***New Range report***Bullseye? Unique? 40 cal out of a 610 revolver

[socal s&w]

I have loaded some Bullseye in 40 cal using information from the 48th Lyman with the lowest FPS for punching paper. That approximate starting load, since that exact bullet is not listed is:
5.1 gr Bullseye
Moly lead SWC 155 gr.
WSP all in a WW brass case.
I have no real complaints about the accuracy, but for just paper, the recoil is not desireable.
I was thinking that since there is no action to push in a revolver, why can't a lighter load, say about 3.5 gr of Bullseye work. (That is my current 45 load working the action on a S&W 1911 with a lightened 15# recoil spring.)
The 610 has a 6" barrel if that makes a difference.....don't want anything to stick on the way down the tube.
Unique and Power Pistol are also options in the book.
I really do not like going 'out-of-bounds' when I reload so I figure that at the very least I should get some input from you guys the experts.

 

[socal s&w]

I have loaded some Bullseye in 40 cal using information from the 48th Lyman with the lowest FPS for punching paper. That approximate starting load, since that exact bullet is not listed is:
5.1 gr Bullseye
Moly lead SWC 155 gr.
WSP all in a WW brass case.
I have no real complaints about the accuracy, but for just paper, the recoil is not desireable.
I was thinking that since there is no action to push in a revolver, why can't a lighter load, say about 3.5 gr of Bullseye work. (That is my current 45 load working the action on a S&W 1911 with a lightened 15# recoil spring.)
The 610 has a 6" barrel if that makes a difference.....don't want anything to stick on the way down the tube.
Unique and Power Pistol are also options in the book.
I really do not like going 'out-of-bounds' when I reload so I figure that at the very least I should get some input from you guys the experts.

 

[john traveler]

Bullseye is one of those easy-to-ignite powders that is safe to load in reduced charges, even below the starting load levels. I've loaded it WAY down for use in indoor "gallery" loads for .38o ACP, 9mm, .38 Special, .41 magnum, .44 Special and magnum, .45 SCP, and .45 Colt no problems.

 

[socal s&w]

Thanks so far, any other takers out there?

 

[rsnyder]

I use 4.2gr PB under 180FMJ not hot, low recoil, and PB is super clean.

 

[Skip Sackett]

socal,
Because you are shooting them out of a M610 you won't have any problem with the hottest of published loads. You can use the fastest powders to their highest velocities without incident in those tanks.
That being said, you would be better served using a slower powder. Don't get me wrong, I love Bullseye. It is the first powder I ever used in reloading. It just isn't optimum for the 40S&W. Will it work? Sure. Light target rounds? Sure.
Something like Unique, SR4756, HS-6, AA#5 and others in that burn rate area would be much better.

I am currently loading for a Glock 22 and 180gr plated hollow point bullets. Trying to get 1000fps with the lowest pressure possible.
Since the first of the year I have dedicated myself to using only Hodgdon supplied powders. That being said there is a load that uses Longshot and gives that velocity with a minimum charge which is lower pressure than the maximum load of SR4756. (I just don't happen to have any Longshot yet!)

FWIW

 

[dwhite53]

In a revolver 3.2 grains of bullseye should get the bullet through the barrel. Reduced loads aren't a problem with faster powders. I routinely run 4.2 grains of Universal under a 180 grain cast bullet in my SW40VE. This load actually cycles the action. It's much more pleasant to shoot that 5.2 grains of the same powder.

** This loading data works in MY GUN. Use at your own risk**

All the Best,
D. White

 

[handgunner356]

I would probably start in the 4.2-4.5gr range with Bullseye first and see how it does. See how they print. Usually with the LSWCs' you'll see poor groups and keyholing in the paper when they start getting too slow. I've use the 155gr LSWC in ISPC, but push them around 1100fps to make major. I'm guessing you'll want something in the 750-850fps range for target work.

 

[pberry]

A couple of years ago I loaded some 45acp lead very light. They shot good in my Gold cup, but smoked very bad. I loaded some 40S&W 180gr jhp last year. I used 5.5gr and got 1055 fps out of my 4" 610. They shot good, but the gun had some soot build up and my hand had some also. I have used bullseye for years and didn't notice the smoke until lately. I now use winchester WSF, and I will pick up a can of the new Autocomp soon. I want to see how it works and how clean it is. If it smokes, the stainless 610 will show it.
Phil

 

[MrPhil]

I'm shooting 45 ACP in a revolver. 200 grain plated bullet, 3.5 grains Clays (a fast powder). Very slow, very accurate. I could probably go down a bit but I want the load to go "bang" instead of "pop". I'd think you could get by with 3.5 grains or less of Bullseye with the 180 grainer in 40 with no problem. Maybe even lighter.

 

[OKFC05]

I shot my minor power .40 S&W loads (4 gr HP38 under 180gr Berry bullet) in a friend's 4" 610 and had the sensation of shooting a .32 S&W K frame.

A 6" bbl 610 weighs about 50oz, so recoil with any of the reduced loads above should be negligible.

 

[socal s&w]

I thank you one and all for your thoughtful and highly informative replies.
Reduced recoil is what I'm after all right.
My thought after learning so much from you is to start around 3.8gr of Bullseye and see what/how that does/feels. Then work from there ultimately dropping into the lower range if that proves out.
I believe that 3.2 to 3.5 would be a good load,
but prefer to start a little towards what the manual starts from.
rsnyder.......forgive me, but what is "PB"?
I too have soot build up on the cylinder from the Bullseye powder.

 

[socal s&w]

Update*****

Okay, here is my latest range report for the 40's that I loaded up this week.
I did as I stated previously and loaded some 3.8gr of Bullseye with a Berry's copper coated 155gr bullet in a WW case and a WSP.
Excellent results!
Very accurate and pleasant to fire. A little adjustment of the sights and the 100 shot were mostly bullseye black.
My next trip, I plan on trying 3.5gr with a Bear Creek moly LSWC and see how that fares.