Ranier 95g plated bullets for 380 ACP... need data

[Lone_Gunman]

I cannot find any data for using a plated or lead 95g bullet for 380 ACP. Lee, Speer, Lyman, Hornday books have all been checked. Nothing there. I am looking for loads using Winchester 231.


The closest I could find was a 90g lead bullet in the Lyman book. It gave a max load of 3.5g of W231.

Would it be ok to try 3.2g of W231, or should i start lower?

 

[oneounceload]

I talked to Mr. Berry today at the SHOT show and asked him that very question. His answer was simple - use lead bullet data for his bullets and keep velocities below 1200fps

 

[Walkalong]

Speer #13 start load for jacketed 95 Gr bullets in .380 is 3.5 with a max of 4.0. (945 & 1027 FPS)

So much lead data is limited to target speed loads that it really limits you loading plated bullets if you follow that.

The RCBS Cast Bullet Manual #1 gives a start load of 2.8 Grs of W-231 and a max of 3.3 Grs. (795 & 947 FPS)

It takes more powder to get those velocities with a plated bullet. 3.2 Grs W-231 will be fine, light, but fine to start.

I routinely shoot the Ranier 115 Gr 9MM bullet with max jacketed data.

 

[redintex]

My .02

My .02,

I started out loading 2.7g W231 for .380 - cycled a Walther just fine, but wouldn't cycle the Keltec P3AT. Moving to 2.8g of W231 perfectly cycled the P3AT and is accurate for me. YMMV, but it is perfect for my uses...

redintex

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

al I've ever used in my .380acp either cast or jacketed is Bullseye.
short bbl = fast powder.