How to Reload the .380 ACP

The .380 Automatic Colt Pistol cartridge is one of the most commonly reloaded handgun cartridges. According to the Lyman 48th Edition Reloading Handbook, there are several loads possible for this cartridge. Reloading your .380 ACP cartridges will not necessarily improve their accuracy, but it will provide a customized, cheaper alternative to factory ammunition.

Things You'll Need

  • Clean cloth
  • Up-to-date reloading manual
  • Reloading press
  • Reloading die set for .380 ACP, 3 pieces
  • Shell holder for .380 ACP
  • Case lubricant
  • Case lubricant pads
  • Calipers
  • Case trimmer
  • Deburring tool
  • Primer pocket cleaning tool
  • Primers
  • Gunpowder
  • Powder scale
  • Powder throw or trickler and funnel
  • Loading block
  • Bullet
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wipe the empty brass case with a clean cloth and inspect it for any defects, such as dents, deformations or cracks. Dispose of the case if it is defective.

    • 2

      Install the sizing die and the shell holder into the press.

    • 3

      Lubricate the brass case, unless using a carbide die set, with a thin coat of case lubricant. If using a spray lubricant, spray a light coat on the outside of the case. If using a liquid lubricant, apply a few drops to a case lubricant pad and roll the brass case on the pad until it is thinly coated with the lubricant.

    • 4

      Insert the lubed case into the shell holder and operate the reloading press handle to move the case into the sizing die. This motion will de-prime and size the case at the same time.

    • 5

      Remove the case and inspect it for any dents, deformations or cracks that happened as a result of the sizing process. Discard the case if it is defective.

    • 6

      Wipe the case lubricant off the brass cases using a clean cloth.

    • 7

      Measure the sized case with the calipers to check for the correct length. The correct trim-to-length for .380 ACP, as suggested by Lyman, is .677 inches. Trim the case, if needed, with the case trimmer tool. Deburr the case after trimming.

    • 8

      Inspect the primer pocket for any debris or carbon build-up. Clean the primer pocket, if needed, with the primer pocket cleaning tool. Insert the primer with the method determined by your brand of reloading press and die set.

    • 9

      Remove the sizing die and insert the flaring die, or turn the turret of your press to the flaring die. Run the brass case through the flaring die to open the neck enough to receive the bullet.

    • 10

      Place the sized, primed and flared case into a loading block.

    • 11

      Measure the gunpowder using a powder scale. Place the gunpowder in the case using a funnel or powder throw.

    • 12

      Remove the flaring die and insert the seating die, or turn the turret of the reloading press to the seating die. Place the charged case into the shell holder.

    • 13

      Place the bullet into the charged case, then insert the charged bullet into the shell holder. Operate the press to seat the bullet.

    • 14

      Measure the cartridge, using the calipers, for overall length. Adjust the seating die if the cartridge is too long, and re-seat the bullet. Once the correct length is obtained, adjust the seating die for crimping, lock the die lock collar and run the cartridge through the press to crimp it. If loading multiple cartridges, this step is only performed once, and all other cartridges can be set without re-adjusting the seating cartridge.

    • 15

      Inspect the finished cartridge for the correct overall length and for any dents, deformations or cracks. Discard the cartridge if it is flawed.