Reloading for an XD .40

Might have better luck posting this at xdtalk.com.

XDs have a supported chamber.Shot 10k+ thru my XD40 using 155grn-180grn plated with AA#5.YMMV

I have 2 XD pistols 9mm & 40 reload for both no issues at all, the 40 I load 155 berrys
plated with power pistol just always with and reloading inspect you brass and powder
charge. watch your OAL and set back works for me

Go for it. Most of my XD's, XDm's, and Glocks have never shot anything but reloads. As per Glock's suggestion, I don't use lead bullets in the Glocks, but a properly reloaded round will do just fine in your XD. I use 180 grain Montana Gold and Unique in my .40. Never a problem.

The XDs use a more reloader friendly land and groove rifling and have more support than the older Glock 40s.


The Glock's polygonal rifling doesn't allow as much gas to escape past the bullet which increases bullet velocity but also increases the case pressure. If the barrel becomes fouled and/or the case is weak this causes the case to fail, better known as the infamous KB.

Glock 40s also used a fairly deep cut above the feedramp which helped with feeding but left more of the case unsupported. They corrected this several years back by increasing the chamber support.






But once again the XDs don't use polygonal rifling so this is not a issue with them. Feel free to use reloads and lead bullets the same as you would any other non-polygonal rifled barrel.

watch for a smiley shaped ridge near the case head. It happens when the brass is toast and you try to resize it. As soon as that appears, throw the case away.

Reloading for your XD

Standard 1911 barrels and many others have "unsupported" chambers. This just refers to the mouth of the chamber that extends from the feed ramp leaving a short length of case head brass exposed instead of giving it 100% support as an integral ramp barrel will do. The XD's have a supported chamber. Your main concern when you reload is to be very good with attention to detail. Check your powder charge often. Become familiar with what that charge looks like in the case and make it part of your reloading routine to "look" inside each case before you put the bullet on. Also be sure to inspect your cases if they have been previously fired. Case malfunctions are a serious problem. Throw away any cases that are cracked or split. Sometimes the crack does not show up until you seat the new bullet. .40cal likes a light taper crimp. Do not over crimp.I make a practice of wiping off the newly reloaded cartridges before boxing them. At that time I am also re-inspecting the cases for any cracks or abnormalities. You really cannot have too much quality control when you reload. It is a fun hobby but you have to remain in the zone.