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Old June 22, 2001, 10:37 AM   #1
bullet44
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380 cal/loads, suggestions

Just started loading for the 380, anyone suggest
some loads.?
I like Berry bullets but notice they only carry
100gr for the 380.Any advantage to hollow base
bullets in 380.?
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Old June 22, 2001, 11:35 AM   #2
JohnK
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I like 90gr FMJ or hard cast over 3.5gr of HP38. That load is accurate and gives me ~970fps from a Taurus PT58.

The only caliber/load that seems to have any reason to use hollow base bullets is the 38 special with ultra light target loads using the hollow base wadcutter. With the 380 you're dealing with such a short case and short OAL cartridge I don't see any advantage to using a hollow base bullet.
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Old June 22, 2001, 02:19 PM   #3
Johnny Guest
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Hollow Base Handgun Bullets

JohnK---

I must respecctfully differ, sir--
In writing a response, i realized it was getting long winded, and pretty off subject regarding .380 ACP, so I started another topic in this forum, under (what else?) Hollow Base Handgun Bullets.

Best,
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Old June 22, 2001, 08:55 PM   #4
Peter M. Eick
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My favorite 380 load is 4 grns of Unique with a remington 88 jhp loaded to .984, starline brass and cci500 primers. One of the very few loads I have memorized. Keep in mind it is toward the top end (not passed book max for sierra or speer or alliant). Anyway it hurts in the ppk, is mild in the md84 and a pussycat in the colt380's.
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Old June 23, 2001, 02:38 AM   #5
George Helser
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bullet44,

What is the purpose of your .380 loads?

Regards,
George
In sunny Arizona
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Old June 23, 2001, 03:51 AM   #6
blades67
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I like the 90 grain Gold Dot over HP-38. I don't load, or shoot, much .380 ACP, just enough to stay proficient with my Mustangs, so the higher priced Gold Dot bullets are worth the money. If I were to get a Beretta 84 or 85 I would probably use the Speer 90 grain FMJ for the most part.
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Old June 23, 2001, 07:11 AM   #7
bullet44
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Purpose of the loads are at this point mostly
plinking/target shooting. I like Berry bullets
but in 380 the selection is limited 100gr flat
base round nose or 100gr hollow base round nose.
I thought the 100 gr was a little large for the 380.?
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Old June 23, 2001, 09:22 AM   #8
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100gr is certainly about at the top of the weight range for the 380 but not to heavy by any means. I've loaded up 115gr JHP's in the 380 in the past. It doesn't leave a lot of room for powder, but you can do it.
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Old June 24, 2001, 08:54 PM   #9
tonyz
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380

One of my favorite loads is 100Gr West Coast RN, over 3.2Gr Universal Clays.

Tony
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