question on 155gr .40 FTF in a new Sigma.

[PDL]

So, I was out at the range with my new 40VE trying different weights and brands of ammo. It's only had about 300 rnds thru it so far. No problem with various brands of 180 gr ammo. No problem with 165gr from various companies. But I was trying some 155 gr Lawman and had about 3 or 4 failure to feed out of a box of 50. It was at the end of a session, after about 100rnds of 165s. I suppose it could have been a problem with my mechanics. But I'm kind of leery about using 155s again. I'm not sure where the problem lies, gun not broken in, loads too light, or limp wristing. It was the start of the session so the .45s and .44 mags didn't come till later. There wasn't any problem wrist wise with either of them. So I'm leaning towards too light, or not broken in.
Any thoughts on the subject? Anyone have problem with 155s in .40
Thanks.

 

[MKT]

Nope. My issue ammo is 155 grain .40S&W. It functions well in all the .40's in the house (3).

The Sig 229 DAO I bought for the wife did have a problem feeding her issued Winchester 180 grain HP but it functioned perfectly with my 155 grain ammo. With the 180 gr I could not get it to run a complete mag without a failure to feed and she refused (and quite rightly) to carry it until it ran flawlessly. It eventually took a trip back to Sig, where they worked a little magic and got it right. Basically, they polished the feed ramp again (I had already done that) and replaced the extractor and performed a couple unspecified tweaks. Now it runs 100% and wifey is carrying it.

I'd chaulk it up to being a new gun, at least until you get 750-1000 rounds through it.

 

[flop-shank]

Remember that just because one 155 grainer doesn't feed well, that doesn't mean that another brand will have the same issues. As far as limp wristing goes, so what? In a fight for your life you may be forced to fire with an unlocked wrist. Any carry ammo you select should be chosen after trying and failing to get the gun to malf when firing from a limp wrist. If my P3AT can pass that drill, there's no reason a bigger, heavier gun can't.

 

[PDL]

Thanks guys. I guess I'll give those and other 155s another chance later after some more range time.
The 165s were pretty good in and of themselves. A bit snappier than the 180s, but flatter shooting as well.

And I also prefer to train for shooting in any situation or predicament, with either hand. It's just a new gun and I like to stick with the basics first.

Pete.

 

[OKFC05]

Obvious question: are you cleaning and lubricating the gun per factory manual?
I run into a lot of people with a new gun who don't realize it should be cleaned before being fired, and cleaned/lubricated often for the first 500 rounds.

 

[flop-shank]

OKFC05 raises a good point. I keep my P3AT fanatically clean.

FWIW, if 165s are running good in that gun, I would just use those.

 

[PDL]

Sorry for not getting back to you guys. I thought we'd closed out the subject so I wasn't looking at the thread. But yeah, cleaning before the first, after each subsequent range session. I'd have a hard time calling it lubicating with 4 small drops of oil that the manual says for the sigma, but that too.
Thanks for coming back for/with more info.

And I'm leaning toward those 165s myself. Good ballistics and energy.

 

[flop-shank]

I can't see that ten grains of bullet weight will change performance that much with a bullet that heavy going that fast. Also the .40 S&W has been the recipient of so much R&D time and money that, along with only being around for about twenty years, there aren't going to be many bad loads in that caliber.

 

[PDL]

good enough,
I'll retry the 155s after I put some more lead down the pipe.