Loading 40 cal

[alphabrace]

Hello,
I am loading up some 40 cal with 180 grain hard cast lead using 231 powder. I have loaded at 4.2 and 4.5 grain loads. Both loads shoot fine. So with out a chronograph how do I choose which one?

 

[snw19_357]

Go with which ever one 'feels' and functions better.

If you can't tell any difference, go with the 4.2, you'll get 111 more rounds per pound of powder.

I load 180gr with 4.0gr W231.

 

[M29since14]

Any difference in POA/POI coincidence? Given the difference in powder charge, probably not, but I always favor the load that shoots where I want it to - especially if other things are equal.

 

[Skip Sackett]

Alpha,
What are you shooting them out of? What is the minimum and maximum for the load from the manufacturer's data?

 

[TSQUARED]

Hello,
I am loading up some 40 cal with 180 grain hard cast lead using 231 powder. I have loaded at 4.2 and 4.5 grain loads. Both loads shoot fine. So with out a chronograph how do I choose which one?

Shoot whichever load is either more acurate or controlable.

The W-W 14th\ edition manual lists the following for 170 gr. lead bullets in 40 S&W (sorry no data for 180 gr lead bullets):
4.0 gr. W-231 =850 fps = 22,800 psi
5.2 gr. W-231 = 1030 fps = 33,200 psi MAX load

 

[cjw3]

I am currently using up some WST with cast 180's in .40, but have used other things in the past and will probably go with 231 or something similar in the future.

I go for reliable function when loading for semi-autos; if the starting load provides that, I stay with it. With what I have (Glocks, Kel-Tec P3AT and a Colt 1903), gilt-edge accuracy is not in the cards but they all seem to do pretty well nonetheless. Have fun.

 

[alphabrace]

Alpha,
What are you shooting them out of? What is the minimum and maximum for the load from the manufacturer's data?

I am shooting them out of a smith M&P semi-auto

 

[sourdough44]

I have used H Universal in the 40. I also leave some breathing room with the charge, staying below max for target/plinking. Without a chrony you of course have listed charge weights to go by, also reliability and ejection distance. It may not be scientific, but distance and strength of empty case ejection can give some info. I have shot some loads in semi-autos where the case barely ejected, that and the charge weight told me I had to go up or switch powders.

 

[Rule3]

Here is some load data from Handguns. .40 SW lite recoil loads. It gives some velocity data for different guns. I have used them in a Sig. Page 2 but read the whole article.

.40 S&W Lite Recoil Loads