380 loads with Universal

[area51]

Is Universal a good powder to use in in 380 ? I'm using extreme 100gn pills.

I Know 3.0 grains TG works really well but my Lee disks don't dispense any less than 3.5 of TG... I have to get a 380 conversion kit for my 550...

[jericho89]

if you already have a 9mm setup and 223 set up you have all the parts. The 223 shell plate is the same as 380 and the locator buttons and powder funnel are the same as 9mm. just change dies and good to go.

[pdoggeth]

Hey area51

I use a universal clone, CSB-1. I would say it's pretty good for 380, but just know that because it's a flake powder some powder measures will have a bit of trouble metering it. I use a Redding Match Grade 3BR to dispense, and even with that I often have times where I need to use a lot of force to cut through powder.

I use about 3.2 gr of CSB-1, but you should get reliable cycling from 3.0 to 3.4 even (upper end is higher pressure though).

[hambam105]

Guarantee feeding problems with plated bullets and .380 reloads. This is due too the improbability of obtaining a consistent crimp with a plated bullet. Cast and true copper jacketed bullets work just fine.

.38 special 158s and 230 grain 45acp reloaders sweak by, sometimes, because the longer bullet bearing surface.

As for your .380 loads, powders that duplicate the burn rate of Bullseye and W231 and HP 38 have been working soundly since '09, that is 1909, not 2009. Perhaps 100 years of perfection will someday be of some value. Best of Luck to you. Shooting .380acp is a blast.