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380 Automatic Load Data & Ballistics Calculator

Estimate chamber pressure and muzzle velocity for the 380 Automatic with the free, in-browser MyLoads internal ballistics simulator. The figures below are illustrative estimates from a physics model — not a recommended load. Always cross-check a current published loading manual.

380 Automatic reference

Maximum average pressure (MAP)21,500 psi
Nominal case capacity10.5 gr H₂O
Groove / bullet diameter0.355 in (9.02 mm)

Example simulation illustrative

Bullet
Sierra 9mm 355 Caliber (.355) 115 gr JHP Sports Master
Powder
Hodgdon Universal
Charge
2.4 gr
Barrel
4 in

Muzzle velocity

709 fps

Peak chamber pressure (interval, ±10% burn rate)

14,847 – 17,280 – 19,732 psi

nominal is 80% MAP (21,500 psi)

The simulator isn't optimized for this cartridge yet and may read pressure high or low.

Illustrative example — every figure is an estimate; always confirm your load against a current published manual before loading.

Popular 380 Automatic powders

Powders and bullets handloaders commonly use for the 380 Automatic, drawn from public discussion and listed most common first. They appear as the Popular group in the calculator's pickers. This is not a load recommendation — always check your load against a current published manual.

Popular 380 Automatic bullets

Use MyLoads as a 380 Automatic velocity and pressure calculator: it estimates muzzle velocity, muzzle energy and the full chamber-pressure curve for your own powder, charge and barrel length, compared against the reference facts above.

Open the 380 Automatic in the MyLoads calculator →

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