[kraigster414]

I have had much success reloading for this little gun (but there are things to be careful about) and would be happy to share my load tips and links to equipment. 'Would like to here from other .380 reloaders as well. With the price of factory ammo these days, reloading makes more sense than ever. The nice thing about reloading (besides the cost savings) is that you can develop a very nice range load that is accurate with low recoil - easier on you, easier on the gun. I have such a load with a 95 grain Jacketed Hollow Base bullet (on sale now at Cheyenne Brass) and 3.0 grains of W231 powder. Functions great in my LCP.

Just switched to a Dillon sizing die (radiused at the entry point) and it's much easier to use than my old RCBS .380 sizing die. By the way, the OAL of your reloads in the LCP is critical. Too long and you are going to have a problem with seating in the chamber and/or causing an obstruction in the magazine. The bullet I am using cannot exceed an OAL of .975 (this will vary from bullet to bullet) - if I exceed .975, the cartridge will still seat in the chamber but will snag in the mag. Before heading to the range, you should load a mag with your reloads to make sure they clear in the mag and drop one in the chamber to see if it fully seats (and drops out easily). Not a bad idea either to handcycle a few dummies (no primers or powder).

(And thanks again Camper )

 

[RobR369]

Re: Any LCP Relaoders?

Im afraid to use reloads or even try to reload myself. I hear more horror stories with reloads, than I do sucess stories

 

[Ooben]

Re: Any LCP Relaoders?

Im afraid to use reloads or even try to reload myself. I hear more horror stories with reloads, than I do sucess stories

Respectfully Rob, I think you are missing out on one of the more satisfying aspects of shooting. I find great joy in developing a load that exceeds store bought ammo. And it's not that hard to do. A lot of people talk about the cost savings, which can be substantial, but accuracy is my main goal for handloading. As far as horror stories, it's true, if there isn't a good connection between brain and loading hand , there can be major problems. I was standing next to a joker who double charged a 45 Long Colt in his 1930's Colt SAA. Blew that beautiful old Colt to smithereens, really a sad sight. And I'm not going to mention how I had to go home and unload my shorts after that..... :-[

 

[kraigster414]

Re: Any LCP Relaoders?

Im afraid to use reloads or even try to reload myself. I hear more horror stories with reloads, than I do sucess stories

Rob, Mike and I will make sure you stay safe. LOL. I've been reloading for almost 30 years. Only the occassional idiot runs into problems and you do NOT fall into that category.

 

[camper]

kraigster, I use 3.2 grains of 231 and works in my LCP, Sig 232, and NAA Guardian very well.

Got your PM and not a problem. Could not get past the audio letters so could not get a reply back to you that way. got my hearing blown away a long time ago.

 

[kraigster414]

Big smile back at you Camper. I mean that.

Yes, I have a major problem with those audio letter too but then again my hearing is shot as well. I will pass on to admin (never mind ):

Go into admin's "First Read" Section. He just posted on the audio letters issue.

 

[32Special]

I had posted this info on the Ruger Forum, but others might find it easier here.

A few weeks ago, I was shooting my LCP with some hand loads and some Winchester white box FMJ ammo. I observed that the flash, blast and recoil of my LCP was indistinguishable between the two loads. (I was shooting indoors with reduced light.)

I wanted to pull apart one of the factory rounds to see if the powder looked like Win 231. I finally pulled one a couple of days ago. The powder charge weight bounced between 2.9 and 3.0 grains on my Dillon electronic scale. The powder LOOKS identical to the Win 231 powder currently in the hopper of my Dillon powder measure.

My practice load is 3.0 gr of Win 231 and a 95 grain FMJ bullet. I think this duplicates the factory load.

FWIW to those who are interested in reloading for the LCP.

Finally, ALWAYS VERIFY ANY POSTED LOAD DATA WITH PRESSURE TESTED DATA FROM A RELOADING MANUAL. Anyone could have a typo.

 

[kraigster414]

"Finally, ALWAYS VERIFY ANY POSTED LOAD DATA WITH PRESSURE TESTED DATA FROM A RELOADING MANUAL. Anyone could have a typo."

You better believe it. And that disclaimer should be IMHO at the bottom of every post that includes favorite load data.

Great to have you here 32.

