40 caliber 180gr hardcast bear defense

[xxToranachxx]

Hey guys I'm looking to load a couple mags of 40cal S&W for woods carry. He has a Springfield xd. I'm looking to load up some powerful hardcast loads with either Blue dot, longshot or imr-800x. These will be for black bear and cougar defense and nothing else. Does anyone have any load data for something like this? I've looked around the net and there's nothing so specific. My manuals don't really have anything except for soft lead or jph or xtp bullets. I have hardcast 180grainers. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guy's, yall are the best!

 

[JTQ]

On other forums one issue some folks have mentioned with typical hard cast bullets, at the heavy weight range for caliber, in modern polymer guns, is getting reliable feeding.

Some folks that like semi-autos for your stated purpose have gone to the all copper bullets like the Lehigh offers.

https://www.lehighdefense.com/all/40-s-w-140gr-xtreme-penetrator-ammunition

They claim reliable function in their guns, which wasn't often the case with the hardcast bullet.

 

[jmr40]

You don't need to buy a lot of them, but for something like this I'd purchase a couple of boxes of the better loads made by DoubleTap or Buffalo Bore. It's not like you're going to be shooting them a lot. I'd run a few magazines through them to see if they function and carry the rest. Two boxes would last for years.

I have some 200 gr DT loads for my 10mm, 147 and 255 gr Buffalo Bore loads for my 9mm and 45's. One of my 45's wouldn't function with them. All other pistols in all 3 cartridges shoot them accurately and reliably. That is the 9mm load that Phil Shoemaker used a couple of years ago to stop an Alaskan Brown bear that charged a client. I'm pretty sure the 40, 45, and 10mm loads will be at least as effective.

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=142
https://doubletapammo.com/collections/40-s-w/products/40-s-w-200gr-hardcast-solid-a-20rds

 

[Lennyjoe]

I have some 200 gr DT loads for my 10mm,

How do the DT loads compare to Underwood 220 hard cast 10MM loads? 1200 FPS, 703 FPS energy

https://www.underwoodammo.com/colle...ducts/10mm-auto-220-grain-hard-cast-flat-nose

 

[sparkyv]

In 10mm, I've loaded up 200gr DT WFNGC hardcast over Blue Dot using FMJ load data with great satisfaction. As always when performing load development, start low and mindfully work your way up.

 

[jeff-10]

I think I would be more likely to go factory FMJ or TC for self defense from wildlife if using the 40 S&W. I would stay away from specialty rounds. Plenty of penetration and easy rapid follow ups.

 

[CDW4ME]

How is "hard cast" different from FMJ-TC ?
I know its lead, but what is the perceived advantage over FMJ-TC ?
If the "hard cast" lead projectile is predicted to penetrate better, is their comparison testing versus same weight / velocity FMJ-TC ?
Just curious.

 

[sparkyv]

In my case, the DT hardcast bullet profile is wide flat nose. Intended for better penetration.

How is "hard cast" different from FMJ-TC ?
I know its lead, but what is the perceived advantage over FMJ-TC ?
If the "hard cast" lead projectile is predicted to penetrate better, is their comparison testing versus same weight / velocity FMJ-TC ?
Just curious.

 

[GooseGestapo]

You are over thinking it.
Just use a recommended charge for a cast bullet. With LongShot, the Lee 180gr TCFN in a G22, I’ve easily gotten 1,100fps and 100% function.
With a BCA G22 barrel, 2.5” groups at 25yds. Easily the best performance I’ve gotten from a Glock.
Everything else the same, you’ll get 50-100fps more velocity from a cast bullet over a jacketed due to lower engraving forces and lower barrel friction.
FWIW; the Alaska Troopers carry G22 gen 4’s. Not sure of ammo.