How to Reload the 380 ACP Cartridge

• 1

  Clamp the loading press to your loading bench and insert the resizing and de-caping die (The 380 auto uses a two-die set). Ensure that this die is screwed in completely and that the de-caping pin extends just beyond the bottom edge of the die.

• 2

  Inspect and select all cases suitable for reloading. Check each case carefully for any dents, bulges or damage and throw away any that are questionable.

• 3

  Roll each case over the lube pad to apply lube to the case wall, but do not get any lube on the case shoulder as this will cause hydraulic denting. Place the lubed case in the case holder on the loading press ram and raise the case into the resizing and de-caping die using the press handle. Repeat this process until all cases are resized and de-caped.

• 4

  Remove the resizing and de-caping die and insert the seating die. Carefully ensure it is screwed in and tight.

• 5

  Fill the primer tool and press a primer into the primer pocket of each case being careful to ensure the primer is seated within the primer pocket. Remove the case and continue until all cases have a primer.

• 6

  Use the following reloading data to load your powder charge into each case, carefully working up to the recommended charge weights by beginning 1 grain lighter than recommended. Provided in the following tables are: bullet diameter and weight, powder name, recommended maximum powder weight charge (Wt. Grs.) and expected muzzle velocity measured in feet-per-second (Mzl. Vel.) measured from a 10-inch barrel.

• 7

  .355 diameter 88 grain
  Powder...........Wt. Grs...........Mzl. Vel.
  630.......................7.5..................997
  HS5......................4.9................1060
  HERCO.................4.3................1044
  Unique..................4.0................1030
  231.......................3.6................1027

• 8

  .355 diameter 90 grain
  Powder...........Wt. Grs...........Mzl. Vel.
  AA #1 Impr............3.9................1056
  AA #7....................7.0................1050
  Viht. N320..............3.4................1044
  Unique...................4.6................1034
  231........................4.0................1031

• 9

  .355 diameter 95 grain
  Powder...........Wt. Grs...........Mzl. Vel.
  231.......................4.0................1027
  AA #7...................6.5.................1019
  700-X...................3.4.................1012
  Unique..................4.2.................1006
  Viht. N320.............3.4...................998

• 10

  .355 diameter 100 grain
  Powder...........Wt. Grs...........Mzl. Vel.
  630.......................6.8..................927
  HS5......................4.9................1060
  HERCO.................4.3................1044
  Unique..................4.0................1030
  231.......................3.6................1027

• 11

  Place the case, now filled with powder, in the case holder of the loading press. Hold the bullet over the case mouth as you gently raise the press ram and force the bullet into the case taking care to ensure the bullet is seated to the proper depth within the case. The cartridge is now ready for firing.

Measuring fired cases

• 12

  Carefully check all previously fired cases, including military surplus cases, to ensure that the length meets the recommended dimensions. Brass casing will stretch when fired and after several firings, the case may need to be trimmed.

• 13

  Trim any cases if necessary so they meet recommended case length (trim-to-length). Cases measuring longer than the recommended maximum case length should be discarded as they have stretched and reduced the case wall thickness.

• 14

  Seat the bullet in the case so the maximum cartridge length does not exceed recommended measurements. Use only recommended primers.

• 15

  Maximum Case Length:.......0.680 inches
  Trim-to-length:....................0.670 inches
  Maximum Cartridge length:..0.984 inches
  Primers:.............................CCI 500