Reloading 40 S&W and 380

E

erice

New member
Happy New Year!

I am in the process of educating myself, reading, studying, asking questions and purchasing stuff along the way.

I hope to reload practice rounds for my 40 cal Baretta and 380 Ruger LCP. I have looked at Hodgdon's load data and they show using Titegroup for both.

I am trying to avoid experimenting with several different powders/bullet combinations for practice rounds and going with one powder and a bullet for each pistol.

SO I am hoping to capitalize on your experiences.

Thanks.
 
I have used the same powder for pistol loads a lot. I have used Unique, Universal, and Winchester 231, which is the same as Hogden HP38 I believe. It isn't a problem for range fodder. Lots of powders work fine for multiple calibers and loads, but not "great".
 
erice

Be especially careful when charging those 380 cases. There is such a small spread between starting and maximum loads.

You may want to check out an RCBS little dandy powder dispenser. It uses fixed volume drums to measure powder and can handle those tiny little charges better than some powder dispensers.
Also seating depth is another critical measurement. It is easy to seat them too deep and spike pressures.
 
Thanks! It will be awhile before I try to reload the 380 since I am an ng at reloading.

I have a Redding 3BR #3700 coming, but will look into the RCBS.

And yes, seating depth is a concern after reading posts and the ABC's. Not to mention all the other intricacies. But it is going to be a great adventure!

I see I will need Sierra's loading manual as it has a section on the gas operated AR's. I have an R-15 in 223.
 
Ramshot Powders has 2 types, ZIP and TruBlu, that will work in both calibers as well...

Their rifle powders are very fine grain and I'm using their Shilhoutte powder for my 9mms, .40, and 10mms....It meters really well through my powder thrower with consistent charges and burns pretty clean.. I don't reload for my .380, just because I don't shoot it that much..and I have a decent supply of factory tactical stuff for it..
 
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