Anyone reloading 380auto?

[garyb]

Thought I'd ask, even though the answer will probably be a negative. If no responses...no problem. I'm thinking about picking up some dies for my wife's Bodyguard after deer season. I'll be getting my Knee replaced (old martial arts injuries) the end of this year and will have time between therapy to do some reloading. I have all the recipes in the manuals, but figured I'd hear first from those that do 380...maybe learn some things you may have discovered. We got a bucket full of spent brass to get started on and only about 500 rounds remaining in her to-be-shot inventory. Thanks.

[Longitude Zero]

In my experience of over 45 years shooting/reloading the smaller calibers like 380 are the MOST FINICKY when it comes to ammo. The hassle is not worth it to me so in 380 I only use factory fresh ammo.

[garyb]

I kind of wondered about that. I'll have to compare the price of ammo with what I need to reload and figure out if it's worth the finicking. Thanks Longitude.

[downtownv]

That's the main reason why i never bought a 380. The reloading factor...

[garyb]

I hear ya. I may still give it a try. Need to do a little research first. The post is the first step. Will check some prices out. Not in any hurry just yet.

[kwh]

Reloaded for my Walther PP 45 years ago with the old Lee die set that used a hammer instead of a press. Used Red Dot powder the best I can remember. No particular problems.

[Ikeo74]

I reload 380 and it is easy and well worth the time and effort. I do mine on a single stage press. 380 load as easy as 9mm Lugar. I don'r have my load data handy but I can get it and give you some suggestions in bullets and powder.

[BEARDOG]

I reload for .380, its not any harder to reload then any other pistol cartridge.

I pretty much had to reload for my LCP when they came out .380 was very hard to buy.

Don't know exactly what info your looking for but...

I use Lee dies, finishing with their factory crimp die.

I use Missouri bullet 95 gr. HC round nose for inexpensive target practice.
http://www.missouribullet.com/result...5&secondary=27

I also bought 500 102 gr Remington golden saber bullets from Midway. That way I can make close copies of my prefered factory loaded carry rd. for practice.

I use Bullseye for both loads.

I also ordered a couple bags of once fired brass (forget from where???)

I have not had to buy any more factory loaded ammo for the LCP since.

I would not see why you would have any trouble reloading .380, I say go for it!

I hope your knee surgery goes well for you! I'm afraid I am headed for the same thing someday.

[Tilos]

Only when I miss one and it gets to the press when I'm loading 9

[wakajawaka]

...380 load as easy as 9mm Lugar....

This ^^^

[Electraclyde]

I have loaded .380 for a Kel-Tek, Ruger LCP, Sig P238 and now a Kahr P380
I load Extreme 100 grain plated over 3.1 grs of Win 231
The only gun that does not like this combo is the Kahr.
If factory target ammo was always avaliable at resonable prices, I would not bother to reload the .380 because I do not shoot that caliber very much.
Right now, no one in my area has ANY factory ammo at all (.380)

[Longitude Zero]

Right now, no one in my area has ANY factory ammo at all (.380)

In my area it is plentiful but not so much with 22LR. That is all but extinct.

[downtownv]

Only when I miss one and it gets to the press when I'm loading 9

Here I thought I was the only dummy!

[muggsy]

I reload .380auto and it is no different than reloading any other pistol cartridge. I run Berry's plated 100 gr RNFB bullets with a 3.5 gr. charge of Power Pistol and CCI small pistol primers. My P380 eats them like a kids eat jelly beans.

[DLButler]

I reload 380 all the time. I am actually waiting for a shipment from Berry's for another 1000. I have probably done in excess of 10000 since I started reloading two years ago. I'm cheap and the reloads are less than factory plus it gives me something to do when I am not shooting.