115 gr in 380

[pohorsky]

I'm looking at developing a load for a friend who has a sig 230. I don't have any 380 projectiles, but when searching online about 380, I saw a couple people mention using 115 gr. Anyone have experience in loading a 115 for 380? My go to powder is tight group, which is what I hope to use.

[Strafer]

Loading 100grain xtreme RNFP w 3.4gr of WIN 231. About 850fps out of my P238, a little faster out of my P230 and CZ83.
COAL 0.960"


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[TKM]

Use the right bullets. 115 gr. are not the right bullets.

[TomReloaded]

115gr 380 is just like 147gr 9mm. Little heavy, but it's fine and there's tons of published data. Zero problems doing so.

[stormvet]

I’ve only used plated round nose 100gn, 3.3gn of W231. But 115gn is a common bullet size for 380. Sorry I can’t help with a recipe, should be many on the net though.

[hermosabeach]

https://www.nosler.com/media/load_data_assets/pdfs/380-Auto-115gr-version-9-0.pdf

The 115 might have more torque for the shooter too

[hermosabeach]

https://reloadammo.com/reloading-380-auto/

115 grain FMJ or JHP (.355″)
AA No. 7 5.4 gr. 872 fps
VV #318 2.45 gr. 877
HS-6 4.5 gr. 885
Bullseye 1.8 gr. 604
Bullseye 2.1 gr. 696 (Max)
Bullseye +P 2.5 gr. 823 (+P MAX)Hornady XTP JHP bullet
HP38/W231 2.0 gr. 612
HP38/W231 2.3 gr. 704 (Max)
HP38/W231 2.9 gr. 902 (+P MAX)Hornady XTP-JHP bullet
Unique 2.7 gr. 598
Unique 3.0 gr. 703
Unique 3.2 gr. 744
Unique 3.5 gr. 847 (max)
ZIP 2.4 gr. 720
ZIP 2.9 gr. 840 (MAX)
True Blue 3.3 gr. 725
True Blue 3.8 gr. 830 (Max)

[hambam105]

Your typical 125 round nose bullet doesn't work in a .380acp otherwise known as 9x17mm. However...

A 121 grain Montana Gold works just fine in .380acp. Muzzle velocity ~ low 700 feet per second. The
recoil is consistent and operationally gentle as compared with the sharp recoil of the Federal round
nose FMJ red box .380 cartridges.

The load came from an old-time manual, 120 gr. flat-point cast bullet. Bullseye powder. COAL and
amount of powder I won't post because too many guys want to argue, lecture and beech at me.

If I wanted to or was willing to put up with that nonsense I'd get married.

Old time load for old time dudes shooting old time Walther & Berretta all steel old time pistols. Your
results with tactical inter-webbs poly framed .380s may very. So calm down. Thank you.

[pohorsky]

No poly frame pistol involved here. Just steel.

[hambam105]

It might be difficult to specifically locate Montana Gold 121 grain bullets during these times. And any .356 regular
124 grain bullet in the ordinary configurations that I know of is impossible for me to get the 9X17mm COAL correct.

After I learn how to post vids, I plan to reload a small batch of this 380s with the 121 MT bullet on camera and then
see how times I can consecutive plaster Campbell Soup size tin cans at 10 yards for all those in doubt to see.

I suppose one could load the typical 9x17mm weight bullets. But why be normal?

I will show Hickock45 how it's done.

[robert101]

I don't use anything heavier than 100 grn. bullets in my .380. If you want more consistent expansion then you need a higher velocity. Check the manufacturer's data for allowable speed. The .380 typically maximum bullet weight is 90 to 100 grains. Yes, you can certainly get heavier bullets to function but are they better for self defense? I doubt it.