I traded for some 40 175 gn LSWC, Lee mold TL401-175 swc.
I'm hoping to find a mild load using W231 - Titegroup - or Clays.
W231 is my goto powder, if I can find a good load.
Thanks in advance.
Tom B

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frontsightnsqueaz

Unfortunately I do not have much experience with those powders in 40S&W.

However, I have shot many thousands of Carroll 175gr (they actually weigh out closer to 180gr lubed) LTC bullets over the years loaded with WSF. A charge of 4.5 gr is mild cowboy action level (my wife used them in a pair of Vaqueros chambered in 38-40WCF/40S&W) around 825fps, up to 5.4gr WSF for around 950fps. WSF is my usual go-to powder in the 40, be it jacketed or lead bullet.

Here is an earlier thread asking a similar quetion that may prove useful to your needs:
40 S&W reloading data

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" I said, good DAY! "

5.2 gr. WW-231 170 gr. LEE 1053 FPS
Chronographed in a TZ-75

Bill Mahnke
SWCA #1915

3.0g Clays will get the pressures up to where the powder likes it and will deliver about the same recoil as an 1100 fps 120g 9mm bullet. Expect about 780-800 fps on a 4.25" M&P40 if you seat to a COL of 1.135".

Be sure to wear a baseball cap and eye protection. The cases pop up about 1-2 feet and can land on your head. You'll love how easy they shoot. Stay below 3.8g because Clays will build up too much pressure way before you get the bullet going to any normal 40 S&W velocity.

I tested some 4.5grains of w231 in my g23 and it was very accurate. Also tried 3.7 grains of TG with great results as well.

I have data for two different 175 grain Lyman bullets using 231, both cast using the # 2 alloy. Results are from a universal receiver with a 4 inch barrel, 1-16 twist.

First is #401043, by the illustration a round nose flat point bullet. It lists the starting point at 4.3 grains with 863 fps and the max at 5.8 grains with 977 fps. Pressure at max is listed at 22,500 CUP. Overall length for this bullet is given at 1.125 inch.

Second is #401638, by illustration a conical flat point bullet that appears to be a bit shorter in length than the above RNFP. BTW, it really bugs me when these data manuals don't list the overall length of the bullet. Starting point is again 4.3 grains with velocity of 796 fps. Max load is 5.8 grains with a velocity of 970 fps. Overall length listed with this bullet is 1.100 inch.

Take note of the difference in the overall length. I expect that the reason for this is because the second bullet is 0.025 inch or more shorter than the first. Which is why I find it frustrating and lacking when load data tables don't include the length of the bullet. If we knew the length of these particular bullets you would be able to measure your bullet and come up with a far more accurate starting length by maintaining a constant case volume behind the bullet. Without that critical bit of information I can only recommend starting in the 1.135 inch range and test for function, accuracy, and feel.

Thanks folks, this helps alot.
tb

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frontsightnsqueaz

I have the same mold and use AA#5 or Unique with good results. I only use for plinking/target shooting, and keep them around 850fps out of my 4014 and 4053. I can push them faster but am happy with these results. I am interested in 231 loadings as they tend to be cleaner than Unique.

Reloading manuals are your friend. The Lyman has data for 170-175gr bullets & Hornady for 180gr w/ W231/HP38 (same powder). Hornady goes 3.8gr-5.7gr, but I would stop before 5.5gr.

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