.380 ACP Load

[mossguy]

Now that My PPK/S is working properly, I have begun to reload in earnest. I cannot find 95 gr. round nose bullets locally as Rainier Ballistics discontinued the 95 and now supply only the 100 grain round nose plated. Perusing the manuals, I have come up with this load:

2.8 grains Bullseye, above-mentioned 100 gr RN plated bullet, OAL: 0.965

The 25 rounds that I tested this week felt about the same as the commercial 95 gr ammo. No FTE's, no FTF's, a little snappy.

Are there any criticisms, suggestions, caveats, or observations from the board?

Thanks,
Tom

[halfmoonclip]

Tom, I've been running 2.5 Bullseye with a 102gr LTC that is clocking 774 fps. It makes a pleasant plinker in the LCP. It's our range officer's load originally, and he runs it in a Beretta as well. I've tried it in other blowbacks but not a PPK specifically.
The proof's in the pudding; if your load runs well and shoots accurately, you're GTG. The data seems well within reasonable limits. From past experience, loading for a .380 PP series can be, ahem, challenging. If you current load works, don't try to fix it.
Who made your Walther?
Moon

[Mumbo719]

I've been using 2.8gr Bullseye, 95gr Rainier RN over a WSP primer and .980 COL.

I fire it out of a different pistol, your mileage may vary.

[oldshot]

Most accurate in my "83 Interarms PPK/S is 3.2 WW231 behind a 88gr. Rem JHP

[halfmoonclip]

My troubles reloading the .380 for a PPK/s were mostly centered on doing 'carry' ammo, something I no longer do. Happy to hear that others here have been having success reloading somewhat milder practice ammo.
Moon

[autonut]

This is good information folks. I was just getting around to ordering a set of dies for both my 380 and 32. I have Lee and RCBS dies for my other loading needs and I prefer the RCBS. While we are on the subject of loads....can anyone offer-up an opinion on dies?

I do not like the Lee because of that "bump" it has in the expander/powder-through die on the end of the stroke. I want to be able to control my mouth-expansion and not be bothered with that bump.

[mossguy]

Originally Posted by halfmoonclip

Who made your Walther?
Moon

Smith & Wesson. And thanks for the feedback. Anything less than 2.8 of Bullseye becomes a "technical problem" in the Lee Powder Dropper.

I'm pretty much committed to Rainier 100gr plated, for several reasons, including availability without shipping expense. They no longer make the 95 grain.

[mossguy]

Regarding my "less than 2.8 gr" comment. I see that Lee makes a Micro-Disk that can be used for 1.1 to 2.5 grains of Bullseye. I will consider this.

Pro Auto-Disk Powder Measure Micro Disk Conversion Unit

[halfmoonclip]

auto', what kind of press are you using? For your .32 work at least, consider a Lee undersize sizing die (not aware of anyone else who makes it). It appears that the brass makers have thinned out the wall thickness of .32 cases, and unless you use the undersize die, bullets will often be too loose a fit or simply drop into the case. Been using cast bullets of 0.310", which seems to work fine for seating and shooting. I hold Lee dies in high regard (their presses not so much), but I don't use their neck expander die in my Dillon press.

moss', where are you getting your Rainer projectiles, what diameter are they, and how hard are they beating you as regards price? Our range officer casts bullets for most of us, but always looking for a good alternative.
Thnx,
Moon

[mossguy]

Originally Posted by halfmoonclip

moss', where are you getting your Rainer projectiles, what diameter are they, and how hard are they beating you as regards price? Our range officer casts bullets for most of us, but always looking for a good alternative.
Thnx,
Moon

I get my Rainier plated bullets From the Bullseye in beautiful downtown Tacoma. The Rainier plant is a few blocks away, so my guy picks them up on his way into the shop. $73.14/1000. I don't know the diameter, but I will measure a few when I go out to my shop in the morning.