Handloads: A .380 ACP Pocket Pistol Practice Load​

by
posted on June 27, 2023
.380 ACP Pocket Pistol Practice Load​

As modern ammunition manufacturing has drastically improved during the past 50 years, the .380 ACP is finally receiving the respect it deserves as a defensive cartridge. While handy to carry, pistols chambered for the cartridge tend to be harder to shoot well and thus require more practice to master. Here is my go-to load for such work.

.380 ACP Pocket Pistol Practice Load​ specsThis recipe starts with once-fired Winchester brass. They don’t often need to be trimmed, however, it’s a good idea to check and discard them as needed. Using a set of Hornady Custom dies, I size each case and flare it as minimally as possible before seating primers. These dies feature a titanium nitride sizing ring, so lubrication isn’t necessary. However, if loading progressively, I recommend a spray of RCBS Case Slick to reduce extraction friction; given the shorter case length of this cartridge, powder spillage occurs far more easily, and this will help to mitigate that.

I’ve always found Federal No. 100 small pistol primers to be plenty accurate for this application. Hodgdon Titegroup is the most economical propellant solution, and 3.0 grains is enough to yield realistic velocities out of even the smallest pistols. This charge also sits well into the case, allowing for greater variance in bullet seating depth, if needed.

With powder and primer in place, I turn to the Hornady 90-grain XTP. Although more expensive than exposed-lead or copper-plated bullets, its conical design feeds exceptionally well, particularly for a hollow point. I seat these to a depth that leaves me with an overall cartridge length of 0.965", which provides enough room to adjust for the best performance through a particular pistol.

On the range, you can expect representative recoil that doesn’t stress your gun or your fingers when gripping less-than-ergonomic pocket pistols. This load will group as well or better than most factory fodder, so don’t be afraid to push your target out farther than usual. When run through a pistol with quality sights, it’s amazing how fun Browning’s tiny cartridge can be to shoot.

Latest

KelTec PR57
KelTec PR57

KelTec’s PR57: Thinking Outside The (Detachable) Box

KelTec has brought the stripper clip back with the thoroughly unconventional PR57—a carry pistol with an uncommon chambering, an unusual action and no box magazine.

The Armed Citizen® June 9, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

More Western States Opening Large Shooting Ranges

A number of states in the western U.S. have opened or are planning to open large, versatile ranges to serve the growing need for publicly accessible shooting spaces.

Preview: Sneaky Pete Distressed Leather Perfect Holster

More than just a fresh look made using handcrafted leather, the Sneaky Pete Distressed Leather Perfect Holster has been redesigned to accommodate extra ammunition in addition to a concealed firearm.

New For 2025: Rost Martin RM1S & RM1C Comped

Two new models joined the Rost Martin handgun lineup in 2025, one with subcompact dimensions and another with a built-in compensator that promises to reduce recoil substantially.

CMP Resumes M1911 Pistol Sales

As of January 2025, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) had resumed sales of surplus U.S. Army M1911/M1911A1 pistols to qualified U.S. citizens.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.