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Posted: 9/25/2014 1:17:22 PM EDT
[Last Edit: ProfGAB101]
[#1]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By ThePontificator:
Does anyone here use the Lee Bulge Buster Kit/Lee 380 FCD combo to fully resize their brass? Been doing the same thing by using a Dillon 357mag sizer die with the whole decapper assy removed and a custom made ram tip. these are mounted in my Corbin Mity Mite bullet swage press (used it because all my other presses were tired up). Still need to use the 380 size die to under size the case a bit for proper seated bullet tension. Edit: This is a base first sizing operation where the case is pushed by the ram through the size die and falls out the top of the Dillon die. (press ram moves horizontal) |
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Posted: 2/2/2016 11:11:33 PM EDT
[Last Edit: AJE]
[#2]
I'm bumping this thread rather than creating a new one.
(I had my own thread when I started loading .380 but this seems like a good one to continue it) I was recently reading up on .380 ammo and decided that I needed to make my own carry ammo due to a) the carry ammo I have for it now is one of the worst performers, and b) I'm too cheap to pay for new carry ammo when I either have or can buy the components to load them much cheaper. .380 Ammo Quest Final Results 
Since the best loads used the 90gr XTP, I see no reason to reinvent the wheel, so I took the information from them and found the following: 
As you would imagine, the fastest (851fps) penetrated the least and expanded the most, while the slowest (789fps) expanded slightly less and penetrated more. Since I'm loading for two guns with different length barrels (Glock 42 and Ruger LCP) I'd like to hit the velocity so the Glock is around 825-835fps and the LCP hopefully will still be above 790fps. I have a few powders on hand, all of which will hit well over the desired velocity with their max loads. The newest, BE-86, is what I would prefer to use since it has flash suppressant, and I know it will meter very consistently. 
My prior testing with Power Pistol, Bullseye, and HP38: 
I started with a .965 OAL, with 3.33gr and 3.73 gr of BE86, but the weather conditions didn't let me get to try them over the chrono today. I figured I'd try to chrono five of each load out of each gun to see where I'm starting off. 
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Posted: 2/2/2016 11:30:31 PM EDT
[#3]
This thread is archive toggled AJE, good place to add your info.
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Posted: 2/3/2016 12:31:53 AM EDT
[#4]
You may have just accomplished some serious homework for a lot of people including myself AJE. That is some fantastic data and information you have posted.
I'll be quite honest. I don't always carry the 42, but when I do, it typically just has some round nose FMJ in it.. I would really like to take on the challenge of developing an XTP load for it and make sure it runs like the sewing machine it always has. Nice work. 
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Posted: 2/3/2016 10:55:28 AM EDT
[#5]
It's nice and sunny today so I'm hoping to get out and put them over the chorno.
And I really didn't do any work, I just organized someone else's work 
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Posted: 2/3/2016 12:42:04 PM EDT
[Last Edit: AJE]
[#6]
I might have to change the powder I use. I think BE86 is too slow burning for what I want to do with these little bullets.
I only got two loads to measured out of the first five (of the weaker ones) and they wouldn't cycle the gun. However, they were very accurate, as I was pinging a 6" steel plate at 30 yards with the last three rounds in a row. The hotter ones were almost too hot, and the standard deviation was way too high for my liking. One other problem that may be causing this is mixed brass... I should have sorted out some specific headstamps to load these test rounds. 
I think I'll save the BE86 for the bigger calibers and try my old standard, Red Dot, or maybe HP-38 on the XTPs. With the velocities listed I'm wondering if it might be worth it to jump up to the 115gr XTPs. |
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Posted: 2/3/2016 2:27:17 PM EDT
[#7]
Here is a titegroup load and some supporting data that works well in my G42, at some point I need to try the 90gr XTP's I've got kicking around.
~g |
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Posted: 2/3/2016 3:58:37 PM EDT
[Last Edit: AJE]
[#8]
Nice, thanks for posting.
