.380 brass question

GA Firing Line

Aimless1

Woodsman
Jan 20, 2013
102
23
28
NW Iowa
I keep my .380 once fired brass, (the ones I can find back) just in case I would re-load someday. I've re-loaded 12 gauge many years, but handgun ammo re-loading will be new to me. My LCP brass has some "bite" marks (small dents) from the extractor or something in the action. I know-pics!!!!! Still working on that. Question is - will the re-sizing process take care of this? I know I read something about this but can't find it back. Advice or thread link would be appreciated. Thanks!
 

Aimless1

Woodsman
Jan 20, 2013
102
23
28
NW Iowa
Thanks RICHGCOOP for the quick reply! I don't know if re-loading is a viable option for me-I would like to load for my 6.5 carcano, 7.62 mosin, 9mm, and my .380. My son has a .270. Not sure if I could shoot all calibers enough to make the re-loading savings a reality. Once the press is bought, dies for all the different bores would certainly add $ to the cost. In a perfect world........... ::)
 

bigdogdaddy

Tracker
Sep 16, 2012
731
0
0
Indiana
I only reload for the gun I shoot the most. For me, that is the .45 acp. I have reloaded both 9mm and .380 but as of now I just don't shoot them enough to mess with it.
 

Aimless1

Woodsman
Jan 20, 2013
102
23
28
NW Iowa
Bigdogdaddy - that's my thinking also. Just won't shoot them all enough to make it worthwhile. I must admit tho, reading SkipD's re-loading threads reminded me how much I enjoyed loading 12ga. for trap. Hmmmm - call it therapy and buy more re-loading equipment?
 

RICHGCOOP

Marksman
Mar 7, 2010
1,143
71
63
CANTON, OHIO
Zip code
44669
Re: .380 brass question

Actually once you buy your press as for other calibers is a piece of cake. For each additional gun you're talking roughly 30 dollars for a set of LEE dies and 5 dollars for a case trimmer.
I load for my 6 X 55 Swedish Mausers. My 338 Winchester mag 32 special about 357 mag .44 mag. 32ACP 380ACP 9MM. 45ACP 6.5CARCAO you name it there's a lot more.
Where I save the most is casting my own bullets.
RICHGCOOP



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bigdogdaddy

Tracker
Sep 16, 2012
731
0
0
Indiana
I have been itching to buy a .223 of some kind, probably a Mini 14. So I may add that to the reload plan. I am sure I will reload more 9mm in the future but I have a pretty good suppy of that. As for the .380, I run a mag or two when I shoot and that is about it. I also don't really enjoy handling that tiny .380 brass in my big shrek hands. So for the time being, when I need a little peace and quiet I keep cranking out those big beautiful .45 rounds.
 

SkipD

Helper-outer
Jun 8, 2012
703
64
63
77
Southeast Wisconsin
Zip code
53024
Other than loading for strictly "fun" shooting, I load to be able to shoot more within my budget. A lot of what I load in my more popular calibers (.233/5.56, 9mm, and .380 for the most part) is emulation of my commercial defensive load choices. When I can, I use the very same bullets used by the manufacturers of the defensive ammo. As compared to the commercial defensive ammo, my loads cost a heck of a lot less.

I, too, have cast a lot of bullets over the years. I've used a variety of cast bullets in .38 Spl, .357 Mag, .45 Long Colt, .45 ACP, 9mm, 30-30, and probably a few others I can't remember now.
 

RICHGCOOP

Marksman
Mar 7, 2010
1,143
71
63
CANTON, OHIO
Zip code
44669
Re: .380 brass question

Here is a few of my 357 mag and 44 mag stash in a few a shotgun slugs.
I also cast for my 380 and my 9 millimeter and my 45 Acp.

photobucket-53847-1359515703541.jpg


photobucket-56870-1359515743757.jpg



RICHGCOOP



DROID3 - Tap talk
 

SkipD

Helper-outer
Jun 8, 2012
703
64
63
77
Southeast Wisconsin
Zip code
53024
Re: .380 brass question

RICHGCOOP said:
Here is a few of my 357 mag and 44 mag stash in a few a shotgun slugs.
I also cast for my 380 and my 9 millimeter and my 45 Acp.

RICHGCOOP
Did the photos die, Rich? ::)
 

RICHGCOOP

Marksman
Mar 7, 2010
1,143
71
63
CANTON, OHIO
Zip code
44669
Re: .380 brass question

SkipD I've been playing around with my phone trying to send photos over and have a old timers moment.
Here is some lead bullets I shot with my 338 Winchester mag at 50 yards. The 1 flyer was a filing shot.

RICHGCOOP



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millsriver

Hunter
Jun 21, 2012
46
0
0
North Carolina
I reload all calibers and find that the cost is less than "store bought" but not as cheap as it used to be (what is?) Just let the word out to your friends and ask them to save brass. Any caliber is fine as you can trade it. Check on Ebay for used dies (they are generally not used enough to wear them out). Reloading can be almost a much fun as shooting. You will learn a lot about pressure and ballistics in the process.
 

Aimless1

Woodsman
Jan 20, 2013
102
23
28
NW Iowa
RICHGCOOP - wow! You load for a lot of calibers. Lead shot isn't cheap for 12ga. anymore, kinda took the savings out of the equation for trap. Do you "recycle" lead weights or buy it in a bulk form for casting bullets? BTW I have re-load envy.......
 

RICHGCOOP

Marksman
Mar 7, 2010
1,143
71
63
CANTON, OHIO
Zip code
44669
LEE makes a mold for buckshoot now. I think it makes 36 balls each time you pour. I'm thinking thy are in 00 & 000.
something to think about now days.

RICHGCOOP