1st loading of cast in 380

kmw1954 · July 19, 2019, 09:31 PM

The urge to cast lead bullets has struck again and I was lucky enough to find a caster on one of the forums that sent me a bunch of cast Lee 356-102-R1 that he had to try out.

At this time I have 35 loaded to test using AA#2, A starting load at 2.8gr and a load at 3.0gr So will see how these perform come Sunday in both the Witness 380 and the EZ380.

gwpercle · July 20, 2019, 05:42 AM

Good Luck !
Gary

kmw1954 · July 22, 2019, 12:25 PM

Quick range report.

1st off like a dope I left the magazine for the Pavona on the loading bench where I left it when I was plunk testing these loads. So I didn't get try these in the Pavona.

The EZ380 seemed to like these well enough other than the ones I had loaded long, .970". So I will be loading more and may try some HP-38 or Silhouette.

Unique · July 23, 2019, 10:22 AM

Good luck.
I’m fixing to try my hand at 380 also but I’m gonna use Rainier plated bullets.

kmw1954 · July 23, 2019, 12:58 PM

Unique, I've been loading 380 for quite a while, mostly using 100gr Xtreme plated and some Berry's 100gr plated. Now doing this to try and determine if I want to try my hand at casting.

markr6754 · July 23, 2019, 11:06 PM

I bought 1k of 95gr JHP from Everglades Ammo. This is a sweet projectile! Sadly, I tried it in 9mm and discovered all my pistols and all my son’s pistols loved this round...so I’m nearly out and have barely tried it in .380ACP.

What I have loaded in .380 ACP, my Bersa Thunder 380 and my Springfield 911 have also loved it. Waiting for a new billing cycle on my AMEX card so I can order more...and I’ll spring for 2k this time.

I’ve used HP-38 and Silhouette in 380, and these plus VV 3N37 in 9mm. No issues at all.

kmw1954 · July 24, 2019, 12:05 PM

In todays mail I received a few more sample bullets to try sent by another generous member.

Today what I received some powder coated Lee TL 356-95-RF and some powder coated 356 102-1R... Looking forward to experimenting with these little bullets.

David R · July 24, 2019, 12:14 PM

I load about 1,000 380 per year for my wife to practice with. I have used Missouri cast, Berrys plated and my frined poured me a bunch of 102 grain flat nose ranch dog. Last batch I ordered were Brazos coated round nose. Best price by far. Have not loaded them yet. Wife has to empty more brass first.

I knock em out on the dillon. Its the only caliber I do not sort brass.

David

Sent from my SM-T900 using Tapatalk

July 19, 2019, 09:31 PM	#1
kmw1954 Senior Member Join Date: June 11, 2016 Location: SE Wisconsin Posts: 1,524	1st loading of cast in 380 The urge to cast lead bullets has struck again and I was lucky enough to find a caster on one of the forums that sent me a bunch of cast Lee 356-102-R1 that he had to try out. At this time I have 35 loaded to test using AA#2, A starting load at 2.8gr and a load at 3.0gr So will see how these perform come Sunday in both the Witness 380 and the EZ380.

July 20, 2019, 05:42 AM	#2
gwpercle Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2012 Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana Posts: 1,752	Good Luck ! Gary

July 22, 2019, 12:25 PM	#3
kmw1954 Senior Member Join Date: June 11, 2016 Location: SE Wisconsin Posts: 1,524	Quick range report. 1st off like a dope I left the magazine for the Pavona on the loading bench where I left it when I was plunk testing these loads. So I didn't get try these in the Pavona. The EZ380 seemed to like these well enough other than the ones I had loaded long, .970". So I will be loading more and may try some HP-38 or Silhouette.

July 23, 2019, 10:22 AM	#4
Unique Member Join Date: May 22, 2017 Location: Central Texas Posts: 67	Good luck. I’m fixing to try my hand at 380 also but I’m gonna use Rainier plated bullets.

July 23, 2019, 12:58 PM	#5
kmw1954 Senior Member Join Date: June 11, 2016 Location: SE Wisconsin Posts: 1,524	Unique, I've been loading 380 for quite a while, mostly using 100gr Xtreme plated and some Berry's 100gr plated. Now doing this to try and determine if I want to try my hand at casting.

July 23, 2019, 11:06 PM	#6
markr6754 Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2018 Location: Centerville, OH Posts: 347	I bought 1k of 95gr JHP from Everglades Ammo. This is a sweet projectile! Sadly, I tried it in 9mm and discovered all my pistols and all my son’s pistols loved this round...so I’m nearly out and have barely tried it in .380ACP. What I have loaded in .380 ACP, my Bersa Thunder 380 and my Springfield 911 have also loved it. Waiting for a new billing cycle on my AMEX card so I can order more...and I’ll spring for 2k this time. I’ve used HP-38 and Silhouette in 380, and these plus VV 3N37 in 9mm. No issues at all.

July 24, 2019, 12:05 PM	#7
kmw1954 Senior Member Join Date: June 11, 2016 Location: SE Wisconsin Posts: 1,524	In todays mail I received a few more sample bullets to try sent by another generous member. Today what I received some powder coated Lee TL 356-95-RF and some powder coated 356 102-1R... Looking forward to experimenting with these little bullets.

July 24, 2019, 12:14 PM	#8
David R Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2015 Location: The swamps of WNY Posts: 753	I load about 1,000 380 per year for my wife to practice with. I have used Missouri cast, Berrys plated and my frined poured me a bunch of 102 grain flat nose ranch dog. Last batch I ordered were Brazos coated round nose. Best price by far. Have not loaded them yet. Wife has to empty more brass first. I knock em out on the dillon. Its the only caliber I do not sort brass. David Sent from my SM-T900 using Tapatalk