Load data for 155gr .40 using Red Dot?

[Thrash1982]

I'm about to start reloading .40 S&W for my Beretta 96. I have a bottle of Alliant Red Dot that I use for 9mm and don't really want to have to buy more (I've spent a bunch of money lately). The Lee reloading book doesn't have any data for 155gr .40 copper jacketed bullets and Red Dot powder. Has anybody reloaded anything like this? or know where to find some data? I tried Alliant's website already and they didn't have any data for a 155gr FMJ bullet.

Thanks everyone

 

[GooseGestapo]

Use the data that Alliant lists for the 150gr bullet. I recommend that you start with a load reduced by 15% and work up to a max of 5% reduction.
Bear in mind that Red Dot is one of the fastest burning powders available, and in pistols us usally faster even than Bullseye. I don't think you'll get any accuracy to rave about, but it will go bang, and make a hole in the target. I would expect that around 1,000 fps will be tops before pressures get to high.
good luck.
Also be aware that Red Dot dosen't meter well in very small quantities used in pistols, and may give large variations in drop weight (meaning light charges and possible squibs).

 

[ExMachina]

Red Dot

I my *very* limited reloading experience, I can confirm that Red Dot does not meter very well. Trying to throw 5.8 gr in my Lee disk powder measure would yield a variance of +/- 1.5 gr--this didn't concern be too much in the low pressure .44 spl I was after, but in a maxi-pressure round like the .40, that amt of powder variation could be problimatic.

As far as accuracy goes, even w/ that amt of variation in powder weight, the Red Dot out preformed the factoy ammo (Speer) I was shooting through the same gun

 

[Thrash1982]

Well, it looks like, from what I've found on some other sites (which isn't much), that Red Dot is not the best powder for reloading .40 (at least it's not very common).

This question may belong in a new thread but, in your opinion, what is the best powder for reloading .40?

 

[ExMachina]

Some data...

Search here

 

[GooseGestapo]

Thrash:
For accuracy, Winchester Superfield;
155gr @6.3gr
180gr @5.5gr.
Both at 1.125"oal.
For velocity: IMR-800X heavier bullets (180gr)
for lighter bullets (135-155gr) Hodgdon Universal
Also Unique for all, but due to flake size, Unique may not meter well.
Ditto for BlueDot.

In several Glocks I've had (several issued, only own one in .40S&W), the WSF with 155gr Rem HP has been THE most accurate load, with the 180gr slightly behind it. Those are at or just above recommended starting loads, and were at 87% of max when I worked them up in the mid '90's. Curtis Shipely of GaArms put me onto the WSF in .40, although at the time he was using an unspecified Scot powder for production.
Many other powders are usuable, but those are the best I've tried.
FWIW, the velocities listed by Hodgdon for their Longshot data are fantasy, my chronographed numbers were MUCH lower, and approximated what I got with WSF for both starting and Maximum. Top velocity with max listed load was 985fps., or factory equivalent; far below the 1,100+ velocity suggested.