Reloading 40 S&W rounds

[cajunme]

I have looked all over the internet and can't find the right combination for my bullets and powder. I have a 155 gr cast lead bullet, Hodgdon hi-skor 800-x powder. i have a ruger 40 S&W auto. i want to load lite. checked the hodgdon site but the proper load wasn't there either. any help would be appreciated.

 

[Waywatcher]

Welcome to the Forum!

Lyman's 49th lists 6.8 grains to 8.0 grains for a 150 grain cast bullet in .40 S&W.
It also lists 5.8 grains to 7.6 grains for a 175 grain cast bullet in .40 S&W.

Good luck!

 

[Alk8944]

Hodgdon shows 7 different loads for just it's own powders for 155 gr. bullets. Forget what you have heard.seen on the Internet, there isn't enough difference, none in many cases, between loads for jacketed bullets and cast. Just use the data they show beginning with the starting loads and work up from there.

Or go to Alliant: Alliant Powder - Reloader's Guide

800X really isn't the best selection for .40 S&W, if you have any other choices.

 

[cajunme]

thanks for the help

this should get me going. i appreciate the reply. on the powder, i relied on the guy selling it to know what was best for that bullet and caliber. he may be a better salesman than reloader. i haven't reloaded in about thirty years. this forum looks like it has a lot of info and some people willing to help.

 

[fredj338]

Hodgdon shows 7 different loads for just it's own powders for 155 gr. bullets. Forget what you have heard.seen on the Internet, there isn't enough difference, none in many cases, between loads for jacketed bullets and cast. Just use the data they show beginning with the starting loads and work up from there.

Or go to Alliant: Alliant Powder - Reloader's Guide

800X really isn't the best selection for .40 S&W, if you have any other choices.

There is actually quite a Bit of diff in lead & jacketed data. Ignore the diff & you'll eventually get into an over pressure event. Having said that, nothing wrong with using starting jacketed data & working up with lead buckets.
800x meters like krap, so weighing your charges will give better results. One reason I am not a fan.

 

[retired_diver]

most flake powders don't meter very well especially in slide type powder measures. 700x, 800x, etc. ie meters like **** above. Usually, the people who hate these powders have progressive loaders, but I do have to admit the powder amount seems to change a bit and requires adjustment after say 20 throws.
you stated you want to load lite. I have a Glock 23 and tried the same thing. The only way I could get a lite load that fully functioned was by changing out the recoil spring for a lighter one. I was using 140gr bullets though, with a heavier bullet (155) you might have better results. Otherwise, you will have to "play around" with a load to function properly. IMO 800x, which I use and still have 2lbs of, works just fine for 40sw (metering aside) as it is considered a medium/fast speed powder with their 700x being their fast burning powder.

 

[OKFC05]

i have a ruger 40 S&W auto. i want to load lite

.

If you put a light load under a light bullet you may have to go to a lighter than stock recoil spring in a .40. They generally are sprung for medium loads. If your light load fails to eject or lock back, that's the next step.

 

[bananaman]

I have looked all over the internet and can't find the right combination for my bullets and powder. I have a 155 gr cast lead bullet, Hodgdon hi-skor 800-x powder. i have a ruger 40 S&W auto. i want to load lite. checked the hodgdon site but the proper load wasn't there either. any help would be appreciated.

See if there is data on handloads.com. Lots of good stuff there! Bob

 

[walnutred]

My "lite" load is 4.4 gns of W231 under a 180gn cast TC bullet. It meters well in my progressive and has manageable recoil with factory springs.

 

[cajunme]

thanks for the help

i appreciate all the replies.

 

[bananaman]

By the way, WELCOME to the FORUM from Ohio! Bob