How hot of handloads are safe in the new Ruger LCP 380ACP?

It's Smurf(c) sized, plastic framed, DAO, and (gasp) is locked breech just like 1911 models! Formerly all the blowbacks had to limit pressure to 21,500 psi to avoid giving the brass a hernia. But this hyper-reliable little gem surrounds the brass case with close-fitting steel for the duration of the high pressure part of the powder burn. Of course the longer and 35,000 psi rated 9mm Luger is about .020" thicker at the head. So that determining one end of things, I wonder how much of an increase in pressure would be safe and reasonable for LCP-use-only handloads? And what if you had brand new Nickeled cases, which would resist sticky extraction at higher pressures? Yes, I know, one would have to guard all handloaded custom ammo intended for only one gun, as usual. When I get epifilials on an LCP, I personally intend to work up something with the best cases I can find, measuring case distortions with incrementally increasing power. A few serious answers please among the merriment. Regards, Larry.

2009-01-09T12:31:42Z

I think we can make book on how soon Wolff comes out with some heavier slide-return springs (1 pair) for the LCP!

2009-01-10T09:16:37Z

This question is about speculation, and I cannot yet buy an LCP in California, as they still aren't approved here, being so new. I think if Bill Ruger was alive he might turn over in his grave at all the paranoid put-downs of his company which traditionally conspicuously overbuilds things (such as the locked breech on the new LCP 380ACP) supposedly now making wimpy guns! True, anything is possible, but I often know a good thing when I see it, and I'll speculate that 20-30% pressure increases will turn out to be safe and reasonable for the LCP, after judicious testing results are in. As a sidenote, I am as guilty as anyone for answering questions without having read all the current answers to avoid duplication or insult, but I find it AMUSING how many ethanol-powered stations don't even read the questions, as I do come here also for the merriment! Have another! And I did anticipate a lot of put-downs, and paranoia being substituted for knowledge, as the price of being in here. ~Larry.

2009-01-10T10:58:06Z

It has been pointed out to me that most shooters don't know that these various plastic/fiberglas-filled frame handguns also have a tempered aluminum alloy inner frame, doing the "heavy lifting". The LCP is one of these. It is also pointed out to me that after a century of use and general distribution, most shooters also aren't as clear as they might be on what a "locked breech" is. I feel it's similar to the difference between a shovel and a bulldozer, but that may be overstating the case. Anyway, the LCP is also one of these. MSRP $330? That's the real mystery!

2009-01-10T20:51:06Z

Yes Travis, when I met Elmer Keith as a young man, he as an old man was still explaining that he blew up those guns on purpose, to determine exactly what power levels would do that. Somebody had to, and he published the results in his gun column. Today many people are still howling that he was a wild-eyed fool who blew up guns. We also quickly agreed and spit-shook on it that 800 ft-lbs was plenty for deer in either 44 or 45 caliber, with good hits. He had asked S&W for both an 825 ft-lb deer load, AND an 1100 ft-lb dangerous game load, but S&W only supplied the big load, one can only speculate why, as it chilled police interest, and most of the expected market. All that faded with "Dirty Harry" and the factory couldn't make them fast enough for years! Anyway, clearly the locked breech of the LCP is an overbuild, the question being how much of one. I'm sure we have stirred the thinking of many handloaders who didn't want to get hooted at here, and are doers rather than talkers.

Grizzly II2009-01-09T22:12:25Z

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Just another reason there are so many reloading manuals printed every year. Do NOT exceed listed maximum criteria for any load, no matter how much you want to experiment! ! ! !
I would definitely suggest checking with the dealer you purchased the LCP from to determine whether or not it is rated for +P or +P+ ammo, or go directly to the source & contact Sturm Ruger if the owners' manual doesn't have the information.
Be aware that firing handloads of ANY formula will VOID any factory warranty from the first shot.
I would not recommend feeding ANY polymer frame pistol a steady diet of close-to-max loads no matter how well it may seem to be built. Even my USP, one of the best on the market, only gets one mag of 'business' loads to end each range session, and my practice loads are at least 10% below maximum to reduce wear & tear on the framework. This seems to work very well, as its' tolerances are hardly changed after over 5000 rounds in practice.

travis s2009-01-09T17:22:15Z

I asked a similar question about handloading for the 416 Rigby. I would take anything posted here with a grain of salt. Personally, I wouldn't worry about overloading it. If you were that concerned with power, you'd have bought a bigger caliber. That being said, you sound like a knowledgeable reloader. If you understand the pressure signs and know what you're doing, have at 'er. Elmer Keith blew up more than one gun and we all revere him as a god, don't we?

boker_magnum2009-01-09T13:27:38Z

I would suggest going no higher than SAAMI specs. I have a Ruger Blackhawk that I "overload" for, but it is the exception, not the rule. Are the LCP's rated for +P+ ammo?

Friendly Pagan Sociopath2009-01-09T13:45:27Z

Stay with the .380 cartridges, you don't want the little pistol braking and blowing off your hand.