I'm reading up on the heavier bullets. If any of you care to do the same, there are several people that do or have loaded 115's in .380. (Kinda saving these for myself at a later time as well) link 1 link 2 link 3 link 4 115xtp w load data arfcom archived thread Luckygunner testing Glocktalk thread on XTP bullets Hornady data on XTP - shows 800fps minimum Nosler 115gr HP reloading data (through a 2 1/4" barrel) XTP Preformance Chart This one was surprising, as the 90gr XTP and 115gr are showing the same minimum at 800, although the .380 Ammo quest had the 90gr expanding at lower velocities. I think the Glock might be better with them due to the longer barrel and beefier gun. I don't think it will be hard getting those bullets to the necessary speed since the gun won't cycle the lighter bullets loaded that slow. eta gel link gel pdf dims |
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Posted: 2/3/2016 4:12:57 PM EDT
[Last Edit: ChevelleDave]
[#9]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By AJE:
I might have to change the powder I use. I think BE86 is too slow burning for what I want to do with these little bullets. I only got two loads to measured out of the first five (of the weaker ones) and they wouldn't cycle the gun. However, they were very accurate, as I was pinging a 6" steel plate at 30 yards with the last three rounds in a row. The hotter ones were almost too hot, and the standard deviation was way too high for my liking. One other problem that may be causing this is mixed brass... I should have sorted out some specific headstamps to load these test rounds. http://i1153.photobucket.com/albums/p505/arfcomaje/3e59b2ab-360a-4f02-a39e-851877d0601c_zpsokzado1t.png I think I'll save the BE86 for the bigger calibers and try my old standard, Red Dot, or maybe HP-38 on the XTPs. With the velocities listed I'm wondering if it might be worth it to jump up to the 115gr XTPs. AJE, how are You making and posting Your stats? Is it a template from somewhere? |
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Posted: 2/3/2016 5:00:34 PM EDT
[#10]
I made an Excel spreadsheet for it. If you want a blank copy, send me an email (my username @ar15.com)
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Posted: 2/4/2016 6:17:12 PM EDT
[#11]
Stopped at the LGS to see if they had any 115gr XTPs and/or load data for them. They usually have a couple of manuals open to look in but they didn't have any bullets and their manuals were all plastic wrapped (guess they aren't running a library, after all).
So I'll be ordering some 115gr XTP's as well as a bag of new Starline brass tonight. The good news is they were pretty stacked with powder, but nothing that I felt like I had to take home. |
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Posted: 2/7/2016 8:32:00 PM EDT
[Last Edit: 549]
[#12]
Checked my Hornady 8th and Lee 2ND and there's no data for .380 / 115 XTP.
Tagging this as I'm thinking about a G42. |
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Posted: 2/7/2016 8:36:24 PM EDT
[#13]
Not an XTP load but in the OP there is Lee data for jacked 115g. I would be comfortable trying it with the XTP.
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Posted: 2/7/2016 8:59:28 PM EDT
[Last Edit: AJE]
[#14]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MRBLACK947:
Not an XTP load but in the OP there is Lee data for jacked 115g. I would be comfortable trying it with the XTP. I found a little bit hotter load with an XTP in a Lyman manual. It actually listed seven different powders with that bullet, four of which I have on hand. Im going to try three of the powders with the 115gr XTP, and I will post the results (along with two more loads I have waiting with the 90gr XTP) |
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Posted: 2/8/2016 2:08:24 PM EDT
[#15]
I just bought a G42 and will be picking it up this week, this thread is now germane to my interests.
I ordered some 90gr XTPs and have some 115gr XTPs (less than 100) but a bunch of Zero 115gr JHP which have the same profile as the XTP. I used to shoot XTPs in competition and switched to the Zero because they were only ~$100/1K. I do still need to order a set of dies though. |
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Posted: 2/8/2016 3:55:00 PM EDT
[#16]
My 115's will be here Wednesday, so I'm hoping to get some loaded by the weekend.
