Author Topic: Use of 9mm dies to reload .380 auto  (Read 1374 times)

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Offline KansasPaul

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Use of 9mm dies to reload .380 auto
« on: April 04, 2009, 11:11:20 AM »
Does anyone have any experience using 9mm parabellum dies to handload .380 auto?  I would love to hear feedback ragarding this topic.  I'm both curious and cheap and finding .380 dies has been a pain in the backside.

Thanks!!

Offline OR-E-Gun Bill

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Re: Use of 9mm dies to reload .380 auto
« Reply #1 on: April 04, 2009, 11:49:35 AM »
I don't see it happening, in my opinion anyway.



LYMAN .380 ACP CARBIDE 3 DIE SET @ Grafs, in stock.
http://www.grafs.com/product/235315

MidwayUSA has a LEE  .380 ACP carbide sizing die in stock:
Haven't looked on MidSouth yet as I'm having problems getting there.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=801382

MidSouth has it: http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=0000690618

Offline cwlongshot

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Re: Use of 9mm dies to reload .380 auto
« Reply #2 on: April 04, 2009, 03:46:57 PM »
Nope cant do it.

As Bill showed us in the sami drawings, the 380 is NOT just a shortened 9mm case as many assume it is... ::)

CW

 BTW, Whats a 9mm LUGAR??  LOL, someone else needs a spell check huh.  ::) I know its not yours Bill, but where is that drawing from?
"Pay heed to the man who carries a single shot rifle, he likely knows how to use it."

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Offline OR-E-Gun Bill

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Re: Use of 9mm dies to reload .380 auto
« Reply #3 on: April 04, 2009, 04:21:54 PM »

 BTW, Whats a 9mm LUGAR??  LOL, someone else needs a spell check huh.  ::) 

That would be brother Steve.  :D  I will correct it and replace the picture.

Bill

Offline cwlongshot

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Re: Use of 9mm dies to reload .380 auto
« Reply #4 on: April 04, 2009, 04:49:18 PM »

 BTW, Whats a 9mm LUGAR??  LOL, someone else needs a spell check huh.  ::) 

That would be brother Steve.  :D  I will correct it and replace the picture.

Bill

LOL.. Like I am a GOOD one to point out others spelling issues!!! This is a TYPICAL case of the pot, calling the kettle black.  :o ;D

I just thought it was funny... I never seem to find these drawings when I need them.

CW
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Offline KansasPaul

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Re: Use of 9mm dies to reload .380 auto
« Reply #5 on: April 05, 2009, 10:48:16 AM »
Gentlemen, thank you for the input..... so much for my "9mm short" theory.   Had I been smart I would have first checked my reloading manual - now I feel pretty dumb.   ???

Offline OR-E-Gun Bill

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Re: Use of 9mm dies to reload .380 auto
« Reply #6 on: April 05, 2009, 11:55:08 AM »
 ;D I've never felt pretty but I have been down the dumb road a time or two over the years.
I'm sure more than one person learned something from your question.  ;)


Bill

Offline cwlongshot

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Re: Use of 9mm dies to reload .380 auto
« Reply #7 on: April 05, 2009, 12:45:51 PM »
The only stupid questions are the ones not asked.

No problem, its a common question being the 9mm short moniker.

CW
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Offline Blackhawk44

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Re: Use of 9mm dies to reload .380 auto
« Reply #8 on: April 05, 2009, 03:00:35 PM »
Use the same dies?  Simple answer-no.  The 9mm is a tapered case, the .380 is a straight case, a la .45ACP.

Offline Arier Blut

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Re: Use of 9mm dies to reload .380 auto
« Reply #9 on: April 05, 2009, 08:12:11 PM »
Paul, no worries, I was wandering the same. I can't locate 380 defensive ammo and was going to try to use the 9mm dies. Yesterday when I was searching they referred to it as the 9mm short on some of the retail pages. I'm to cheap to buy the dies. I only need 20 rounds or so. Just enough to get a feel for the pistol with the new ammo and the rest to top it off. I already have jacketed lead flat nose rounds. May just make some dum dums until I can find rounds.

Offline BIG Dog454

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Re: Use of 9mm dies to reload .380 auto
« Reply #10 on: April 05, 2009, 10:45:16 PM »
I reloaded 10 with38 special dies, they sized ok but couldent crimp.  They shot ok and fed thru the gun ok