with that combo.
And yes, the slower powders will not work reliably unless you bump up a lot. My buddy is having the same issue with the 4756, not reliably cycling his P238. I told him to keep shooting them in his Beretta 84, they work better there.

And I agree, range time is much more than testing. I usually shoot some of the test loads, shoot some fun loads, other guns/calibers, maybe test some more. I think I'm going to try JD's idea of some shots to loosen up and then test.
Click to expand...
I had the same experience with 4756 in the G42. At max it would only stovepipe.
 
More 380 data from arround the web!

CAUTION: The following thread includes posts of non-published loading data testing this and other cartridges. These are posts by others on the internet or other gun realted forums. They contain loading data tested in their guns chambered for 380auto and other calibers.
USE AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Neither the writer, THR members, The High Road, nor the staff of THR assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information.

THR Forum: .380 ACP Powder Recomendations

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=365610

Hodgdon reloading data web site

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=244925

Ranch Dog's Load Notes:

http://www.ranchdogoutdoors.com/bin/TL358100RF/data/loadnotes01.pdf

Shooting Illustrated Article "New Life for the .380 ACP"

http://www.shootingillustrated.com/mobile/article.php?id=20806

Enjoy:D
 
Walkalong said:
My 4 pounder of N320 is getting low. I did jump on a four pounder of N340 & 3N37 when it showed up though.

These 90 Gr Sierras are on sale. Reckin' they would work in .380? I am tempted to pick some up for 9MM. I recently tried some Remington 88 Gr JHPs from old in 9MM with 3N37 and Silhouette, and they were fun and shot well. Like a little laser.
Click to expand...

jell-dog said:
We Love little lazerz!!
Click to expand...

Walkalong said:
Well, I ordered 300 of them.
Click to expand...

(90 Gr Sierras link below)
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/18...box-of-100-bulk-packaged?cm_vc=ProductFinding

jell-dog said:
Well, if they're good enough for Walkalong...... :evil:
Click to expand...

Walkalong said:
They were on sale and are a name brand bullet, what can go wrong? :)
Click to expand...

Walkalong,
Nuttin' CAN go wrong saving $5.80/100 on name brand 90 Gr Sierra bullets!
My comment "Well, if they're good enough for Walkalong...... :evil:" was meaning I ordered a couple hundred to try also, just hoping my order is filled B4 they run out:D
jell-dog
 
Well this thread has motivated me to start loading for 380acp. I sorted some 600 cases which produced 14 different head stamps.
I started with R-P brass and set up my RCBS carbide dies.
I had one Speer case mixed in with the R-P, the Speer case showed a significant bulge from the expander plug the wall thickness was .0011" thicker than the R-P.
 
jell-dog said:
Nuttin' CAN go wrong saving $5.80/100 on name brand 90 Gr Sierra bullets!......jell-dog
Click to expand...

Got that right! Nice combination with the VV N-320 powder also :cool:
Shot a work-up of 30 rounds today ~ 3.5g seemed to perform the best :) from the G-42.
SierraJHP90gN320.jpg (click on image to expand) 7 yards standing
 
joneb said:
Well this thread has motivated me to start loading for 380acp. I sorted some 600 cases which produced 14 different head stamps.
I started with R-P brass and set up my RCBS carbide dies.
I had one Speer case mixed in with the R-P, the Speer case showed a significant bulge from the expander plug the wall thickness was .0011" thicker than the R-P.
Click to expand...
joneb,
Glad you found the thread!
Some SPEER brass has a ring or band to stop bullet setback, a few members noticed the bulging happen when seating bullets.

I have found this band or ring in other headstamps but mostly SPEER.
With good light, you can see it during inspection of brass.
I use a bent wire to feel for it to make sure it's not just a burnt powder ring.

Happy reloading!
jell-dog
 
Artofgolf said:
Got that right! Nice combination with the VV N-320 powder also :cool:
Shot a work-up of 30 rounds today ~ 3.5g seemed to perform the best :) from the G-42.
View attachment 207126(click on image to expand) 7 yards standing
Click to expand...

Artofgolf,
That there is some really nice shootin':what:
Thanks for sharing data and photo!
The photo shows what words cannot, developing load data for your own pistol, taking it to the range and getting results like that.........PRICELESS!!:D
jell-dog
 
Artofgolf said:
Got that right! Nice combination with the VV N-320 powder also :cool:
Shot a work-up of 30 rounds today ~ 3.5g seemed to perform the best :) from the G-42.
View attachment 207126(click on image to expand) 7 yards standing
Click to expand...
I have some N320 but haven't tried it yet. Looks like a very good group. Was it loaded at max, how did it feel?
 
wlkjr said:
I have some N320 but haven't tried it yet. Looks like a very good group. Was it loaded at max, how did it feel?
Click to expand...
Just slightly below max, wlkjr ;) The old VV data had the max. @ 3.6g for N-320 behind 90g XTP's.
Felt great ~ the G-42 can handle virtually anything I've thrown at it :) including 115g HAP's loaded :fire:
What a great pistol.....

jell-dog said:
.... and getting results like that.........PRICELESS!!:D
jell-dog
Click to expand...
Most of the improvement came from bulking-up the grip with wlkjr's & MstrEddy's suggestion :eek:
 
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
649
DDawg
D
E
  • Locked
Can you use handloads in MP5 clone?
Replies
7
Views
661
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