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Posted: 2/11/2016 6:35:52 AM EDT
[Last Edit: AJE]
[#17]
I put together some test loads today.
Comparison of the 90 and 115gr XTP bullets: 
I didn't notice it t first but the shape of the cone is slightly different. I figured the OAL would remain the same from my adjustments with the 90gr loads, but the 115gr bullet has a smaller hollow point and my first loads were too long. 
One concern I had was compressing the load of powder... it was close. The bulkiest load was Red Dot, so I charged a case with the listed max and measured into the case, then checked where it would measure on the bullet. 
The load did end up being slightly compressed, as the OAL was moving around a bit much for my liking. I picked a couple loads to try with Red Dot, which gave me the highest velocity, of the powders I had data for, and W231, which wasn't far off. (max listed was 945fps out of a 3,25" barrel) Power Pistol's max load had the highest pressure listed, with the lowest velocity, Although I have plenty, I didn't see a reason to bother with it. The other thing I didn't expect was the cases got slightly bulged when loaded with the 115's. I only loaded them in new Starline brass, so I'm not sure if it might be a little thicker than other cases or not. These were loaded with a Lee 4 die set, so they were seated in one step, then crimped with the Lee Factory Crimp die on the next. I didn't think to look if the ring appeared during seating, but I know they went through the crimp die okay and all of them dropped in and out of the dirty chamber of my Glock 42 without issue. It's really worse in the picture than it looks. 
The weather is pretty cold out so I probably won't get to run anything over the chrono until next week. I may try to get out and test fire a few of each to see the recoil, feed/fuction, and to check out the brass after firing. |
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Posted: 2/11/2016 9:51:28 AM EDT
[#18]
AJE - I bet those cases with the bulge are CCI. Some CCI .380 cases, not all, have a "step" inside the case. I think they do it to prevent bullet setback. Found that my expander ball hits that step and causes that bulge.
Not at home now or I would post a photo of what I am talking about. But look inside some of your empties and maybe use something pointy to slide along the inside of the case to feel the step. I set aside those type CCI cases for another day. |
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Posted: 2/11/2016 5:39:06 PM EDT
[#19]
There is no step. They are new Starline cases.
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Posted: 2/11/2016 7:11:08 PM EDT
[#20]
wow battle of the bulge .. Those punk in your barrel ? I've got a new kimber micro raptor i'm going to start loading for .
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Posted: 2/11/2016 8:41:24 PM EDT
[#21]
They dropped in and out of the barrel just fine... And it's pretty dirty.
I also hand cycled them through the gun just to check. |
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Posted: 2/14/2016 6:11:01 PM EDT
[Last Edit: AJE]
[#22]
Fired five of each load. It was too cold and windy for me to spend any time outside, so I was litterally out on my porch long enough to pop off these rounds, pick up what cases I could see, and step back inside
I don't see any pressure issues with the brass or primers. Everything worked the gun just fine, and the XTP's were noticeably more potent than the FMJ loads. The chamber was purposely left dirty from the last few hundred rounds just to see if it caused a problem. 
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Posted: 2/14/2016 11:30:54 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By AJE:
Fired five of each load. It was too cold and windy for me to spend any time outside, so I was litterally out on my porch long enough to pop off these rounds, pick up what cases I could see, and step back inside
I don't see any pressure issues with the brass or primers. Everything worked the gun just fine, and the XTP's were noticeably more potent than the FMJ loads. The chamber was purposely left dirty from the last few hundred rounds just to see if it caused a problem. http://i1153.photobucket.com/albums/p505/arfcomaje/reloading/IMG_20160214_165803786_zpshube34fz.jpg Is it just the angle of the shot and lighting, or are the indentations from the firing pin deeper on the 115gr loads? A couple of those seem like it is getting close to punching through. How did the sidewall of the case look in the "bulge" area? |
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Posted: 2/15/2016 12:13:59 AM EDT
[#24]
The lighting was tough to get right... the firing pin strikes are a little deeper on the 115gr loads but don't look excessive to me. I did have the OAL a little deeper than I wanted with the W231 loads... on the next ones I will have the bullet seated a few thousandths longer.
