Getting into pistol reloading

DallanC · Site Admin Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 3572 Location: Utah

Got invited to an "after hours vip event" at Cabelas last night. Some decent deals on various gear, I ending up getting some 380acp dies for $25 and a 250 count box of Berrys Plated bullets for another $22. While I prefer the 40S&W for shooting, my little LCP is becoming the family favorite to shoot... ammo is ridiculously expensive for what it is, and still really hard to find so I figured why not reload for it. A box of ammo costs over $30, I can reload for under $10 a box. I have pistol primers already so now I just need to round up some w231 powder (proving really hard to find). Hopefully I can turn up a can and one stormy day this winter I'll do a batch.

-DallanC

slimjim · Posted: Sat Nov 23, 2013 7:43 pm Post subject: Re: Getting into pistol reloading

DallanC, that is great. I've got an invite for Sunday night. Wonder what I'll walk out with. I could fool around with some .243 dies, extra bullets, some gun cases, .... hmmm?

Pumpkinslinger · Posted: Sat Nov 23, 2013 7:57 pm Post subject: Re: Getting into pistol reloading

Dallan, I haven't started loading for .380, yet, so I'll be looking forward to a load report. I've got everything I need but time...

PaulS · Posted: Sat Nov 23, 2013 9:13 pm Post subject: Re: Getting into pistol reloading

DallanC, keep in mind that 231 and HP-38 are the same powder sold under different labels.

English Mike · Posted: Sat Nov 23, 2013 9:25 pm Post subject: Re: Getting into pistol reloading

Use the same loads for Berry's as you would for lead bullets & only use a minimal crimp, as a heavy crimp can cut through the plating causing it to separate & possibly lodge in the bore.

Vince · Posted: Sun Nov 24, 2013 6:00 am Post subject: Re: Getting into pistol reloading

Sounds like a fun pistol mate. My daughters loved shooting my Ruger Mk1 in .22 because it was so forgiving.

If you can't get your hands on any 231, have a look at WST or Unique mate, they stil either side of 231 on the Burning Rate Charts.

380 ACP Load Data - Handloads.com

MacD · Posted: Sun Nov 24, 2013 9:38 am Post subject: Re: Getting into pistol reloading

Accurate lists a number of powders and includes loads for some Berry's bullets. I shoot Berry's in 9 mm and use loads midway between lead and jacketed as recommended by Berry's although I keep them on the low side. Haven't had any copper fouling issues in my M&P. English Mike is right. It is easy to deform with too much crimp. I use both the HP and RN bullets. The HP required some experimenting to get the seating depth right. I used FMJHP data as a starting point as the bullets are comparable in length.

Bushmaster · Posted: Sun Nov 24, 2013 9:53 am Post subject: Re: Getting into pistol reloading

Mr. Dallan...I reload .380 for my wife's Bersa Thunder. Her carry round is 3.1 grains of W-231 under a Hornady 90 grain XTP.

Her practice round is 3.0 grains of W-231 under a 95 grain Missouri Bullet LRN.

Both excellent loads for her Bersa.

And I vehemently disagree that W231 and HP-38 are the same powders. I have too many reloading manuals that have different charges for both. Yes, I know what Hodgdon says about it.

That oughta get the ball rolling... Very Happy

DallanC · Site Admin Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 3572 Location: Utah

Bushmaster wrote:

Mr. Dallan...I reload .380 for my wife's Bersa Thunder. Her carry round is 3.1 grains of W-231 under a Hornady 90 grain XTP.

Her practice round is 3.0 grains of W-231 under a 95 grain Missouri Bullet LRN.

Yup, that sounds right on the nose from the research I've been doing. People tend to like 3.0 to 3.2grns of w231.

Now if I can just find a can! My brass is all tumbled ready to go, primers and bullets just sitting there. I'll call around tomorrow and see if any stores have any.

Powder in this area is a PITA to find. I've been searching for H4350 for a month. Guess that's what I get for living in probably the single most gun friendly state in the US... people shoot a ton and keep the stores bare!

Quote::

And I vehemently disagree that W231 and HP-38 are the same powders. I have too many reloading manuals that have different charges for both. Yes, I know what Hodgdon says about it.

Yea I saw on a couple burn charts they come in at different values. I'll just wait for W231 to get in stock. I think a 1lb bottle will reload over 2000 rounds? Lol... thats amazing considering my 7STW had a couple loads in the 80grn range, would empty a 1lb bottle in nothing flat at that rate.

Quote::

That oughta get the ball rolling... Very Happy

trouble maker! Wink

-DallanC

Bushmaster · Posted: Sun Nov 24, 2013 7:09 pm Post subject: Re: Getting into pistol reloading

Hey. I've done pretty good these last few years. You've only chewed me out once.

PaulS

Bushmaster, I won't argue the point or discuss the reasons for the different loads in the manuals. It took me a letter to Hodgdon before I would believe it and then I supported that belief with information from the manufacturer. I was told that they both come out of the same bin and the only difference is in lot to lot variations.
I've used both as well as W760 and H414 and W296 and H110.

There is nothing wrong with being cautious in handloading.

chambered221 · Posted: Thu Nov 28, 2013 9:22 am Post subject: Re: Getting into pistol reloading

I know everyone loves W231 but don't be afraid to try Hodgdon Titegroup !!!

I've used it in 9mm, 40SW, 45ACP and 357 mag...... very consistent and accurate.

wiersy111

Titegroup is a good versatile powder that I have used a lot. I haven't used it in the .380 though, I have loaded a few thousand with Win 231. The powder and primers have recovered very well here in central MN, I even seen two of my favorite places carrying CFE 223 on the shelf.

DallanC · Site Admin Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 3572 Location: Utah

I hit up 4 different gun stores yesterday and the ONLY thing in stock for pistols was a single bottle of Unique (passed on it). I'll keep an eye out for w231... its got to show up eventually. The good news is 1 can of that will last for years at the rate we shoot.

Now if I could also find a can or two of h4350, we burn through that the most. The other powder I use alot of is 7828 but it seems EVERY store has gobs of the stuff, I must be the only one who shoots it.

-DallanC

DallanC · Site Admin Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 3572 Location: Utah

Happy Happy Happy! Must be the Christmas Season putting people in good moods!

First a guy I know who works in a local gun store called me last night to say they got in 24lbs of H4350 and for me to get my butt over there ASAP. I headed over and they sold me 2lbs of it (limit is 2lbs per customer)!

Then, another local guy sent me a message stating he had a couple cans of W231 and he was more than willing to sell me one. He even said that he would be in the neighborhood today and was willing to stop off at my work if I still needed it. I happily said yes and he dropped it off just a bit ago.

Very happy, powder is so scarce to find its great to get both kinds.

Is powder still in short supply all over the US or is it just my state? I've heard people say they are finding stuff regularly outside Utah but within its like a black hole.

-DallanC