[JLStorm]

Will I save a noticeable amount by reloading 40S&W instead of 45ACP? I know the factory ammo is a little cheaper but not much...just wondering.

[jfh]

Here's two loads, selected for easy comparison:

40S&W: WSP, 5.0 gr. 231, 180 LTC
45ACP: WLP, 5.0 gr. 231, 180 LSWC


FWIW, these are max loads from the Hodgdon site.

primer: cost is the same.
powder: cost is the same.
bullet: arguably, since weight is the same, cost is the same.
case: This is where you would find the variable. This load runs about 16,500 PSI (?) in the 45ACP, and 32,900 in the 40S&W. In short, the brass for the .40S&W won't last as long as the 45ACP brass.

From what I read on the forums, people can find plenty of reloadable 40S&W brass. I'm guessing 45ACP is found less often. So, arguably, 45ACP will cost you 'more.' However, the 40S&W brass will wear out sooner. So, maybe that's a wash, too. I can tell you I would be looking hard at 40S&W brass after five reloadings for bulges and splitting. The 45ACP brass would last "indefinitely"--twenty times or more.

Just in terms of reloading 'ergonomics', I find the 45ACP components much easier to handle, and much less finicky. Another .005-deeper seating on the .40S&W might shorten the brass life noticably (if not cause other problems), while the .45ACP wouldn't change, really--except to become more (or less) accurate.

If you are new to reloading, I think you would find the 45ACP to be a much better cartridge to learn on.

Jim H.

[Buzz]

Strangely enough - checking the price of bulk bullets at Midway, the .40 caliber bullets tend to be higher than the .45s. That breaks the general rule that larger caliber and heavier bullets will be more.

165g Winchester TC, $122 for 1000
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=115436&t=11082005

230g Winchester FMJ $114 for 1000
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=127870&t=11082005

It's essentially a wash in the price of loading them, with a slight advantage in favor of the .45 ACP. They are both going to take about the same amount of powder and cost roughly the same for large vs small pistol powders. Over the years I have picked up enough Winchester White box brass in 9mm, .40 caliber, and .45 ACP at public ranges that I have several lifetime supplies of brass.

I find .45 ACP brass to last forever whereas .40 S&W brass has a much shorter life.

[JLStorm]

Ok thanks guys....one less reason to buy 40 over another 45.

[Taurus 617 CCW]

Unless you are using a steel framed gun I would not recommend reloading .40 S&W. The reason is because of the narrow pressure window the cartridge operates within. The .45 ACP is much more forgiving for reloaders. The reason .45 ACP items are cheaper is because of a higher demand/wider use. The cartridge is more prevalent and therefore has more competetion, driving the price down.

[LotI]

Unless you are using a steel framed gun I would not recommend reloading .40 S&W. The reason is because of the narrow pressure window the cartridge operates within.
My aluminum framed Sig P239 disagrees! I can shoot 180gr. bullets from 672fps to 1028 fps and it fires & ejects every one. I have no idea what the low end of the pressure is but I'm sure I'm at 35k psi on the high end. Power Pistol is my choice.

If you are loading plated or lead, the .40 will cost you less since the bullet cost is related to weight. Powder charge is the same or sometimes more for the .40.

Brass is everywhere in my neck of the woods since the local PD shoots .40. Winchester for practice, Speer GD for duty. I too have a lifetime supply of .40

[RyanM]

On the other hand, if you go for the absolute cheapest jacketed/plated bullets, Berry's .40 cal bullets are $16.99 per 250 for either 155 or 180 gr, while the cheapest .45 is $17.99 per 250 for 185 gr, and if you want 230 gr bullets, it's $20.99. http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/item-link.jsp_A&_DAV=MainCatcat602007-cat20843&id=0018737214914a&navCount=1&podId=0018737&parentId=cat20843&masterpathid=&navAction=push&catalogCode=IH&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat20843&hasJS=true

On .40 being "unforgiving," just use Alliant Power Pistol or IMR HiSkor 800-X, and the problem is solved. Both powders are very forgiving in .40 S&W.

But anyway, given the fact that .40 and .45 autos usually have different frame sizes, I'd recommend picking a platform first, based on how it feels and points, rather than picking a caliber first.

[davinci]

there's not even that much difference in loading 9mm versus 45.

Definitely, without a doubt, but another 45. You can use the same dies, same bullets, same brass between your new gun and your old ones. See how helpful it is to stick with a minimum number of calibers?

[Jim Watson]

Around here, you could load .40 on range pickup brass for just the cost of powder, primer, and bullet. Hardly any .45s are "popped and dropped" and not as much 9mm as there used to be.

I'd load it light to not take chances with Glockified cases, but would do that anyhow as most of my pistol ammo is for IDPA and I only have to make power factor, not slay zombies.
(But I still do not have or want a .40.)