Handloading 380auto for Accuracy

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JoneB,
Since you are fairly new at the 380 loads, pay some attention to what BDS, ArtOfGolf, Wlkjr, Jell-Dog, and I have done with the short 9. We may not be "experts", but it's probably easier to follow some of our paths instead of blazing your own.
And, feel free to ask anything.
Ok, Please share your experience loading 380acp with WSF:)
 
Sorry, can't help with WSF. I've only loaded Win231 (HP38) and Promo (Red Dot by weight).
As mentioned earlier - haven't seen ANY data for WSF in 380. Your loading of it is the first I've seen.
I would try to get some Red Dot (Bass Pro had some), Bullseye, or something else.
 
JoneB,
Here is a thought -- NOW -- this is only speculation and I encourage anyone to engage the brain housing group before trying this at home!
According to a burn rate chart at Hodgdon's, WSF (36) sits close to Universal (32) and is faster than AutoComp (43). Now, if I was extrapolating data from one powder to another, I'd pick the Universal as it's faster than the WSF.
Keep in mind that the charts are guidelines and no two published charts agree entirely.
But, for 380, given the small case capacity, the minimal charge weight ranges, I'd stick to published data before going too far off the path.
Of course, as Jell-Dog would say -- YMMV!
 
ArtOfGolf ....Now, you have me nervous to live up to your standard! And, yeah, I ordered some of those Berry's ...

From one gent to another, I appreciate you taking the time & effort to tinker with this concoction.
It's a lot of fun & satisfies the Mad Chemist in all of us ;)
( I have a feeling we're getting close to finding THE LOAD)
 
I don't know about the VVN340, but IMO Blue Dot would be too slow to get good results in the 380. Heck, I don't even like it in 38 Spcl. HS6 is right next to AutoComp on the aforementioned chart but I don't see data for it on Hodgdon's site.
Of interest, the slower powders might be more finicky in the 380. My buddy was using 4756 and he was having all sorts of cycling issues, even at close to the max load.

OK, your question on the other powders made me look up some data. I have a copy of the loadbooks for 380 ACP. It does have Blue Dot and HS6 data, both with standard primers.
PM me your email address if you would like some additional data.


I don't know if using magnum primers would help.
 
mstreddy, I wish I had Power Pistol but I don't, this would likely be the the best powder for my purpose so I am just exploring the options available to me. The days that Elmer Kieth loaded in are long past and I get that but............?
I shot some factory F-C 380acp 95gr FMJ that was erratic the low was 920 fps and the high was 1015 fps out of five rounds and the accuracy sucked. I prefer the load I posted #85 in this thread over the F-C factory :confused:
 
I don't think, IMO, that N-340 is suitable. However, I've had good results with VV N-330 in past tests :)
I have the same LOAD BOOKS for 380 Auto and have been ruminating for quite some time on this line-of-thought.
The pretext & overview from the Lyman load book states "Winchester 231 is an outstanding performer with all weight bullets in the cartridge"

Yep, I think we're close......:D (and we don't need the magnum primers)
 
I'd stick to published data before going too far off the path.
So I am using a Extreme Plated 100gr flat point bullet, with various cases How much PUBLISHED data is there for that?
Think about it, You are guessin to.
 
MORE PUBLISHED 380auto DATA

I just recieved "LYMAN LOAD DATA Complete Reloading Data for: Auto Pistol Calibers" booklet in the mail. (Lyman Item #9780004) Under $6.00 anywhere (unless they wanna gouge you!) Google it, you will not be dissapointed!!

Includes: 380 Auto, 9mm Luger, 40 S&W and 45 ACP

Because the focus of this thread is 380auto, I'll give you a teaser:D

For 380auto it gives data for these jacketed bullets:
Sierra JHC #8100, 90gr
Sierras FMJ #8105, 95gr
Hornady HP/XTP #35540, 115gr

And 380auto data for these Cast bullets:
Lyman #356242, 90gr
Lee #356-102-1R, 102gr
Lyman #356242, 120gr

Lists START/MAX loads and COL using these powder/bullet combinations:

BULLSEYE (90gr JHC, 95gr FMJ, 115gr JHC, 90gr lead RN, 102gr lead RN, 120gr lead RN)

TITEGROUP (90gr JHC, 95gr FMJ, 90gr lead RN, 102gr lead RN)

