Beretta 81 loads

[cmillard]

Well, testing some loads in my Beretta 81 .32acp. bought some Lehigh 55 grain extreme defender bullets. Been pouring over load data and saw there was no data on Longshot powder and did not want to use my vv n-310 I have on hand. I proceeded with Longshot and with the only charge weight, I found what I was after. Slide locked back, primers looked good and accuracy was acceptable. I decided this morning to load some more and shoot over my chrony and saw that I was neck and neck with Underwood's +p 55 grain load. I am confident I can reign in the consistency of the velocity but I was happy nevertheless. Group is 5 shots to the left of the target circle. The one on the bottom was from yesterday.

[cmillard]

Just came in from water jug testing this Beretta 81. Shooting 55 Lehigh extreme defender at about 1079 fps. I had 2 half gallon jugs followed up with 4 gallon jugs of water. Bullet penetrated first 4 jugs and on the 5th, there was a dimple on the jug but no penetration. I saw the bullet about 16 inches to the left in the grass. Needless to say, I'm kind of impressed by this little bullet.

[bradshaw]

Sept 12, 2020 15:26:31 GMT -5 cmillard said:

Just came in from water jug testing this Beretta 81. Shooting 55 Lehigh extreme defender at about 1079 fps. I had 2 half gallon jugs followed up with 4 gallon jugs of water. Bullet penetrated first 4 jugs and on the 5th, there was a dimple on the jug but no penetration. I saw the bullet about 16 inches to the left in the grass. Needless to say, I'm kind of impressed by this little bullet.

*****

cmillard..... depending on the plastic jugs, about 18-inches penetration for your little .32 Auto. Impressive bullet. Bouncing off the “skin” of a plastic jug, and landing close by, is quite common behavior. Penetration you indicate exceeds many defense rounds. Good report. Am I correct to think bullet ruptured first water jug on entry side, and poked holes in the next three? Good report.
David Bradshaw

[cmillard]

Bradshaw, thanks for the reply. That little .32 ruptured the first 2 jugs...split them both vertically then the other jug, just a simple hole.

[cmillard]

Went back out this morning to mess around some more with the little Beretta 81. This thing shoots no nice and soft. Set up target at 15 yards and also set up a piece of 1/2" thick plexiglass underneath the target. This plexiglass is tough stuff! I shoot through it at work testing for deflection with barrier loads as well as my standard match loads with my work bolt rifle. Well, with the .32 I wasn't too surprised. The factory Hornady 60 grain load basically cratered it. I then followed up with my 55 grain Lehigh. That bullet basically penetrated in, bulged the backside and then bounced back out. Haven't found bullet yet.

[cmillard]

I have an old piece of level IIIA body armor that I may test these little bullets and maybe some hardcast .454 on.

[cmillard]

Well, sent 3 shots into the level IIIA. I am surprised at how tough this stuff is. Just digging out one of these .311 bullets was a chore. Later, I will test some 265 wfngc in my BFR, dont know if I will do heavy Colt loads or .454.

[cmillard]

Well, loaded up a BTB 265 wfngc in virgin starline .45 colt brass with 25.5 grains of h-110. To be honest, I thought this bullet was going to go through, but it only went through the 1st (of 4) layers of Kevlar. I am amazed by the level 3A vests, tough stuff!