180 grain bullets for 40 cal

[mgrandick]

I use the 180's in my Delta Elite 1911 with eight grains of Unique no problems as compaired to 6.4 grains of unique with the 180ties in my 40 Taurus PT 101. I have a heavier than stock spring in both. The whole premise of appropriate bullet weight was started when I began using a S&W 4006 and it began to decock spontaniously upon recoil. I talked to Fastbolt on this forum and he talked me through a spring change out. This didn't help and I talked to S&W on the phone and they wanted the gun back and sent a shipping tag. This is where it's at. I was wondering now that my decocking problem may have something to do with to much inertia from the 180 grain load even though it didn't affect the Taurus. Thus the search on loading info and my post here. With the information you all have posted I'm making the decision to leave it be. It will work fine. I'm just hoping the 4006 gets back quickly as it has become my favorite range pistol. I also have been combing the internet and gun shows for extra magazines. You all are great and thanks for the info

Mike Grandick

 

[shawn mccarver]

I was recently told that 180 grain bullets weren't the best bullet to load for the 40S&W. I've been loading them for years with no problems. What is considered a better bullet. 165's 155's

Mike Grandick

It depends on your purpose. The FBI's current load of choice for issue in their Glock .40 caliber pistols is the Winchester 180 grain Bonded Hollow Point, commercially called the PDX1, albeit with very slight modifications in "packaging" (by this I mean not only the cardboard box, but also the casing and perhaps the primer sealant).

 

[Bello]

I do use 165's and 180's myself

 

[mtgianni]

If your training officer tells you that 180's are not the best for the 40 believe him. If it is anyone else hold on to your wallet.

 

[Tupperware]

I've seen 200 grn in .40 SW

I have loaded lead 220's for bowling pin matches with very good results. It was definitely a non-standard load that required extending the throat of my barrel and loading to 10mm length
Nowadays, I load 180's almost exclusively. This is due to the fact that I got a great deal on a large quantity of them years ago. I'll load any weight bullet for paper punching. I'm a firm believer that almost any good handgun bullet can be loaded to perform with better accuracy than I can hold.