RED DOT (90gr JHC, 95gr FMJ, 115gr JHC, 90gr lead RN)

700X (90gr JHC, 95gr FMJ, 115gr JHC, 90gr lead RN, 102gr lead RN, 120gr lead RN)

N320 (90gr JHC, 95gr FMJ)

AA#2 (90gr JHC, 95gr FMJ)

W231 (90gr JHC, 95gr FMJ, 115gr JHP, 90gr lead RN, 102gr lead RN, 120gr lead RN)

UNIQUE (90gr JHC, 95gr FMJ, 90gr lead RN, 102gr lead RN, 120gr lead RN)

SR-7625 (90gr JHC, 95gr FMJ, 115gr JHC)

POWER PISTOL (90gr JHC, 95gr FMJ, 115gr JHC, 90gr lead RN)

AA#5 (95gr FMJ)

HS-6 (115gr JHC)

GREEN DOT (90gr lead RN, 120gr lead RN)

AMERICAN SELECT (90gr lead RN)

PB (120gr lead RN)

SR-4756 (90gr lead RN, 102gr lead RN, 120gr RN)

BLUE DOT (90gr lead RN, 120gr RN)

Now I've got more ideas for reloading!!:D:D
 
Jell-dog

I just recieved "LYMAN LOAD DATA Complete Reloading Data for: Auto Pistol Calibers" booklet....Now I've got more ideas for reloading!!:D:D

Good call, jell-dog :cool:

When you get a chance, go to the last sentence on page 31. Looks like W-231 would be a good choice to zero-in :neener:

The better-performing powder for each style/type bullet specified is boldly highlighted in the respective chart.
 
So I am using a Extreme Plated 100gr flat point bullet, with various cases How much PUBLISHED data is there for that?
Think about it, You are guessin to.
Without re-reading the whole thread, what is your goal in what pistol?
 
JoneB
So I am using a Extreme Plated 100gr flat point bullet, with various cases How much PUBLISHED data is there for that?
Think about it, You are guessin to.

Yes, I am guessing, as many of us do --- about the bullets. Not the powder. And I think that is a big difference. Extrapolating or interchanging bullets of similar construction, and within a certain weight range is generally acceptable. That is a large part of this hobby. The bullet we buy may not be the same that data exists for, however using an Xtreme 100 gr RNFP instead of a 100 gr FMJ is not much of a change if you stick to what the bullet manufacturers recommend. Berry's for one recommends using either lead data or low to mid jacketed data. More and more powder and data publishers are covering plated these days.

So, while yes, I'm sort of guessing, it's an educated guess with some industry info to back it up. Going for a totally different powder with no published data for it is a bit different, but that is just my opinion.

So, alas, on some of what you ask -- WSF particularly, I can be of no help to you.

EM
 
Yes, I am guessing, as many of us do
We guess about the case, in this thread I have addressed the variations. We guess sometimes with the primer because we don't have the same listed in the data. And then we guess about the bullet which we have no clue about. Well when you add all this up do you really know what you are doing?
Oh the data, you are not likely following it either:scrutiny:
 
new data

jell-dog said:
I just recieved "LYMAN LOAD DATA Complete Reloading Data for: Auto Pistol Calibers" booklet....Now I've got more ideas for reloading!!

Good call, jell-dog :cool:
When you get a chance, go to the last sentence on page 31. Looks like W-231 would be a good choice to zero-in :neener:

The better-performing powder for each style/type bullet specified is boldly highlighted in the respective chart.

Artofgolf,
Mine was printed in June 2013, so there may be some differences in the text.

Page #28, under "POWDERS" heading: "Where a single or a few specific powders have proven the best possible choices with respect to ballistic uniformity, we have identified these loads as "accuracy loads".".

IMA THINKIN' DAT would mean the Boldly Highlighted data for each bullet type/weight/powder combo they think will be accurate:)

For Bullseye under a 90gr JHC (JHP?), I show 2.0 Start/2.9Max COL 0.925" as being highlighted.

