Powders for the 40 S/W

MrOldtimer

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Some observations from my reloading experience the 40 S/W. After playing around with different powders like Red Dot, WSF, WST, TiteGroup and Bullseye I have found that the powder I like the best for reloading the 40 S/W is WST, second would be TiteGroup and third would be WSF.
 
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I shot some loaded with HS6 yesterday and they worked really well. I used to use 231 but I ran out of that. Longshot and 800x work good in max loads.
 
Depends on what you are trying to accomplish. For light to midrange loads, yes, the faster powders work fine. My 40 minor load is either Red Dot or WST, what ever I have, but I am only pushing 175gr lead bullets @ 750fps. For full power loads, WSF is a great choice where faster powders will be pushing max pressures to get you 180gr bullets @ 950fps. I won't use TG.
 
After playing around with different powders like Red Dot, WSF, WST, TiteGroup and Bullseye

Those are all powder I avoid using in the 40. I much prefer the mid burn rate powders. Just a larger safety margin to work with.
 
I have/use Red Dot, Unique, Blue Dot, Bullseye and even 800X with very good results for loads in my M&P 40. Push 165 & 180 grain plated and jacketed bullets as well as 175 gr TN cast. I load mainly light/mid range plinking & target loads. Though thanks to the addiction, I am always looking for new powders to try:p

Be well all,
 
I am using HP 38 and Autocomp because of great metering and current availability. The HP 38 is very clean burning while the Autocomp tends to be dirty with mild to mid range loads.
 
Like said already, all the powders you are using are on the fast side for the 40 S&W.

Before it was discontinued HS-7 was a great powder for the 40 S&W. Now I think AA#7 is probably on top but HS-6, Longshot, 800X, Powder Pistol, AutoComp and a few others will all do a good job.
 
Those are all powder I avoid using in the 40. I much prefer the mid burn rate powders. Just a larger safety margin to work with.

Again, depends on what you are reloading for. Faster powders work better in low pressure/low vel/low recoil loads, like below midrange vel with any bullet wt. Agree, above midrange to full power, I much prefer med- med slow burners like WSF, Unique, PP, AA#7, HS6, LS.
 
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