.40S&W reloads

[nitesite]

What manual(s) do you have and what bullets do you plan on using? Lead, FMJ, Plated??

This (above) is a very good post. Smart question to ask.

I load 180-gr plated FPs over 5.7-gr of Unique and Fed 100 primers and a .423" crimp to duplicate my on-duty factory Federal 180 HSTs. Federal claims 1000-fps with that round. I chrono'd my load at 993 AV with a 9-fps SD.

I shy away from fast-burning powders in the .40 S&W cartridge. I tried Titegroup but is too quirky.

 

[Mule88]

Handgunner356 +1

 

[fredj338]

I just dug out my manuals I had(just moved in Feb) and they are all vintage 70's and 80's, wow can't believe I'm that old!
Anyway, thanks for your info. I think I'll pick up a new manual, are there any that are better then the others?

I like the Lyman #49 & Speer, best IMO. Forget the Lee. The Load Books from Midway are good, but only one caliber each.
I like to use medium burners in the 40. It's not very forgiving w/ fast & uberfast powders. Medium burners start @ Unqiue & go to about HS6. I have found nothing more accurate than Unqiue or WSF under any 165-180gr lead, plated or jacketed bullet for full power loads. For lighter loads, W231 or WSt work well. I wouldn;t load TG or Clays in the 40 unless I had nothing else.

 

[garyjandfamily]

This (above) is a very good post. Smart question to ask.

I load 180-gr plated FPs over 5.7-gr of Unique and Fed 100 primers and a .423" crimp to duplicate my on-duty factory Federal 180 HSTs. Federal claims 1000-fps with that round. I chrono'd my load at 993 AV with a 9-fps SD.

I shy away from fast-burning powders in the .40 S&W cartridge. I tried Titegroup but is too quirky.

I load 180-gr Lead Semi-wadcutters over 5.3-gr of Unique and CCI small pistol primers. It's a good, light practice load. I like Unique because:
1. I load .40, .38sp and 44 mag (light loads) - all with Unique
2. It's easy to spot a double charge, especially when loading the .40
3. It's much more forgiving than some of the faster powders (such as Titegroup)
4. I can buy it for $20/pound at my local WalMart.

 

[shotslow]

I use 5.1 g Win 231 for both 165 Rainers and 140 lead TC. The 140 gr makes minor power level and then some. But mild recoil and worth it. IMO. The 165 g comes close to major power, but I use it just for practice.

I have titegroup but it has a sharper recoil. I use TG in revolvers (S&W), but mainly as a shotgun powder. Cowboy shotgun.

I will load AA #7 in 40 S&W to see what it does. I got it for 357 Sig in my M&P 40.

I appreciate the info on crimp diameter of .423. I am paying attention to crimp diameters, lately. Not so much for the 40 S&W but I will. Thank you.

 

[Berry's MFG]

What manual(s) do you have and what bullets do you plan on using? Lead, FMJ, Plated??

Talked to Hodgdon yesterday and they will have plated data printed in July. We also have Accurate working up data.

 

[ISOM]

.40 S&W

A short time ago we [Wife and Myself] acquired a .40 S&W.
We have not shot yet but, came up with an interesting load for UNIQUE powder:
150 - 155 grain 5.6 grains for 900 fps
165 - 165 grain 5.6 grains for 900 fps
180 - 180 grain 5.7 grains for 900 fps
We yet we have not loaded/shot any of these loads.