The line is still visible around the outside of the cases... I can feel it if I run my finger nail over it. I cant see any indication of it on the inside of the case. |
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Posted: 2/15/2016 10:37:33 AM EDT
[#25]
Can't wait to see what the chronograph says. I might just have to keep my G42 afterall
It does pretty well with 100 gr FP, so the heavier bullet is interesting to me. |
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Posted: 2/17/2016 3:19:23 AM EDT
[#26]
Good Work.
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Posted: 2/20/2016 3:22:57 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By AJE:
The other thing I didn't expect was the cases got slightly bulged when loaded with the 115's. I only loaded them in new Starline brass, so I'm not sure if it might be a little thicker than other cases or not. These were loaded with a Lee 4 die set, so they were seated in one step, then crimped with the Lee Factory Crimp die on the next. I didn't think to look if the ring appeared during seating, but I know they went through the crimp die okay and all of them dropped in and out of the dirty chamber of my Glock 42 without issue. It's really worse in the picture than it looks. http://i1153.photobucket.com/albums/p505/arfcomaje/reloading/IMG_20160211_043516129_zpsjam8finx.jpg I played with setting up my .380 dies this morning. After getting all of the brass resized and deprimed, I set the bell then decided to put together one dummy with a 115 XTP. As I started seating the XTP I was checking length at each press deeper into the case. I developed the exact bulge you did and found it occurred right at .980" on my press. By the time I got to .970" I don't think the bulge was getting any worse and I stopped at .970" for now to see if it plunk tests in my G42 barrel. I'll probably check that later this afternoon. I'll probably make my 90 gr XTP dummy then too. |
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Posted: 2/20/2016 5:00:49 PM EDT
[Last Edit: AJE]
[#28]
I fired mine today. I didn't get quite the velocity I was hoping for. Maybe it would be a good trade off... 60-100fps of velocity for a 25gr heavier bullet.... while looking at the master tests on the last page, it might really be a better carry load despite the velocity not being quite as good as it looked like it would be.
For some reason my chrono wasn't picking up the .380 bullets for shit. Between the wind and the chrono not registering the shots, I was getting pretty frustrated. It registered everything from my 9mm just fine... I supposed it sensed that I only bought one box of .380's to test while I had two boxes of 9's 
Anyway, here's what I got: 90 grain XTP 
115gr XTP (these are new Starline cases, I forgot to change the spreadsheet from "mixed" brass) 
I'm going to slightly increase the OAL and try the listed max, 2.8 grains of Red Dot. I'll try to put some groups on paper this week to see. And 9mm with BE86, in case you're curious (and need to see why you should just carry a 9mm instead of a .380 in the first place. Maybe that's what my chrono is trying to tell me) 
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Posted: 2/20/2016 5:13:45 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MKT:
I played with setting up my .380 dies this morning. After getting all of the brass resized and deprimed, I set the bell then decided to put together one dummy with a 115 XTP. As I started seating the XTP I was checking length at each press deeper into the case. I developed the exact bulge you did and found it occurred right at .980" on my press. By the time I got to .970" I don't think the bulge was getting any worse and I stopped at .970" for now to see if it plunk tests in my G42 barrel. I'll probably check that later this afternoon. I'll probably make my 90 gr XTP dummy then too. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MKT:
Originally Posted By AJE:
