Powder/Loads for 40S&W for IDPA?

[Bushido]

I am looking to you experienced IDPA shooters and reloaders for input. What powder and charge are you using with what gr bullet and Why...for a 40S&W.

I've been reloading for under a year and am currently using 165gr Precision Delta FMJ, in front of 5.5 gr of Longshot for my 40, but I know there must be something better. I am hearing that Bullseye and Clays are more common for IDPA loaders and some are using 180gr.

The reason for my question is that I am also looking for the combination that will produce the least muzzle flip but still cycle properly in my M&P40PRO 5" and meet the power requirements of the IDPA rules. Whatever you experienced IDPA shooters and reloaders can offer is much appreciated.

 

[Skip Sackett]

In my personal opinion, Longshot is the BEST powder for the 40S&W. Lowest pressure, highest velocity, meters like water, and clean burning.

If it was me, that is right where I would stay. I don't shoot IDPA but, honestly, that powder is about the best you can get for the caliber.

I have used one other, SR4756 but mostly because I have had a bunch of it on hand for a while!

 

[growr]

In my .40 guns using a 165 bullet...I have used Accurate Arms #5 with 7.5 grains delivering VERY good results.....might work for you as well.

Randy

 

[Rule3]

Make Right With a ".40 Lite"

 

[Dftplan]

I use 3.2 gr Clays w/ 180 gr plated RNFP from X-treme Bullets in my Glock 22.

 

[Skip Sackett]

Clays and the 40S&W is a combination that in most firearms is a disaster waiting to happen. ESPECIALLY in a Glock......

 

[Harrison]

I may be wrong, but I believe that for IDPA in most classes you only need to make a 125 Power Factor. With a 165 grain bullet, that is only 775 FPS, which allows a little fudge factor. Not very fast. For such a light load in a 40S&W you would probably be better off with one of the faster powders, such as, Titegroup, 231/hp38, bullseye, Red Dot or Clays. The faster powers will burn cleaner in light loads and the recoil will be a little less.

 

[125JHP]

Today I was shooting 165gr Berry's over 4.7 WST, give a PF of 153 from my 4" XD. I also had some of the same bullet with 5.2 W231 (PF 160)with me in case I ran out . Yes they are a little faster than they have to be but I didn't notice any objectionable recoil as I had other things on my mind.

 

[DWalt]

For IDPA, go with the lightest load possible for reliable functioning. It's a timed game, so lower blast and recoil translates to getting back on target more quickly after each shot. Lead bullets are fine, and in my IDPA shoots, those are what most shooters use. Same idea as CAS - go with the lightest loads for the best times.

 

[Bushido]

For IDPA, go with the lightest load possible for reliable functioning. It's a timed game, so lower blast and recoil translates to getting back on target more quickly after each shot. Lead bullets are fine, and in my IDPA shoots, those are what most shooters use. Same idea as CAS - go with the lightest loads for the best times.

This is exactly what I was thinking when I posed this question. Do you have any details on Powder, grains, etc....? Thanks.

 

[Bushido]

Clays and the 40S&W is a combination that in most firearms is a disaster waiting to happen. ESPECIALLY in a Glock......

Hi Skip, Appreciate your opinion. Can you tell me why you feel this way when others are using clays successfully. In my loading manual it shows clays and bullseye being very close on the top end of the chart for fast burning which is consistent with some of the other comments I have been reading which suggest these powders for light loads. I am not trying to point the finger or be disrespectful in any way. I am simply curious about your thoughts on this, especially since you felt as I did about Longshot (which is what I am currently using with some success). I am beginning to think that powder selections are like caliber suggestions. Some like one powder and some like another. Please elaborate on your clays comment. Thanks a bunch.
Respectfully.

 

[Bushido]

Clays and the 40S&W is a combination that in most firearms is a disaster waiting to happen. ESPECIALLY in a Glock......

One of the things I have noticed in threads is that others have had a problem with metering light loads when using clays...so they stop using clays. Is this one of the issues you feel could result in disaster? Thanks.

 

[125JHP]

Not directed at the OP or anyone in particular,

If the object is purely for fun and not to simulate any kind of real situation and also to find a powder-puff load, minimize recoil and lay the brass at one's feet then switch to a 9mm as .40 is known to have a sharper pulse.