Last sentence page #31, "Winchester 231 is an outstanding performer with all weight bullets in this cartridge".
YA, I AINT GOT NO W231, but here I sit with a couple pounds of HP-38:evil:

Oh ya, one thing I have learned through my reloading for this thread, COL is important!!:what:

I used a COL that was convenient, 0.975" to cut down on reloading time and re-adjusting my seating depth for every powder.
Not the sign of an experienced reloader looking for accurate loads :uhoh:
I'm only an adequate reloader, but that's about to change:cool:

I don't feel I gave the best information out on this thread that I could have:mad:
Or the performance/data THR members were expecting:cuss:

I used a safe COL that is longer than any minimum COL listed for the bullet/powder combinations I used, but that may not have given me the performance/accuracy I was looking for.

Lucky for me, experienced reloaders have chimed in with GREAT advice and suggestions.:D

The next batch is going to be what the THR members were looking for when they started to follow this thread.

So, I have a whole new outlook on Handloading 380auto for Accuracy, and a new set of data I am working on, almost ready to reload with, where I will be focusing on those powders that showed a possibility of better accuracy.

Also, this time I will pay attention to COL as well as Start & Max powder charges, along with all the other little things that go into an accurate set of data.

And I have more of a selection of bullets :scrutiny: for these new tests.

I'm thinking "Handloading 380 for Accuracy Part REDUX" for the next round of 380auto data.:neener:

jell-dog
 
All very interesting.
I think I will get some Berry's 100 gr, FB or HB I have not decided.
I'll have to think of something else to get me up to $75, I would have a hard time shooting 1000 .380s., even though I just had fibre optic sights put on mine.

And mine will get HP38 which is all I have ever put in the caliber.
 
from the Lyman load book states "Winchester 231 is an outstanding performer with all weight bullets in the cartridge"
Please go back and read post #10 in this thread.
PS
I'm down to a 1/2 lb of 231, it has not been on the shelves here for over four years. I am reluctant to burn the last of my 231 for 380acp as I would rather burn it in 38spl, so here I am using powders I'd rather not use.
 
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I have a bit more, not a lot. But I only have 110 sized and primed .380 cases; most picked up inadvertently along with 9mm P. I was surprised at the number of cracked case mouths when I sized them.
 
Lookin' for 380 data

Please go back and read post #10 in this thread.
PS
I'm down to a 1/2 lb of 231, it has not been on the shelves here for over four years. I am reluctant to burn the last of my 231 for 380acp as I would rather burn it in 38spl, so here I am using powders I'd rather not use.

Quoting you from Post #10:
joneb said:
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. .

joneb,

W231 is the same as HP-38, but you probably know that.

The "LYMAN LOAD DATA Complete Reloading Data for: Auto Pistol Calibers" booklet:
Lists W231 @ Start 2.6gr to Max 2.9 0.960 COL.
I just received this booklet with this information today, Jan 24th, 2015.

Also, on page #31 Lyman states: Heavy (long) bullets of 0.355" diameter may causecase bulging due to the internal case taper. This may be ignored so long as the outside diameter of the case at the bulge does not exceed 0.374".

As for W231 powder, Lyman states: "Winchester 231 is an outstanding performer with all weight bullets in this cartridge".

Another quote from their booklet: "We have used powders that were generally popular at the time the specific testing was conducted. Not every powder was shot for this edition." (Top of page #28)

This booklet was first printed in October of 2011, and some new powders have arrived on scene since then.
I personally like trying new powders, working up data, and learning from those that are also working with a new powder.
Usually a reloading buddy and I will split a new pound of powder to try it out.
If it doesn't live up to expectations, I seal it tightly, put it on the back shelf but still watch for new data related to that powder.

Thanks to some reloading friends, I have at least 1/2 pound of each of the powders I am using for this data search.
Are they ALL going to be "outstanding performers"?
NOPE.
But you just never know until you try.

Just like your search for a safe and effective load for 380auto with WSF.
Ya just don't know till ya try.
In a safe and responsible manner of course.
And that is what the experienced reloaders on THR are trying to do, give you advice on your chosen components with your safety foremost in their minds.

CAUTION: The following links include posts of published and non-published loading data testing in this and other cartridges. These are posts by others on the internet or other gun related forum threads. They contain loading data tested in their guns chambered for 380auto and other calibers. The published data can be found on the manufacturers web sites.
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.


