40S&W Cast Bullet loads

reklawsr · #1 01-20-2010, 10:42 PM

I want to load 180gr cast bullets for practice with my 40S&W but I am having trouble finding info for this weight cast bullet in the manuals I have on hand.

Any suggestions for info sources or loads. I currently use Bullseye for 38spl & 45acp so I would like to use it for the 40s&w to keep my supplies simple.

Thanks for any guidance.

cjw3 · #2 01-20-2010, 11:17 PM

Lyman 47th Reloading Handbook lists the following:

Bullet 401043 175 grain 1.125 OAL
Powder: Bullseye
4.2 grains, velocity 665, pressure 17,100 (starting load)
5.1 grains, velocity 812, pressure 22,000 (maximum load)

Bullet 401638 175 grain 1.100 OAL
Powder: Bullseye
4.0 grains, velocity 654, pressure 16,900 (starting load)
5.0 grains, velocity 842, pressure 23,100 (maximum load)

Bullseye is a little fast for .40, but if it is what you have it will suffice. I have had good results with AA5 and WST using 175-180 grain cast bullets.

handgunner356 · #3 01-21-2010, 12:07 AM

I think you would have better results going with something like Unique or Universal. The 40 is such a high pressure cartridge to start with I use 5grs Universal for right at 950fps out of my guns.

Beans · #4 01-21-2010, 03:27 AM

I am using 2.9 Grs of Clays behind a magma cast (wheel weights) 180 gr bullet.
OAL 1.20
It is giving me 745 FPS in my G35 with stock springs
This is givng me a PF of 132
No muzzle flip, brass drops in a neat pile about 3 ft from me.

Gene2 · #5 01-21-2010, 08:03 PM

All jacked bullets are good, but the 180gr. cast bullets may fly a foot from point of aim (laser sights) at 40yd. I expect my problem is the bullets are .4007 dia and my barrel is .402. Can't locate any .402 bullets in my area so thinking of using jacked bullets only.
These loads with 231 run fine, just not sure where they may go.
I have heard of others having the same problem but can't seem to find info anywhere.
Gene

reklawsr · #6 01-21-2010, 08:56 PM

Thanks for the replies, this will help get me started in the right direction.

2sigs · #7 01-21-2010, 10:45 PM

Lyman 48th Handbook Pg. 343

VAdoublegunner · #8 01-26-2010, 08:11 AM

I have loaded a 180gr cast TC bullet in 40 S&W for many years to use in a pair of Ruger Vaqueros for cowboy action shooting.

My favorite load is 4.9-5.0gr of WSF with a WSP primer. Velocity is around 860fps with very low ES/SD. This is a very clean burning load and superbly accurate in the Rugers. They also are a favorite cheap range load in my S&W Model 696, rivaling jacketed bullet loads for accuracy.