Handgun Reloading

[sw]

I now have a Ruger LCP(380) and plan to get, eventually, a Ruger 101(327M). For reloading, I have a Rockchucker kit and all the 6PPC BR type stuff. My Redding BR powder measure is inop( as of this evening fixed) which leaves me with the RCBS powder measure which doesn't do well much <10gs. I shoot quite a bit to gain/maintain proficiency. I will likely shoot the LCP quite a bit(maybe not as much if I get a Crimson Trace sight for it). Pros and cons concerning reloading for the 380? I would likely carry factory ammo for concealed carry.(ala Wilms comment).

[jims]

Ammo for the .380 is difficult to get now. You might be forced to reload if you can find components. Keep us posted.

[ricksalisbury01]

Well here is the bad news first, last time I went tot the local gun show (Bill Goodman’s Gun and Knife Show) 380 ACP in the cheap (used to be cheap) Remington green and white box went for (sit down) $45.00 a box. That said, I use a Hornady Powder Measure with the small rotor for pistol powder. I also bought the small rotor micrometer measuring screw (actually I bought several and keep them with each set of dies. The Hornady powder measure uses a push button system to “pop-out” one powder screw, and pop in another. After they are set, they retain accuracy/repeatability for a specific powder very well). I have the Rockchucker kit as well and leave the powder measure set for larger powder volumes. Additionally, you could use a set of lee (or lyman can’t remember which one) powder cups (0.3cc) for a 380 ACP (less than 4.0g of most powders), and go back to the 505 balance scale that came with your Rock Chucker kit. You will have avoid loading the powder cup full and then gently shake the powder into the scale pan to weight (I know, I know, very tedious). I did a quick search of Starline brass and they are backordered until 5 June, 2009 for 380 ACP (I have been pleased with their pistol brass). But at $45.00 a box, reloading is very appealing.

[wilmsmeyer]

SW,

You could probably load a "factory" offered bullet in nice shiny brass and it would be hard to prove a handload was used. However, depending on what kind of defence lawyer was used, the facts may become known. Most dead crack heads...or maimed crack heads...don't get the defence an OJ Simpson would get.

The comment I made carries weight. Massod Ayoob, a noted gun writer and Ex-cop amoung other side jobs, made this comment concerning handloads. Being judged by 12 or buried by 6 also carries weight. Dead men (you, in this case if you decide to not shoot with your handload) can't even make it to court. My second cousin gave me this advice when I asked him how much trouble I would be in if I got caught carrying in NYC. He's a judge in NYC. I can't imagine being caught unless I used it. It's only for the ride in. When I get to my Mom's it goes in a nightstand until I leave. Here in NYS, my permit is only good if I am not in NYC! DUMB law IMO.

I haven't owned a .380 for 10 yrs. When I did, I felt as if I were carrying a marginal weapon. The .357 seems a bit more comforting...even in a small gun this cartridge develops energy and can throw 125 or 158 HP's at substantially greater speed. One of these in a very reliable revolver says...to me...bang, bang, bang, bang, bang. If there is only one bad guy, the last 4 bangs may not be needed. Ammo is easier to find for the .357.

Good luck.

[jims]

SW: Not a response to the question as such. I have a .380 also, I never found it as marginal as some. The reason being that I would more quickly carry it than my .40 as it was just in a more convenient size. Better to have a .380 or your person than a .45 at home.
That said I was at WalMart last night and they had no .380's left or for that matter almost any shells. A few .22's, a single box of .32ACPs and some trap loads. Maybe we should carry a short shotgun pistol. Not serious on that last comment.
I have reloaded for over 45 years but I would also recommend factory loads in a concealed gun, that is also what I do. Generally Glasers or MagSafes.

[Richard]

I have two .380's..........A Sig Sauer P-230 and a fairly recently purchased Kel-Tec P3at .380. While I did purchase a box of Fed. .380 self defense loads, I would have not qualms about carrying my reloads. For instance, the Federals with 90 gr. hollow points come out at 985 fps. My reloads, which consist of 110 gr. Winchester hollow points move out at 900 fps. Which would you use? Either one I think is a formidable round. Being a retired PO, I would not suggest the .380 as a duty round, but as a "self-defense" round it "ain't to shabby!" Like was said: "Its better to have the .380 in your pocket than the .45 at home!" This theory is also advocated by most instructors for the concealed carry course.
And anyway, who said you had to shoot your adversary with "factory ammunition?" I trust my reloads (when specifically loading for self defense) as much as factory ammunition.
Richard

[wilmsmeyer]

Factory loads are the preferred carry loads for the main reason that a defense attorney can not paint you as a guy who reloaded "devestating" rounds on purpose.

I do not subscribe to this nonsense, but a jury...pursuaded by a savvy lawyer, can paint a reloader as someone who has "planned" for such an instance. Duh! However, do-gooders and anti-gunners are swayed in court by such defenses.

Here...on this board...we are all in agreement on such silliness. The reality of court, and defense lawyers defending criminals, should at least give us reason to avoid a trap.

Jury's are seldom made up of "Doug's message board" members. Too bad about that.

Use factory ammo in a carry gun. Then the situation can be tried for the essence of the situation and not the cure.

[bloodtrailer]

Just a HEADS UP if you shoot some one with reloads you better have a very good gun wise lawyer, a anti gun DA will try to screw you with the KILLER reload suit",What factory loads aren't deadly enough You had to go and make KILLER BULLETS!" Most juries don't know one end of a gun from the other, they may believe any" state expert"and leave you looking at manslaughter or worst . Practice with reloads hunt with reloads BUT for SELF DEFENSE ONLY USE FACTORY LOADS just as every law enforcement agency in the USA. If you carry reloads and you shoot someone with them have a good gun wise lawyer. Juries are not gun wise. STILL I'LD RATHER BE JUDGED BY 12 THAN CARRIED BY 6 !!! Reloads as a last resort ( 6 years Milatry Police ,25 years NJ state Law enforcement(retired) FOP member )