So, here is some data, published and from the internet, that may help you reach your goal:

DR SMITH'S RELOADING PAGES:
100 grain Hornady FMJ (Full metal jacket) o.980"COL
HP38/W231 2.5 gr. 712
HP38/W231 3.1 gr. 843 (MAX)
http://www.reloadammo.com/380auto.htm

NOSLER 380 Auto (ACP) Load Data
http://www.nosler.com/nosler-load-data/380-auto-acp/

BERRY'S LOAD DATA:
http://www.berrysmfg.com/faq-q9-c1-H...d_Bullets.aspx

X-TREME LOAD DATA:
http://www.xtremebullets.com/Bullet-...nfo-s/1952.htm

LEE PRECISION INSTRUCTION INCERT
for 380auto carbide die set, SUGGESTED load data:
100gr jacket bullet
HP-38/W231= START 2.9gr MAX 3.2gr COL 0.970"

HODGDON ONLINE LOAD DATA
100 GR. HDY FMJ
Winchester 231 Start 2.9gr/Max 3.1gr COL .980"
Hodgdon HP-38 Start 2.9gr/Max 3.1gr COL .980"

HANDLOADS.COM 380 DATA:
http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/de...Powder&Source=

STEVE'S RELOADING PAGES 380
http://stevespages.com/355p_3_100.html

I hope you find something here that you can use.:D:D
Regards
 
Joneb, yes, there are case variations, those may affect consistency and thus accuracy. Using a different primer may necessitate a workup for finding the optimal accuracy node. But, this is what reloading is about as Jell-Dog is demonstrating in this thread.

In general I don't sort brass for autoloading pistols, 380 included. But, that is only what works for me and it suits me.

Again, none of what I have worked up for 380, which has been limited to W231 and Promo, will be of any help to you.
 
Titegroup

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

My results for TITEGROUP 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: TITEGROUP_2.5gr, CCI, mixed brass, OAL 0.975" Using 100gr FRONTIER PLATED RN, Start load, Mod.recoil, Good Accy, Group 2.0" W/Flyer, 1.25" WO/Flyer
Below Right: TITEGROUP_2.5gr, CCI, mixed brass, OAL 0.975" Using 100gr BERRYS PLATED HBRN, Start load, Mod.recoil, Poor/Fair Accy, Group 3.75" W/Flyer, 1.75" WO/Flyer
25_TITEGROUP_front-berry_zpse3ec66cc.gif

Below Left: TITEGROUP_2.7gr, CCI, mixed brass, OAL 0.975" Using 100gr FRONTIER PLATED RN, Mod.Snapy recoil, Poor Accy, Group 4.0" W/Flyer, 2.25" WO/Flyer
Below Right: TITEGROUP_2.7gr, CCI, mixed brass, OAL 0.975" Using 100gr BERRYS PLATED HBRN, Mod.recoil, Poor Accy, Group 4.0"
27_TITEGROUP_front-berry_zps1db6353b.gif

Below Left: TITEGROUP_2.9gr, CCI, mixed brass, OAL 0.975" Using 100gr FRONTIER PLATED RN, Snapy recoil, Good Accy, Group 2.5" W/Flyer, 1.25" WO/Flyer
Below Right: TITEGROUP_2.9gr, CCI, mixed brass, OAL 0.975" Using 100gr BERRYS PLATED HBRN, Snapy recoil, Poor Accy, Group 3.0" W/Flyer, 2.0" WO/Flyer
29_TITEGROUP_front-berry_zps3c62a7aa.gif

My next/LAST load data post with photos will be with CFE-PISTOL powder:D
(until I can get to the range with different profile bullets and load data:what:)
 
Even more 380 data from around the web

CAUTION: The following links include posts of non-published loading data testing this and other cartridges. These are posts by others on the internet or other gun realted forum threads. 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: .380ACP relation btwn felt recoil and FPS

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=519797

steve's reloading pages: .355 Caliber

http://stevespages.com/355p.html

XDTalk.com/forum: 380 auto reloads

http://www.xdtalk.com/threads/380-auto-reloads.195339/

Hope a load found here will be your new "go to" load:confused:
 
Jell-dog, that is a lot of good information. I really like the fact that you listed the Basic info and your definition of accuracy. Too often that info is not given and it is harder to make a good comparison. For those of us with a G42, only the upper end of the loads will work for us, period. I appreciate the time and effort to list in detail your documented results. There should be something in this thread that most all of us can use. Keep up the good work. Makes me want to send you one of our G42s for you to test.
 
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