.40S&W lead bullet handloads

[Sarge6]

I have been looking for info for loading 180 gr. Lead / powders and data have been hard to find. Specifically data for either red dot, W231, or Titegroup. Not looking for max loads, want loads that will work without hurting in a compact pistol.

 

[Calaveras Slim]

If the chart does not show W231, it should show HP-38. Use that. Same powder

 

[FlyFish]

Speer Manual #14 doesn't have any 40 S&W data specifically for lead bullets of any weight, but for 180 gr jacketed shows 4.0 gr of TiteGroup as a starting load, 4.7 gr maximum. I load 6.5 gr of Power Pistol under 180 gr lead for my Sig 229 with good results (Speer #14 shows 6.2 start, 7.2 max for 180 gr jacketed with PP).

 

[fredj338]

The Lyman #49 has lead data, but not for red dot. My 40 minor load is 3gr of RedDot under a 176gr LFP. It makes 740fps. It will run in a stock g23, but you may need 1/10-2/10 more for other guns or a spring change.

 

[colt_saa]

I have been looking for info for loading 180 gr. Lead / powders and data have been hard to find. Specifically data for either red dot, W231, or Titegroup. Not looking for max loads, want loads that will work without hurting in a compact pistol.

Welcome to the Forum

I am not sur what load manuals you own, but I looked in 6 of mine and every single one has load data for the 40S&W with Win 231. Only two had red dot and none had Titegroup. In fairness most of my manuals are 8-40 years old and Titegroup is a relatively new powder.

With lead projectiles, do not get stuck looking for an exact match. There are so many molds and alloys odds are there is not one.

If your manual does not have data for 180 lead, use 180 jacketed or 175 lead. It will all be the same, especially since you are not trying to get a MAX load.

 

[bigsteve113]

I use home cast 175 gr LSWC's. I load these over 5.0 gr. of Unique and get 852 fps from my G23. It is quite pleasant and accurate. I don't think the 5 grains difference will matter with your 180 gr bullet over the same charge.

I also tried this same bullet with 5.5 gr Unique but only gained 10 more fps, not sure why, but that's why I settled on 5.0. Not much less velocity and saving powder to boot!

 

[greenmachine]

Something between 3.6 to 4.2 grains of 231 should satisfy your requirements. I have used as much as 4.8 with no problems, but that's probably pushing the upper limit for your gun.

 

[scattershot]

I use Red Dot with that bullet, 4 grains will get you 850 fps,or so.

 

[ronnie gore]

lead

I use accurate number 5 with a 175 grain cast bullet I cast from a lee mold.
got my load from the accurate manual.

 

[MyDads38]

You can check out the Hodgdon reloading data. For 40 S&W with 180 gr. Berry's plated bullet W231/HP38 Start 4.4 grs.; Max 5.1 grs.
With TiteGroup Start 4.2 grs; Max 4.7 grs.

Hope this helps

 

[Johnrh]

I'm using 4.3 of 231 with 175 grain lead TC. Have feeding problems with these in the M&P but no problems in the XD. RNFP plated feed perfectly, just those darn TC. So I practice with the TC because I cast them myself so cost me nothing. Free lead. The TC run around 850 fps.

 

[roundgunner]

I use 4.5 of tight group for a close to full power load and I use 3.2 of tight group for an IDPA load which is about equivalent to a nine millimeter both with Lee 180 TL

 

[fredj338]

Welcome to the Forum



If your manual does not have data for 180 lead, use 180 jacketed or 175 lead. It will all be the same, especially since you are not trying to get a MAX load.

You can use starting jacketed data for lead bullets, but it is NOT the same vel & pressure.

 

[fredj338]

I'm using 4.3 of 231 with 175 grain lead TC. Have feeding problems with these in the M&P but no problems in the XD. RNFP plated feed perfectly, just those darn TC. So I practice with the TC because I cast them myself so cost me nothing. Free lead. The TC run around 850 fps.

Since the 40 was designed from the ground up to feed a TC jhp, I am surprised you are having issues with feeding. Try tweaking the oal +/ 0.050".