Freedom Munitions .380
I just purchased 250 rounds of .380 from Freedom Munitions, after reading both positive and negative reviews.
Since they are reloaded ammunition, I checked each round for OAL when I received them. My reloading manuals indicate a OAL of .975 - .980. The SAAMI specs indicate a .954 for .380 ammo.
Unfortunately, of the 250 rounds, 150 rounds had an OAL between .935 and .952, and 100 rounds OAL between .953 and .966. That's a spread of .935 to .966, or .031. When I reload .380, my OAL spread is about .005.
I opened 50 rounds between .935 - .949 and reloaded them myself, reusing the brass, primer, and bullet. Of the remaining 200, I have 100 with an OAL of .953 and .966, which I feel confident about. The remaining 100 have an OAL of .950 to .952, which is questionable.
Has anyone else ever verified the OAL of any ammunition from Freedom Munitons? This wide spread of OAL may be the reason some reviews have referred to things blowing up, or breaking. The pressures generated by these reloads could be dangerous in a .380 handgun.
Thanks.