First 50 rounds of .380acp. I have a few more to add. These are loaded with 2.2 +/-1gn of titegroup. There is limited data that i can find on hardcast load data for 100gn. Everything i see lists 100gn fmj with like 2-3gn max of titegroup. But thats fmj there is more resistance from the jacket so more powder is needed...lead has less resistance down the barrel so need less powder. Many say to reduce max load by 10% for lead. Stevespages list that you can use his loads with lead just start at the bottom and work up. I think i will use the 2.2 that i know are fine and will work up some more at 2.5+-gn and call it good. Im not trying to oush the limits here or develop +p rounds just something to plick with economical. So less powder is fine with me. Never understand those that make their plinking ammo right at the max?? Beats u up and waste of money! Now when i was developing my hunting .30/06 rounds it just happens that i am bummping right up to the max charge for the powder i am useing. Still a few grains under but like 98% of max. Why did i do it like this...cause that charge grouped best simple as that. I shoot sub 200lb deer here in SC i know the 150 grain bullet pushing 2900ft sec will do tje job..but putting 3/4 rounds @100yds through the same hole that was the deciding factor with the 4th .5" off, i think the pressure got to me to perform.
I have done a little more research today. I was worried that Mass residents could not mail order or online order supplies for reloading. It looks like I can but I have to sign for a couriers delivery and the vendor has to keep my lic# on file. I was also looking at supplies. It looks like Berry's is reasonable for reloading bullets and they seem to have most things in stock. Hornady looks like nice stuff but pricey. Those are the only items I have seen so far. I have yet to look at primers, powder and casings. My son is collecting his used stuff and I keep what .380 I have. Any suggestions on decent supplies that won't break the bank??
Also, do you guys know of any good reloading forums? someplace to ask questions and get advice...and maybe some used stuff thanks
The high road and the firing line are 2 forums that I visit. Berrys bullets have a good rep. I also have nothing but good to say about extreme bullets. Cheap and always in Stock too.
I shoot almost all hard cast. Lucky13 is the cheapest I have seen by far. As long as you stay at pistol velocity and dont go crazy there is little or no leading assuming bullet is sized right. Cast boolits.com is good site. Berrys is good
CastBoolits is an awesome reference,I used to be a mod there. I've used Bullseye,Nitro-100,AA#2 and AA#5 in 380 reloads.Like you stated earlier, start low and let the gun tell you what's going on. Blowback action 380's don't necessarily like or need hot/max reloads. Cast boolits in a 380 ,with the correct ogive/nose profile , run great in my Makarovs. Boolit diameter/size is king when shooting cast. Mark
Just got on with THR. Asked a few questions, slow to get responses so far. Newbie stuff I'm sure Thanks for the tip
Oslo ask your questions here or start a new thread. I'm sure there some of us know your answers. I have learned a TON in the 18 mons I been reloading. No expert but probably can answer most any question you could come up with...with limited newbie knowledge. One I started I was amazed at how much stuff there is that you never think of.
Clem, the two questions I asked: 1. As a mass resident, can I purchase ammo and reloading supplies out of state as an online or mail order? And 2. .380 ammo, why it was hard to come by in mass but in surplus in other states?
1. No help...sorry. You could try calling Midway usa or another online retailer and asking the call taker. 2. 380 is hard to find in alot of places. Not just mass. I think the new glock 42 owners are buying a lot.
Yea call the retailer they usually know where they can ship. Also your attorney general office or something. But usually reloading supplies are not restricted even in california. After all the equipment is just that stuff. The components are nothing. A bunch of lead and gun powder and primers Yea those are hazmat but not illegal. And you can buy primers and powder local. And unless you buy a few pounds and 3k primers its just as much locally once u figure hazmat charge.
Also if you do start be CAREFUL with 380. Its tiny and small changes create huge pressure differences. Example the diff in min and max charge of titegroup is 1 grain (2-3). You can put a double charge in of not paying attention. Seating bullet a few hundredths deeper makes a huge difference as well. Its not as forgiving as say a 44mag that some powders will have a variance of say 10 grains. Its not hard to do just make sure you know what your doing starting off on low side. And if you use a powder throw you need to do frequent checks till very confident in it. With these 380s I am chexhing every 10 rounds or so to make sure powder is still where I want it. When I load 44s I check a few times to set it then maybe once midway. But I am loading lighter planning loads and even 3 grains one way or other wont make any difference other that a flyer.
Thanks for the heads up Clem. I'm still quite away from seating the first bullet. The forums have responded with suggestions on going to NH for ammo and reloading components. I also have to get a list together on which vendors will ship to Mass. I feel the restrictions should loosen up.
go to rileys in hooksett nh dont expect the large online dealers to ship to mass . there is no law against it but the ag in mass bullys them
Thanks Uncle, before I look can you tell me what they have. Factory rounds and reloading components? prices reasonable?
yes oslo , it is a full service shop thats been there forever it was started by duck riley who was a nh state senator and the nra president at one time, they have everything , guns, loaded ammo ,the best selection of reloading tools and components in the area ( ive been going since the early 80s ) even with the foolishness of the last few years , they seem well stocked , i always leave with something , its possible you may not get everything you need in one visit but its a good place with good (tax free ) prices, avoid a place called shooters outpost on the same road , they are not friendly to mass residents and try to enforce laws that do not exist
Thanks for the tip Uncle. Funny you should mention shooters, I have been on a reloading forum and the NH and ME guys love the place. They suggested I go there. Not looking for any run ins being an out of stater but why not cater to us? Are they scared of the Mass AG? I have a trip planned up north shortly and I'm going to put some money aside to plan a visit to each of them, we'll see what happens.
Conn is I know!! Between my two different state cwp's I can't carry there...dont think I can in mass either come to think?