Whatever caliber, you may need a chronograph to tune your loads close to the 125 power factor (130 is a good floor to make sure your not too light on a particular day). It can be done with the 40 - it will take experimentation with your gun over the chrono.

Small charges of Fast powders with heavy bullets are a recipe for a kaboom. A lot of people do it and nothing bad happens but when something does, quite often it is with the above conditions present and a double charge is often suspect. YMMV.

My recommendation is to stay in the medium burning powder range and get used to controlling the recoil to where it becomes second nature in case a real situation presents itself. OTOH, if you want to shoot fast doubletaps and transitions, get a 9mm and save the .40 til you want to increase the power level you shoot at.

I know there will be a lot of comments disagreeing with this opinion, that's ok too.

 

[MYM&P]

Good morning all,
here is the load that I have been using for my M&P 40 pro
Bullet MG 165 JFP
Powder Tight group 5.3 grns
Col 1.120
taper 0.420
Been happy with the load so far your results may vary

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Clays, Bullseye, Titegroup and other very fast powder are dangerous in large cases because they require such small charges it's very hard to see a double or even triple charge. (disaster waiting to happen) Also, I would think using such a fast powder would peak the pressures before you achieved the velocities necessary in your sport. (but I didn't do the math) I feel slower powders will produce more of a push than a snap.

 

[Harrison]

What you should probably do, is go to a couple of IDPA matchs and talk to the people there about what loads they use to shoot their sport. You will probably get better answers than on a forum where many people have never shot IDPA, don't know the rules or IDPA and don't know what works for that particular sport.

 

[Bushido]

Good morning all,
here is the load that I have been using for my M&P 40 pro
Bullet MG 165 JFP
Powder Tight group 5.3 grns
Col 1.120
taper 0.420
Been happy with the load so far your results may vary

Do you know what velocity you are getting with this load? Thanks.

 

[Bushido]

What you should probably do, is go to a couple of IDPA matchs and talk to the people there about what loads they use to shoot their sport. You will probably get better answers than on a forum where many people have never shot IDPA, don't know the rules or IDPA and don't know what works for that particular sport.

Been doing that too. Original inquiry was posed to experienced IDPA reloaders for 40. Just digging for more info from someone shooting IDPA who may just have a great formula for success with the 40. However, appreciate the input. Thanks.

 

[Bushido]

Clays, Bullseye, Titegroup and other very fast powder are dangerous in large cases because they require such small charges it's very hard to see a double or even triple charge. (disaster waiting to happen) Also, I would think using such a fast powder would peak the pressures before you achieved the velocities necessary in your sport. (but I didn't do the math) I feel slower powders will produce more of a push than a snap.

Kind of what I was thinking too....that's why I started with Longshot 5.5gr under 165gr FMJ. However, what I am finding is that the top IDPA shooters I have talked to are using bullseye 4.6gr with 165gr bullets. Some are using clays 3.0-3.4gr with 180gr bullets. I understand your point about pressure and read about this in the manuals. I have been asking where I can to learn as much as I can about these issues. You make a good point and I appreciate your comment. Thanks.

 

[Bushido]

In my personal opinion, Longshot is the BEST powder for the 40S&W. Lowest pressure, highest velocity, meters like water, and clean burning.

If it was me, that is right where I would stay. I don't shoot IDPA but, honestly, that powder is about the best you can get for the caliber.

I have used one other, SR4756 but mostly because I have had a bunch of it on hand for a while!

After reading another thread about a guy blowing up his handgun with a double or triple load of fast burning powder, I think I will stick with Skip's advice. I don't know how a rookie reloader like me could possible stumble onto the right powder from the get go, but it is working fine for now. Thanks for the advice Skip. I have 2 lbs of Longshot remaining and I guess I'll just work with this stuff for now. Your advice is much appreciated.

I am only using 5.5gr, so there is still a possibility of a double. However, I also use a powder cop in my Hornady Lock and Load Progressive. I watch the cop carefully and check for accuracy with a scale every 5 loads. It takes extra time, but I am in no hurry to blow things up. Any other advice?