loading .40 cal need powder data

[Borgie]

Just joined forum need some help. Just started loading for my new XDm compact 40 need load data for Red Dot and Herco powder as I have a pound of each. I'm using 165gr fmj (not plated) and I have cast 650 bullets using the six cavity 175gr mold from lee. After weighing these bullets after cast they weigh more like 180gr. I melted down wheel weights and made ingots to use in my lee furnace. when I called lee to inquire about the diff in weight they told me I didn't have enough tin in my lead mix and that the lead would be too soft and would lead up my barrel. I then told them that I cold water quenched them after casting (7gal bucket full of cold water dropped from the mold) I heard that this makes the lead harder. Can't find any load data for these two powders and bullets, help would be much appreciated.

 

[Neumann]

Does the barrel have cut (Ballard) or polygonal rifling? You can't use unjacketed bullets with polygonal rifling.

 

[jimkim]

I'd start at 4.0gr of Red Dot. 5.0gr was the 180gr max load in the old Alliant manual.
Alliant Red Dot 180gr - XDTalk Forums - Your XD/XD(m) Information Source!

 

[Borgie]

don't know its a match grade barrel how can you ?

 

[Bruce51]

Data

Alliant use to hand out free reload data sheets. Maybe this page will help.

Bruce

 

[jimkim]

Unless they have changed something it is compatible with cast bullets.
Anyone reload with Missouri Bullets - XDTalk Forums - Your XD/XD(m) Information Source!

 

[Jimfix44]

The complete manual Bruce posted is available on the Alliant website.
I also load/shoot 40SW but I use Green Dot because I have several pounds of it.
I have no load data for Red Dot.
If I remember correctly the loads listed in the Alliant manual are MAX. I start at a 10% reduction from those and then work up from there after I chrony.

 

[handgunner356]

I wouldn't use anything as fast as Red Dot in 40, I do have a friend that uses 5.8grs Herco under a 180gr LTC with good results, makes major no problem.

 

[scattershot]

I use 4.0 Red Dot in my .40 reloads, with excellent results, both with cast bullets and plated, 170-180 grain. It gives about 950 fps and is accurate in my pistols.

 

[TSQUARED]

Just joined forum need some help. Just started loading for my new XDm compact 40 need load data for Red Dot and Herco powder as I have a pound of each. I'm using 165gr fmj (not plated) and I have cast 650 bullets using the six cavity 175gr mold from lee. After weighing these bullets after cast they weigh more like 180gr. I melted down wheel weights and made ingots to use in my lee furnace. when I called lee to inquire about the diff in weight they told me I didn't have enough tin in my lead mix and that the lead would be too soft and would lead up my barrel. I then told them that I cold water quenched them after casting (7gal bucket full of cold water dropped from the mold) I heard that this makes the lead harder. Can't find any load data for these two powders and bullets, help would be much appreciated.

I have never seen any relaoding data published by Alliant for lead bullets in 40S&W with either Red Dot or Herco. You should I have not checked the current Alliant website.

 

[rsrocket1]

I use Red Dot in my 4.25" M&P 40 for light recoil loads using the Lee 410-175TC cast bullets. Loaded to a 1.135" COL, 2.5g gives a very light recoil, but failed to completely eject 10% of the rounds and did not lock the slide back after the last shot about 1/3 of the time. MV averaged 670 fps.

2.8g Red Dot averaged 712 fps and gave 100% functioning. Just be sure to wear eye protection and a hat because many of the cases eject only about 1-3' up and land on your head.

4.0g Red Dot gives moderate recoil and 925 fps, but I use other powders for medium to high power loads (Bullseye and Power Pistol) and save the Red Dot for the light loads.

If using light loads of Red Dot, I would think that a little more would be needed for the 165g bullets in order to work the action reliably.

The cast bullets were tumble lubed with 45/45/10 Alox/Johnson's Paste Wax/Oderless Mineral Spirits and result in zero leading.

Yes, the Lee bullets tend to come out heavier than their specs. The 175's come out consistently at 180 and my 45 ACP 230 mold drops 'em at 240.