3.0 grains of Win 31 is my .380 charge of choice too with a 95 gr. bullet. Cylces perfectly and is easy on this old body of mine. For the .380 reloaders, here's a good deal on 95 grain Win hollow core bullets. It is what I am currently using. A minor downside is that you have to seat high on the cannelure, if the OAL exceeds .975, you may have a problem in your magazine. In my LCP barrel they seat fine.

http://www.cheyennebrass.com/ammunition_bullets.asp

 

[2gnt97gs]

I just can't justify the cost of reloading for my LCP. Its not a target pistol. I don't plan on using it every time Im at the range. But I do enjoy firing a couple clips at the range just to start conversations at the range.

 

[HowardCohodas]

I just can't justify the cost of reloading for my LCP. Its not a target pistol. I don't plan on using it every time Im at the range. But I do enjoy firing a couple clips at the range just to start conversations at the range.

It is especially with the ladies. But, be prepared to pay for range time used in conversation. ;D

 

[velvalco]

been saving all my brass, i'll be reloading as soon as i can find some dies cheap!

 

[kraigster414]

I don't think you are going to find anything cheaper than the Lee .380 die set (unless you buy used) and you'll need a separate taper crimp die. The Lee dies are fine on a single stage press but if you plan on using something like a Dillon 550b or a Hornady Lock 'n Load, you are much better off with at least a Dillon sizing die - the other dies are not that critical - I have been known to mix and match. The Dillon sizing die is radiused and makes things a lot easier. Worth every penny IMHO.

 

[camper]

Anyone have some good recipes using 231 or Titegroup powder with Berry 100 grain TMJs? I usually use 95 grain rounds, but picked up a thousand 100 grain projectiles for $60.00 a while back. Could not pass them up for that price.

I second the use of the Lee factory crimp die. I use one for all my semi-auto calibers.

 

[Ooben]

Anyone have some good recipes using 231 or Titegroup powder with Berry 100 grain TMJs? I usually use 95 grain rounds, but picked up a thousand 100 grain projectiles for $60.00 a while back. Could not pass them up for that price.

I second the use of the Lee factory crimp die. I use one for all my semi-auto calibers.

Camper, this is out of my Speer manual #12 for Speer's 100 gr JHP #3983,
231
Start- 3.2gr, 844fps
Max- 3.6gr, 922fps

Sorry, but I don't have any info for Titegroup...
Mike

 

[kraigster414]

From Lyman's 48th edition Reloading Handbook -

Using a 100 grain FMJ (would be ok too for the Berry 100 grain but check with Berry on their recommended OAL):

With Titegroup:

Starting load: 2.2 grains (762 FPS MV out of a 3 3/4 in. barrel)

Maximum load: 2.5 grains (859 FPS MV)

Titegroup is a high pressure powder so I'd be very careful that your powder drops are accurate/consistent. For this reason, Titegroup would NOT be my powder of choice. Personally, I would go with WW231 or Unique.

With WW231 and a 100 grain bullet, the Lyman manual shows a starting load of 2.2 grains (693 FPS MV), maximum 3.5 grains (1024 FPS MV)

Note: when any member provides load data, refer to a reputable reloading manual just to make sure, e.g., Speer Lyman, Nosler, Hornady, etc. Powder companies also publish load data. Typos happen and your safety is imperative.

 

[Ooben]

Note: when any member provides load data, refer to a reputable reloading manual just to make sure, e.g., Speer Lyman, Nosler, Hornady, etc. Typos happen and your safety is imperative.

Very good advice Rich. And it's also a good idea to check more than one manual. Rich and I have discovered that the Speer manual tends to use hotter loads than other manufactures. As always, start at the lower end of listings and work you way up towards the maximum! We do not want any kabooms going on around here!
Mike

 

[kraigster414]

Right you are Mike. Lyman is more my "comfort zone."

 

[camper]

Kraigster: Thanks for the input. I'll continue to use 231 with the 380 loads and load the 100 grainers at 3.2 grains of 231. I do use Titegroup for 9mm, 4.2 grains, with 115 grain slugs. May use it for 40 as well. Just picked up an 8# keg of Titegroup at the same time I bought the Sig P6. Price was just too good to pass up.

 

[DaveLee]

Thanks to Kraigster for posting the URL for Cheyenne Brass.

I placed an order late last week and the shipment arrived today.

Great price for the 95 gr hollow core bullets and the service was courteous and professional.

http://www.cheyennebrass.com/ammunition_bullets.asp

 

[kraigster414]

Dave, glad you got in on that deal. Per my opening post, just watch the OAL. These are great practice bullets. I may order some more myself. I would add also that if you loaded them on the hot but safe side, they would make for a good defense round however I prefer to use factory loads for carry.