Just finished rereading Assault Riflers Great Thread and will soon have in hand a .380 pistol and was wondering what to avoid (if anything) when it comes to .380 components? I have to get my hands on some brass so I'll buy some factory rounds for both testing of the pistol, and for the fitness of the cases for reloading. I have some R-P 1 1/2 primers to use and AA#2 propellant. which is the only pistol powder I have. Any components out there to avoid? I'll have to look for dies as well so I have a little footwork to do. This will be mainly my EDC pistol but I'll want practise rounds to use and this is my main reason for reloading the brass.
Any info out there on what to avoid? Thanks.......

It is like loading for 9x19, only a little bit smaller.  No curve balls, no great secrets.  Makes a lot of sense to reload it as the price for factory ammo is crazy, IMO.  Factory 9mm Luger is only cheaper than .380 due to the economies of scale.  Load the .380 for essentially the same money as 9mm.
 

For first time 380ACP I suggest using true FMJ projectiles.  Keep it simple, go with FMJ round nose vs hollow points.



Don't start out with plated bullets like from Ranier or Berry's, the plating is super thin and if you don't seat the bullet centered each time or you don't bell the case mouth enough you'll scrape off the plating.  Over taper crimping can damage the plating as well.



Lead is ok I guess but lead shavings mixed with lube will gum up the seating die in a hurry and you'll get lead shavings with lube stuck on some of the finished cases which can be wiped off easy enough but it's just extra work for you.



Get a Dillon case gage in 380 and check all your finished rounds

I've searched and can't locate, could someone please post a link to Assault Rifler's thread.

Thanks

It's one of the threads listed in the gateway  http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_42/258520_A_Gateway_to_Interesting_and_Useful_Threads_in_the_Reloading_Forum.html

Lots of good info in that gateway thread.

Here's the link

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_42/281056_The_380ACP_Reloading_Project_Diaries_____Finished__.html

Thanks, I've been successfully ignoring my reloading bench for the past eight years since my son was born.
Venturing into the reloading forum has my interest back up