.380 loads for the Ruger LCP
Posted: Sat Apr 10, 2010 2:22 pm
Hey everyone,
So since I have a lack of daylight time for the range, I'm working on developing some .380 plinking loads for the LCP.
First up (and already loaded) is Bullseye coupled with Berry's 100grn plated RNFB bullets.
I started at 2.1 grains and worked up in increments of 0.2 grains to 2.9 grains. OAL is 0.980".
This is based off the Hornady Manual's load for 100grn FMJ bullets, reduced 10% or so because they're plated bullets.
Next (sometime this weekend) I'm going to try loading some Winchester 231 with the same bullets.
I'm going to be working from Hornady data this time as well (Lee and Lyman have no data for this weight with 231).
The low-end FMJ figure uses 2.6 grains for 700fps. I'm going to work up from 2.5 to 2.9 grains in increments of 0.1. OAL again 0.980".
My goal is to work up a light plinker load where the cases don't hit the roof and I don't have to go chasing them down to recover them, while still feeding and ejecting reliably. I've found that lots of new shooters are put off by the recoil from the LCP, so this may help make it a little more enjoyable to try out.
If only I had the time to go shoot!
So since I have a lack of daylight time for the range, I'm working on developing some .380 plinking loads for the LCP.
First up (and already loaded) is Bullseye coupled with Berry's 100grn plated RNFB bullets.
I started at 2.1 grains and worked up in increments of 0.2 grains to 2.9 grains. OAL is 0.980".
This is based off the Hornady Manual's load for 100grn FMJ bullets, reduced 10% or so because they're plated bullets.
Next (sometime this weekend) I'm going to try loading some Winchester 231 with the same bullets.
I'm going to be working from Hornady data this time as well (Lee and Lyman have no data for this weight with 231).
The low-end FMJ figure uses 2.6 grains for 700fps. I'm going to work up from 2.5 to 2.9 grains in increments of 0.1. OAL again 0.980".
My goal is to work up a light plinker load where the cases don't hit the roof and I don't have to go chasing them down to recover them, while still feeding and ejecting reliably. I've found that lots of new shooters are put off by the recoil from the LCP, so this may help make it a little more enjoyable to try out.
If only I had the time to go shoot!