The other thing I didn't expect was the cases got slightly bulged when loaded with the 115's. I only loaded them in new Starline brass, so I'm not sure if it might be a little thicker than other cases or not. These were loaded with a Lee 4 die set, so they were seated in one step, then crimped with the Lee Factory Crimp die on the next. I didn't think to look if the ring appeared during seating, but I know they went through the crimp die okay and all of them dropped in and out of the dirty chamber of my Glock 42 without issue. It's really worse in the picture than it looks. http://i1153.photobucket.com/albums/p505/arfcomaje/reloading/IMG_20160211_043516129_zpsjam8finx.jpg I played with setting up my .380 dies this morning. After getting all of the brass resized and deprimed, I set the bell then decided to put together one dummy with a 115 XTP. As I started seating the XTP I was checking length at each press deeper into the case. I developed the exact bulge you did and found it occurred right at .980" on my press. By the time I got to .970" I don't think the bulge was getting any worse and I stopped at .970" for now to see if it plunk tests in my G42 barrel. I'll probably check that later this afternoon. I'll probably make my 90 gr XTP dummy then too. Good to hear it wasn't just me. What powders are you trying? |
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Posted: 2/20/2016 10:34:37 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By AJE:
Good to hear it wasn't just me. What powders are you trying? I'll be using BE, HP38 and probably some VV N320. I shoot a lot of N320 in 9mm and .38 Special, have also used it in .38 Super. A very clean burning powder that I hope will also work in .380. I also have Unique, TrailBoss, SR 4756 and Accurate #2 but haven't checked any of my books for data with those. |
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Posted: 2/26/2016 8:54:59 PM EDT
[#31]
Ran into an interesting quirk this afternoon. I was belling and priming a batch of mixed brass, found it difficult to get just the right amount of bell across the spectrum of mixed brass. Win, PMC and Hornady brass all took opened up enough to start a bullet while Federal brass wasn't belling. If I turned the bell stem down I found there was a very narrow window...once it starts to bell trying to get any increase in bell causes the case to buckle. I think it might have something to do with the step I see inside the case.
Also found that without sufficient bell you will crush one side of the case when seating a bullet. I was attempting to make my dummy/gauge round for the 90 grain XTP and crunched two Federal cases trying to seat the bullet. The Federal .380 brass seemed as soft and "crunchable" as WIN .32-20 is. |
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Posted: 2/27/2016 3:45:30 AM EDT
[#32]
Put together three test strings tonight, 10 rounds each. 3.0 of Bullseye, 3.0 of HP38 and 3.0 of VV N320 pushing the 90 grain XTP. I hope to run them over the chronograph tomorrow.
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Posted: 2/27/2016 9:22:20 AM EDT
[#33]
I found that case wall thickness, and in particular case wall profile, vary quite a bit among different brands. I've been using FC cases exclusively for my load development because the cases won't be a variable, and because my once-fired buys gave me a butt load of FC brass. When I made up some function dummies, I ran into the same belling issue you did, and I wound up having to trash some cases that crumpled. Frustrating, but an important lesson.
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Posted: 2/27/2016 8:02:09 PM EDT
[#34]
Well, I was able to run the three loads across the chrono today and fire for function & accuracy. All were loaded to a length of .9715" with the 90 grain XTP, which plunk tests fine in my G42.
3.0 grains of Bullseye gave me an average velocity of 875.0 FPS, functioned 100% and held a 2" group at 15 yards offhand. 3.0 grains of HP38 gave me an average of 816.2 FPS, functioned 100% and held a 3" group at 15 yards offhand. 3.0 grains of VV N320....hmmm, not good at all...average velocity was 701.5 FPS and functioned ~20% of the time. Very odd as it is close to BE on the burn chart and I use the same charge for VV N320 and BE for .38 Special. Accuracy of the VV load was almost the same as the BE load. Next steps will be to increase the charge on the HP38 and VV N320 as well as make a batch with SR4756. Thinking 3.2 or so for the HP38, maybe 3.5 on the VV (it'll be close to a full case I think). The Bullseye load stays where it is as that one is good to go. |
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Posted: 2/27/2016 8:10:12 PM EDT
[#35]
Glad to see your numbers pretty consistent with mine.
I lengthed the OAL and added a tenth of a grain to the red dot load and will try that one tomorrow if the weather stays good. |
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Posted: 2/27/2016 9:17:43 PM EDT
[#36]
I forgot to mention the weather for today's testing...
