380 ACP dies

I want to take the time to update the status of this project.  There appears to be a lot of interest in the smaller calibers on the forum and perhaps what I have found will help someone.  First I would say thank you for the pointers I have received as they were all helpful. I purchased a set of Hornady dies as I like their seating die and will have a die set for their progress which I intend to use for case preparation.  Cases will be charge (Little Dandy) and seating will be done as a separate step.  As I suspected the sizing die from this set reduces the inside of the case to 0.499.  This makes since for the jacketed bullets as it forms a stop like a canalur to prevent bullet set back.  However this will not work for cast bullets of 0.357 diameter.  I have received in good time two Accurate molds one of 98 grains and the suggested 120 grain configuration.  An old RCBS carbide die for the 38 special was available and the suggestion for its use gives an inside diameter which does not damage a cast bullet. And is perhaps just a bit on the loss side. The issue I found working with dummy rounds is that a sufficient tapper crimp must be applied to hold the bullet in place during cycling and especial if exracting a loaded round.  The Lee universal expansion die works for these loads just as described.  I am a bit cautious of the 120 as it must be seated deeper to allow for functioning and this will raise pressures for the blow back mechanizums. I have old Lyman data which gives charges for a 120 grain 9mm bullet of theirs and will use that.     For pistols I have followed a bit different path.  I was able to get in a short time a Kahr CT380 from my local dealer.  He has treated my son well in recent deals and deserves the business.  This is the 3 inch barrel version with cut rifling and has locked breach operation which should help with the experimentation load I plan on.  There is also a smaller 2.5 barrel model but I find just to small for my hands. These can be found for less than the cost of even the Berretta 1934s I looked at.  I am familiar with the action and own other Kahrs in larger calipers and find them to be well made accurate and they operate like a double action revolver I have shot many years.  The only issue is like the others I have loaded for the chambers are tight and this will make for a challenge with cast bullets.  It will not quite reliably chamber the Fiocchi factory loads I have which have a 0.003 thicker rim than the Winchester white box which runs with no problems.  Kahr specifies a 200 round breaking number and in the smaller calibers I find this to be expected.  I also found a Colt 1908 at a price I could live with but it was more than 800.  I will enjoy this one and it appears that it will take any load with ease. If all goes well possible I will look to the suggestion of other makes to add to the project. Keith