.40 S&W in a Ruger carbine

I have been loading .40 S&W for a Sig 2340 and BHP
3.7 Clays under a 155 Hard Cast Lead bullet.
This has worked out just fine for me!

This weekend, I am picking up a Ruger Carbine in the same .40S&W.

Can I use my pistol reloads pretty much interchangeably?

I have been going on the light side for the pistols.
Lower velocity out of respect for the .40S&W and Hard cast Lead re: potential leading of the barrel.

For the carbine I think I might like a more "potent" round.
(Heavier ?? Faster ??)
(less concern about recoil and engaging relatively longer distance targets)

Might the higher velocity in a longer barrel tend to lead up more?
Do I need to go with jacketed?

What would you recommend.
( I do like Clays Clays but am not anal about it)

renman@concentric.net

I have always wanted one of those guns. Let us know how it shoots. In regards to the load to be used I think I would stick to a jacketed bullet and give Hodgdon Longshot a try it gives pretty nice velocity with low pressure and low flash. I personally use Star 180 gr jhp in my 10mm and .40 s&w They feed very well and are very consistant in terms of weight, shape and accuracy in comparrison to some of the plated bullets I have used which can vary quite a bit. Look up www.tntreloading.com for these bullets at a nice price.



Nick:)

I shoot 6.2gr Universal under a 155gr West Coast plated for plinking and IPSC, It'll make major without any trouble, and still has a ways to go before it's overpressure.

I'd suggest not using Clays in the 40s&w, as it's possible to load a double charge, seat the bullet and not even know it. Using a slower powder will fill the case more, and if it doubles, the powder will overflow and you will know when you try to seat the bullet. The other advantage of slower powders is higher velocity and/or lower pressures, the downside is that it costs 1/2 a cent more per round :rolleyes:

For the PC4 Carbine, I'd consider powders like Blue Dot, Longshot, Power Pistol, and 800x.

You can use the same ammo in both pistol and rifle. You don't need to shoot jacketed bullets, but expect more cleaning at higher velocities without either plated or jacketed.