Beautiful day, clear sky, low humidity and temps running just about 85*F. |
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Posted: 2/28/2016 2:52:03 PM EDT
[#37]
Made up my next three test batches, hopefully I'll be able to put them across the chrono next weekend. This batch consists of 10 each, 3.2 grain of HP38, 3.4 grains of VV N320 and 3.4 grains of SR4756.
I'll have to look around and see if there is any load data for Accurate #2 or Accurate Nitro 100, if only because I have some on hand. |
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Posted: 3/3/2016 3:11:54 PM EDT
[Last Edit: MKT]
[#38]
Found some .380 data for the Accurate Powders. There is even a load for the 115 grain bullet...if you can find any ZIP.
I added one load to this test batch, 3.5 grains of #2. Hopefully will be able to test all four loads this weekend. |
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Posted: 3/3/2016 4:08:48 PM EDT
[#39]
I've never seen that on the shelf locally.
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Posted: 3/3/2016 5:59:14 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By AJE: I've never seen that on the shelf locally. |
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Posted: 3/5/2016 11:09:56 PM EDT
[#41]
I was able to test my latest batches of .380 ammo today in my G42, on a different range, which had about an 1100' difference in elevation. Today was slightly overcast, 82* and I was right at, or just below sea level.
3.2 grains of HP38 gave me 828.8 FPS average, held a nice tight group at 15 yards. 3.4 grains of VV N 320 gave me 858.8 FPS average, group was right on top of the HP38 group. 3.4 grains of SR4756 only gave me 560.3 FPS average and failed to run the gun at all...100% single shot. All shots landed about 2 inches higher than the earlier groups 3.5 grains of Accurate #2 went the other way, gave me 931.2 average FPS, nice group but about 2 inches lower than the earlier groups. I don't know if being at or just below sea level had anything to do with the velocity being higher than the load data for a max load of #2 on the table I posted earlier. I may make another batch at 3.5 to test at my regular range and will make a batch at 3.3 to see how they run. Load 1, 2 and 4 all functioned 100% and were mild in the recoil department, but the Accurate #2 load did have noticeably more recoil. I'll also study on the SR4756 data again and see if I can get a suitable load with that powder. |
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Posted: 3/6/2016 12:13:36 PM EDT
[#42]
I wonder how much altitude had to do with your results, and how much of it was temperature. In my experience, 1000' in elevation can make a big difference in how the ambient temperature feels, while the actual temperature still does its thing with powders...
I recently bought AA#5 specifically to try out in .380. My intro to .380 loading was from an old gent at a gun show who recommended 100 grain lead bullets and "three grains of this Winchester 231 stuff" as the perfect .380 load. His recommended bullets are too spherical for my Taurus 738's throat, and loading data with 231 is (to me) difficult to manage. I've found better bullets, and started working on finding a powder I liked better. I read (several times) AssaultRifler's "The 380ACP Reloading Project Diaries" and was impressed both by the precision in his processes and the successes he had with AA#5. I researched different powders and found that #5 loads for 380 call for a slightly larger charge weight than most other powders; working around 4.0 - 5.1 grains with 100 grain bullets feels like it gives me more "elbow room" in loading than 231's 2.9 - 3.1 grain range, which is quite similar to the min-max range with AA#2. The "bulkiest" powder I've found that works with 380s is Unique. Alliant's data maxes out at 4.6 grains of Unique compressed under a 95 grain bullet, so it's hard to overdo. If I could get Unique to flow like 231, I'd be in business! 
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Posted: 3/6/2016 1:29:32 PM EDT
[#43]
After thinking about it last night, I think I will rebuild and retest this batch at my home range because, as GHPorter wondered about the altitude, so do I. The temps this week and last week were within a a couple degrees so that was pretty static, humidity was similar as well (although a little drier at/below sea level - desert v high desert).
