Question about .380 lead - The Firearms Forum

jboo37 · 02-17-2012, 08:53 PM

Hello, ran into one today that I had not had before, also tried to look it up and came up with nothing. I made a bunch of .380 fmj's, then went on to make .380 lead. First I could find no information on lead 95 gr. I used the chart for .95r gr. jacketed. When I seated it at .970 the lube was still showing. I then seated it at .960 and it was still showing. I made five to check them but they did not cycle in the gun, it appears to be too flat nosed(big hollow point). So I have not made anymore. Using 2.7 gr. of titegroup..Thx. John.

CampingJosh · 02-17-2012, 10:13 PM

Where did you get these bullets? Do you know who cast them? And what gun are you trying them in?

What was the cycling issue? Failing to feed, I'm guessing. It may just be that the particular bullet shape isn't suited for use in that particular gun.

Which manuals did you check for data? I have the Lyman 49th, Hornady 7th, and Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook that I can check for you if I need to; I'll just have to run over to my reloading shed.

jboo37 · 02-17-2012, 10:23 PM

They are Hunters Supply Hard Cast Bullets 9mm (356 Dia) 95 Grain Lead Pentagon
Hollow Point(copied from Midway). They are for a Taurus TCP .380. They seem as though they don't feed up the ramp, just strike forward and stop. It has what they call a Pentagon shape which I guess is not round enough to feed. Round nose seem to do well and I bought some Hornady critical defense which also ftf. Reload and store bought round nose seem fine. Biggest question I had was the lube still showing...

JLA · 02-17-2012, 11:27 PM

lube shouldnt show. generally you want the lube ring well below the casemouth. seat them down to about .955" and mind that charge. 2.7 gr titegroup is about mid range for a 95 grainer. wouldnt increase it any at all til youve verified its safety.

carver · 02-18-2012, 08:03 AM

If you want to shoot any kind of bullet in your pistol, then see a gun smith. You need to have the ramp worked over. Most that handle ball ammo, might choke on hollow points, or lead bullets.

02-17-2012, 08:53 PM	#1
jboo37 Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 32	Question about .380 lead Hello, ran into one today that I had not had before, also tried to look it up and came up with nothing. I made a bunch of .380 fmj's, then went on to make .380 lead. First I could find no information on lead 95 gr. I used the chart for .95r gr. jacketed. When I seated it at .970 the lube was still showing. I then seated it at .960 and it was still showing. I made five to check them but they did not cycle in the gun, it appears to be too flat nosed(big hollow point). So I have not made anymore. Using 2.7 gr. of titegroup..Thx. John. -->

02-17-2012, 10:13 PM	#2
CampingJosh TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Indiana Contributor Posts: 4,788	Re: Question about .380 lead Where did you get these bullets? Do you know who cast them? And what gun are you trying them in? What was the cycling issue? Failing to feed, I'm guessing. It may just be that the particular bullet shape isn't suited for use in that particular gun. Which manuals did you check for data? I have the Lyman 49th, Hornady 7th, and Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook that I can check for you if I need to; I'll just have to run over to my reloading shed. __________________ Nothing posted on TheFirearmsForum.com constitutes legal, accounting, gunsmithing, or other professional advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for real advice. Your life is lived at your own risk. Don't blame me for the dumb things you do.

02-17-2012, 10:23 PM	#3
jboo37 Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 32	Re: Question about .380 lead They are Hunters Supply Hard Cast Bullets 9mm (356 Dia) 95 Grain Lead Pentagon Hollow Point(copied from Midway). They are for a Taurus TCP .380. They seem as though they don't feed up the ramp, just strike forward and stop. It has what they call a Pentagon shape which I guess is not round enough to feed. Round nose seem to do well and I bought some Hornady critical defense which also ftf. Reload and store bought round nose seem fine. Biggest question I had was the lube still showing...

02-17-2012, 11:27 PM	#4
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,317	Re: Question about .380 lead lube shouldnt show. generally you want the lube ring well below the casemouth. seat them down to about .955" and mind that charge. 2.7 gr titegroup is about mid range for a 95 grainer. wouldnt increase it any at all til youve verified its safety. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

02-18-2012, 08:03 AM	#5
carver TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: DAV, Deep in the Pineywoods of East Texas, just west of Shreveport, LA Contributor Posts: 11,268	Re: Question about .380 lead If you want to shoot any kind of bullet in your pistol, then see a gun smith. You need to have the ramp worked over. Most that handle ball ammo, might choke on hollow points, or lead bullets. __________________ Y'all be safe now, ya hear! Lamentations Chapter 5: 1. Remember, O LORD, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach. 2. Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens. 3. We are orphans and fatherless, our mothers [are] as widows. 5. Our necks [are] under persecution: we labour, [and] have no rest. 16. The crown is fallen [from] our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned! 21. Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.