.40 handload suggestions

[RichardInFlorida]

After being away from reloading for a number of years, I'm excited about starting back.

I will be loading .40 S&W and will start off trying the Berrys 155gr flat points. I am looking for reasonable accuracy while trying to keep costs down.

Does anyone have suggestions on what powders to run? Looking at some of the load data out there, I was thinking AA #5 or Hogdon Titegroup or W-231? Anyone have any suggestions?

Any problems running any of these through a Dillon Square Deal?

Thanks!

--Richard

 

[Redneck with a 40]

I load with Unique in my 40 S&W rounds. I've found it to perform great, plus the charges fill the case 2/3rds so a double charge is highly unlikely. For a 155 grain plated bullet, loading with lead data is recommended, therefore I would say go with 6.5 grains of Unique as a max charge, start 10% below that. I'm currently loading Ranier 165 grain plated TMJ's with 5.8 grains of Unique.

 

[Shoney]

To achieve the highest accuracy with Berry's bullets, you need to seat, then crimp in seperate operations. This prevents shaving of the bullet. The crimp should be as light as you can go and not have bullet set back.

Powders can be fincky according to the tastes of your pistol. Usually the top 5 powders with IPSC shooters and 155gr lead are: 231, WST, WSL, AA5, HS-6. The most cost effective is 231. Others that have a strong following are VV N330, VV N340, Blue Dot, AA7.

Best Wishes!!

 

[Walkalong]

Does anyone have suggestions on what powders to run? Looking at some of the load data out there, I was thinking AA #5 or Hogdon Titegroup or W-231? Anyone have any suggestions?

???Grs. AA # 5 gave me this at 80 degrees from my XD SC (3" barrel)

Hi - 1100
Lo - 1066
Avg - 1077
ES - 34
SD - 11

The 155 Gr. bullets are my least favorite as they are pretty snappy in light guns. I like the 165 Gr. bullets better and much prefer the 180 Gr. bullets in my XD SC.

In my Witness Elite Match I like the 165 or the 180.

Universal Clays has been very good with 165 Gr. Pltd and Jktd bullets in the .40 for me, just edging out AA#5 which is also very good. WSF should work very well also but as yet I have not tried it.

W231 should work fine for medium and light loads. It does in just about anything, but is a tad fast for the .40 if you want full power.

This load was safe in my guns with my load procedures. Reduce 10% to start.

Took out my amount of AA # 5. If my records are right it was over the recommended max. Start at 7.5 and work up. AA # 5 will work very well in the .40.

 

[BeJaRa]

I have been loading 155gr rainer plated with 6.1 grains of unique. It is very consistent load, but it shoots low in my P94 which likes 180gr bullets. I started at 5.9 grains of unique and stopped at 6.1 grains as it is very consistent. I don't plan on working the load up anymore as I do not care for the 155's

 

[Matt Dillon]

Folks, I too am looking for a good .40 S&W load to use some Universal Clays that I have sitting around. I have developed good loads in the past for this caliber with W231 and HP38, but was wondering if anyone had a good .40 S&W load using Universal Clays and 155 grain Lead semi wad cutter round nose bullets? Thanks in advance, and your help is GREATLY appreciated!

 

[RichardInFlorida]

Thanks for all of the replies! All of the input is very helpful!

 

[Black Snowman]

I used 5.3 gr of Universal w/ CCI primers and 165 gr Star or Zero FMJ bullets in mixed brass. I've also used the same charge with 155 gr Rainer's. Not smoking loads but they've all been accurate. I've since switched to Tite-Group, and since then, to Precision Bullets (at least for my conventionally rifled guns).

The Tite-Group + Precision Bullets have made the most accurate loads I've ever shot in .45 ACP. Not to mention my cheapest. I recommend them both highly.

 

[Khornet]

165 gr Rainier plated

Rem. Small pistol primer (1 1/2?)
Mixed brass, mostly Winchester
AA #5 up to 7.7 gr

Works fine in my G22 with factory barrel.

 

[Walkalong]

Try AA # 2 for the 165 Gr. Ranier as well. It works well unless you are looking for max velocity.

 

[Branspop]

For the 155gr Berrys I like Power Pistol, Universal or AA#7.

 

[Dr.Doug]

I've been using 5.4 gr of Titegroup under a 155 gr. Berry's FP. It gives me 1099 fps from my 5" Taurus PT 101, shoots cleanly, and is accurate.