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Posted: 3/6/2016 2:46:40 PM EDT
[#44]
I loaded up the last of my 90 gr XTP's today, over 3.2 grains of Bullseye. Due to the apparent brass inconstancies and bulging issues detailed in this thread, I did something I rarely do - separated pistol brass by headstamp.
I used all Magtech brass and performed the plunk test in my P3AT's chamber periodically. This load shot nicely when I tested it recently. Haven't chrono'd it yet, but I probably will next time I'm at the range. |
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Posted: 3/6/2016 5:01:03 PM EDT
[#45]
Supposed to be really nice this week so I'll be able to get out again.
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Posted: 3/11/2016 7:16:52 PM EDT
[#46]
I made up another smaller batch of the ammo I tested last weekend to run over the chrono at my home range. We'll see then if an 1100 foot elevation difference has any impact on the .380. I also built up three more test loads, 3.3 HP38, 3.3 VV N320 and 3.6 SR4756.
Yesterday I received my order of 200 Star Line .380 brass and another couple hundred 90 gr XTPs. Once I settle on a load I'll put the Star line brass to work. |
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Posted: 3/11/2016 11:05:44 PM EDT
[Last Edit: AJE]
[#47]
I didn't put them over the chrono but I think the 2.8 grains of Red Dot will work fine with the 115's. I put about 40 rounds through the pistol and they ran just fine, and seemed fairly accurate. I tried strong hand, weak hand, and some longer distance shots on steel.
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Posted: 3/12/2016 9:29:44 PM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MKT:
3.2 grains of HP38 gave me 828.8 FPS average, held a nice tight group at 15 yards. 3.4 grains of VV N 320 gave me 858.8 FPS average, group was right on top of the HP38 group. 3.4 grains of SR4756 only gave me 560.3 FPS average and failed to run the gun at all...100% single shot. All shots landed about 2 inches higher than the earlier groups 3.5 grains of Accurate #2 went the other way, gave me 931.2 average FPS, nice group but about 2 inches lower than the earlier groups. I don't know if being at or just below sea level had anything to do with the velocity being higher than the load data for a max load of #2 on the table I posted earlier. I may make another batch at 3.5 to test at my regular range and will make a batch at 3.3 to see how they run. Well, I retested last week's loads at my home range at ~1100' elevation. To my surprise I saw a definite shift in velocities. This week my readings were: 3.2 grains HP38, average 839.7 FPS. 3.4 grains of VV N320, average 904.2 FPS 3.5 grains Accurate #2 was the oddball as it ran a hair slower, average 922.6 FPS 3.4 grains SR4756, no data, chronograph error (I think storm clouds affected reading). Temps were just about 70* with a cold front moving in, rain on the way. I was surprised to see two of the loads running faster and judging by the way the gun acted I don't think there was any increase in the SR4756 load as it still wouldn't cycle the gun. Now for today's data on a couple load adjustments: 3.3 grains of HP38 averaged 847.9 FPS and functioned 100%. 3.3 grains of Accurate #2 averaged 873.3 FPS and functioned 100%. 3.6 grains of SR4756 averaged 593.9, functioned 10%. At this point I have decided to stop testing SR4756 because I don't think it will begin to run until 4.0+ grains. From here on out I'll stick to Bullseye, HP38, VV N320 and AA#2. Still have Accurate Nitro 100 and Unique to try. |
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Posted: 3/12/2016 10:19:29 PM EDT
[Last Edit: GSL]
[#49]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By AJE:
I didn't put them over the chrono but I think the 2.8 grains of Red Dot will work fine with the 115's. I put about 40 rounds through the pistol and they ran just fine, and seemed fairly accurate. I tried strong hand, weak hand, and some longer distance shots on steel. http://i1153.photobucket.com/albums/p505/arfcomaje/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160311_155234686_zpss4oooggp.jpg Edit: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFfkAZgLwfUIJ1nN4SnsTVw |
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Posted: 3/12/2016 10:21:00 PM EDT
[#50]
I didn't know that was an option. I'd send him a few to try out.
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