380 Shotshell Ammo - Possible Reloaders?

[Thorson]

Also the shot pattern is such that out side of 14' it's useless 2'-10' is what I have found to be the best distance for patterns and safety. Again this is based out of my two 40's, you may get different results but don't wait untill you need it to find out. Take a couple practice shots to get an idea for yourself and pattern you pistol just like you pattern your shotguns.

X2



I have reloaded them in .38 Special. They are pretty easy to load up for my wheel gun, but I would not know how well they work in an autoloader.

For an autoloader, I think it would be easy enough find cases that are longer than normal and crimp them down to seal the end. You could use a piece of fiber wad material or small cardboard for an under shot card. My only concern would be getting the powder load/pressure right. Too much and you get a broken gun, not enough and the components might not clear the barrel. Either case might be earn a trip to the hospital.


Luck of the Draw,

I bought my .38 shot casings at Sportsman's Warehouse in Lewisville. I think you may also be able to pick them up at Cabelas or BPS

[Devin]

Bringing this back to the top as I'm still interested in finding some.

[bearintex]

I would think you should be able to use a 9MM shotcup (I believe those are available), and just seat them deeper into the case to get the COAL right. Then just fill the remaining space with as much fast powder as will get in there. I doubt there's be more than a few grain's worth.

[Sparkles]

I would think you should be able to use a 9MM shotcup (I believe those are available), and just seat them deeper into the case to get the COAL right. Then just fill the remaining space with as much fast powder as will get in there. I doubt there's be more than a few grain's worth.

It seems like this would make squibs more likely. You would be hard pressed to build enough pressure to get the shotcup safely out of the barrel.

[bearintex]

It seems like this would make squibs more likely. You would be hard pressed to build enough pressure to get the shotcup safely out of the barrel.

I've never loaded for the 380, so I am ignorant of the powder charges normally used. Bear in mind that the shotcartridges move through the barrel a whole lot easier than a bullet. I bet you could get 3-4 grains of a fine ball powder in there, you'd only need a tenth of an inch or so for that.

[Sparkles]

Yeah probably right I have no idea what the wieght difference is between ball ammo compared to shot cup and small shot.

[bearintex]

Yeah probably right I have no idea what the wieght difference is between ball ammo compared to shot cup and small shot.

I'd be willing to bet the shot and cup together would only weigh 70 grains or so. My 44 mag/ special rounds I loaded for a while only weighed about 130 grains, IIRC.

[Devin]

Still looking for anyone that's done this..... two years later.

[Luck_of_the_Draw]

From what I've read, it's not possible.

http://www.thehighroad.org/archive/index.php/t-48922.html