.380 ACP load development — share your recipe

by Ryan Nakamura 2026-01-04 19:58 6 replies · 457 views

Working up a load for .380 ACP in my Aero M4E1. Currently testing H4350 behind Hornady ELD-M bullets. Getting 1.5 MOA groups at 100.

Anyone have a proven recipe for .380 ACP?

6 Replies

Tony Russo 2025-12-16 17:03 4 points

Brother... you're using .380 ACP in an M4E1? That's not right. M4E1 is 5.56/.223. Are you maybe thinking of a different platform? .380 ACP is pistol cartridge. Also H4350 is way too slow for .380 - you'd want something like Titegroup or HP-38.

Monica Chan 2025-12-19 02:26 1 points

Wait what? .380 ACP in a rifle platform? That doesn't make sense at all. .380 is for pocket pistols like LCPs and P238s. Maybe you mean .223 Rem or 5.56? Totally different animals there...

Tyler Marsh 2026-01-08 00:58 6 points

Dude same. I spent way too long researching before I just pulled the trigger and bought one.

Mike Callahan 2026-01-08 23:58 -1 points

This is the content I come here for. Thanks OP.

Greg Hoffman 2026-01-09 05:58 3 points

Thanks for sharing. Been lurking for a while and this finally made me want to comment.

Tyler Marsh 2026-01-11 02:58 9 points

Welcome to the addiction lol. Your wallet will never recover.