trouble with 380 acp

[houdini]

having trouble with 380 acp, they only fit half way in the case gages, all different head stamps.

 

[Hoon]

If your sizing die is set correctly they should all fit in the case gauge regardless of head stamp.

Do they fit in your chamber(s)?

 

[EddieCoyle]

What bullets are you using?
If you're using cheap plated or cast bullets, did you measure them first? They should be a consistent 0.355" diameter.

If that checks out, are you over crimping?

 

[Steve Marshall]

Or under crimping. Do they fit the gage after sizing?

 

[45collector]

I had the exact same problem with .380, so I tightened the taper just a tad and they're all good.

 

[noylj]

First, does the sizing die just touch the shell holder? If not, screw it down until it does.
Do the sized cases drop in barrel and go "plunk?" If not, the sizing die is badly adjusted or it has a problem.
Next, take a round that doesn't drop in and chamber and paint the bullet and case black (Magic Marker works well).
With barrel in one hand, drop round in chamber and twist back-and-fourth once or twice. Remove and note where chamber has scratched the coating.
If on bullet, COL is too long (each bullet can require its own COL)
If on case mouth edge, you need a bit more crimp
If just below case mouth, you are crushing the case with too much crimp.
If on case where the base of bullet is located, you are seating the bullet crooked.
If on case just above extractor groove, you have a case bulge not removed during sizing.
Do this and tell us where your problem is.

Don't manuals cover this any more?