Need help with load data for 40 SW, using lead bullets.

[Rule3]

OCD,
There is another loading manual you may want to invest in. It is the Lyman, Third Edition Pistol & Revolver Handbook, IBM: 9816500, UPC: 0 1151696500 4.

It has this warning in the opening information for this caliber too:


There is no data for a 180gr lead bullet but there are over 10 different powder combinations for two different 175gr lead bullets. You can extrapolate data to a point. Look at the data in your #49. Does it list data for the #401043 and #401638 175gr bullets? If so, look at your bullets. Do they have one or two lube grooves? Is the nose one that rides in the bore?

As I look at the data further, there is only 7fps difference between the two and the powder weights are exactly the same. Having cast for a while now, I can tell you this, it is within all likelihood that not all of the bullets they cast from those two molds were EXACTLY 175gr. In fact, I'm going out on a limb here, there is no way that ALL of them were that weight. Close, yes, exact, no.

Use the data for the bullet that most closely resembles yours and start at the bottom of the data for that bullet. Work up in .1gr or .2gr increments and check with a chronograph.

Do not exceed their data. In my experience, it will be fine.

Hope this helps!

Smith,

I actually have two different bullets, both listed at 180grs. They both have one groove and to the eye appear identical. But:
The Missouri IDP #5 TCFP is .401 dia and weighs in at 180grs

The Magnus #101 TCBB is also .401 dia but actually weighs 185 grs.

Both bullets candid photos are online at there respective sites.

No, I do not have any unsupported chamber 40 cal (Glock or High Power) I sold my Glock 40 as I did not want to by another barrel.

So actually with the Magnus bullet weight, I should be using less than the 175 gr data yes???

Thanks as always for you input.

 

[Rule3]

Understand. You've got the right powder. HP38 and 231 in current production being interchangeable, for all practical purposes, you might experiment with the starting load and even work backwards, since likely the only things that matter to you may be safe function of the gun and POA/POI convergence.

Recoil of the 5.0 grain load never was bothersome to me so I did not investigate further.

In any case, I believe you will find HP38/231 to be excellent with the lead bullets in your SIGs. Can't speak on XDs. In my M&P40, I switch to HS-6 or Longshot as I cannot maintain POA/POI convergence with the HP38/231 load, for some reason.

Naturally, it seems the HS-6 and Longshot loads do slam the gun (and shooter ) around a bit more, but accuracy still has been quite acceptable out to 25-yards. Have not shot the gun or ammo further.

The loads I did try of 4.5 grs with the Magnus 101 bullets which actually weigh 185gr were not excessive. Just felt different as the XD is plastic and the Sigs alloy. I did not shoot any of this batch through the Sig.
I ran 100 rounds through the sub compact XD is a short period of time as I was just checking it out. It's not a range gun but is very accurate for a 3" barrel. I have the same gun in 9mm which is a pleasure to shoot.

Appreciate the input.

 

[Skip Sackett]

Those bullets are the same. Data for the 175gr will be fine to use for extrapolating data. DO NOT GO BELOW THEIR LISTED OAL, PERIOD!

What you can do in this situation is use the bottom of the 175gr data for starters. As noted above, to keep the pressure in a reasonable area do not reduce the OAL beneath their suggestion. In fact, if they will chamber @ .010" longer, that is what I would do.

The difference in weight is most likely attributed to alloy composition. Softer = heavier, harder = lighter. Remember that for when you start to cast!

At any rate and since your chronograph is on the blink, do not go above their maximum listed for those bullets. In fact, if the minimum load will cycle your firearm @ + .010" on the OAL, that is the load I would use.

FWIW

 

[Amici]

I used 170 and 175 grain SWC's when I started loading .40, but I used Red Dot.

I now use 180 grain TC over WST.

 

[ShrinkMD]

Power pistol?

According to Lyman 49th, Power Pistol runs (in a one groove 180 gr FPBB lead bullet) 5.8 to 6.5 gr. The slightly different shaped, but same weight bullet runs from 5.9 to 6.6 gr of Power Pistol.

I loaded up several batches, at 5.8, 6.0, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, and 6.4 gr. I seated to 1.125". They gauge ok. Hopefully I can get out to the range soon and pass them through my 4006TSW. I also have a little Aguila 180 gr and Wolf 180 gr FMJ, so I will chronograph them all and try to have a fun day.

I weighed the 6.4 charge very carefully prior to loading, and my 10 round combined weight was never above 64.1, a couple times on the dot at 6.4, so I'm pretty sure there aren't any that snuck through which are any higher. I feel a little unsure getting close to the max charge, but I do have a chronograph, the 4006TSW is a stout pistol, and I know that all my OAL's are fine, certainly nowhere near the 1.100" minimum OAL which the Lyman manual states. So I think I should be fine.

If I save the hottest for last, and if my chrony data matches up to what the reloading manual says, I should be safe, no? I dropped some rounds into my barrel, and it sure looks to me like the 4006TSW is a fully supported chamber.

I will try and report back with data soon!