.40 Reloading w/Bullseye

[juggler]

I've done the search and found some good information. I also downloaded the entire IPSC loads list. So far no-one has addressed loading with Bullseye, probably due to the speed of it's burn.
I've been loading the .40 in 185 and 200 gr for a few years now. The 180 gr. gets 5gr B.E. and the 200 gr. has been running well with 4.0 grains.
OAL has been 1.115 on the 185 and 1.120 on the 200.
Like I said, these loads have been run through my Glock 23 and 27 to good effect, though only at IDPA, ConTact and pin matches.......so I have no chrono data.
I'm looking for comments or experiences anyone else might've had, since I was not aware of the level of risk that some people assign to loading this caliber.
Seriously doubt that Murphy has been sleeping all this time, and inquiring minds want to know......

 

[HSMITH]

The possibility of setback is why most avoid BE in the 40. If you are using a U-die the chance of setback is minute and the BE loads are plenty safe. If you are using standard dies setback becomes more of a possibility, with BE it takes very little setback to blow a case out. I like Power Pistol and Universal for 40. They offer a larger margin of safety if the bullet is set back into the case during feeding, and in the case of Power Pistol the margin of safety is a LOT larger.

 

[juggler]

I'm using a Dillon 550, which would/should satisfy the u-die requirement you stated. I make it a habit to size each round with calipers and a sizing die prior to placing them in the reload boxes, a technique I adopted awhile back.
Unfortunately I have a large supply of BE from loading .45 and .38, but am researching other powders due to the fact that BE is dirtier than some. It is also more accurate in some calibers, so we are back to the Ford/Chevy aspect of choice.

OOOPS, is that like discussing politics or religion?

Thanks for the input; I look forward to more responses.

 

[halvey]

but am researching other powders due to the fact that BE is dirtier than some.

I never understood the concern over this. Sure it's dirty, but I've shot 300-400 rounds without cleaning and it never jammed - even on my tight Kimber.

 

[wrinkles]

Have you tried this site? It has Alliant data for bullseye and .40 S&W.

http://recipes.alliantpowder.com/

 

[juggler]

That's IT!! Thanks for the tip Wrinkles. I'm sure I had this information at one time or another, so that I could develop my initial load, but lost track of the site. It had some good data on the load velocity and pressure that I will incorporate into my records. Think I will be staying with the same load, since it is less than reccommended and my Glock eats it just fine.
I'm just passing on an observation about the cleanliness of the BE. I also have run many rounds during a day (though the thought of not cleaning a gun after a few hundred rounds makes me cringe) and had no problem. Run too many through my wheel guns, though, and what a mess! This will have to be researched more on this forum and others so that I can experiment.
Thanks again for all your help.

 

[wrinkles]

I just got a pound of Bullseye a few last week. I was looking for a fast powder had been useing Unigue, Bluedot, and 700X. Someone recomended tightgroup but I couldn't find it at my local shop so I picked up some Bullseye hoping that it wouldn't be too dirty I've loaded some 165gr FP Berry's plated bullets with 5.0 of BE but haven't had a chance to try them out. From all the good things I hear about it I uess I'll be getting some more soon.

 

[HSMITH]

The U-die is an 'undersize' die, it is built so that it sizes the case down a few thousandths more than a standard size die. It is made by Lee and also marketed by EGW. This 'undersizing increases the case tension on the bullet and makes the loaded round much more resistant to setback. Proper case sizing is THE only thing that will prevent setback.

Am I interpreting it correctly that you size loaded rounds with a sizing die before boxing them? If so stop, pull all the rounds you have done this to and throw the bullets out. A standard sizing die will swage the bullet down and eliminate most if not all of the case tension that prevents bullet setback. If I misunderstood what you are doing I apologize.

 

[juggler]

No, I apologize!! :banghead:

I appreciate your concern, and please pardon my use of improper nomenclature.
What I referred to as a sizing die is actually one of Dillon's Stainless Steel Case Gages. I started checking the dimensions of the rounds I produced after I spent a frustrating time trying to get my 1911 to feed. Had to adjust the seating depth, but also wanted to check the head spacing on my .40 and this is just another way to ensure that everything works as it should.

Again, I appreciate the warning.........if you HAD read that correctly you would've probably saved me from doing some major damage.

 

[kimbernut]

H. Smith or others ?

Are the Lee U-dies about the same as RCBS small base dies or are we talking two completely different systems here?

 

[HSMITH]

kimbernut, they are totally different systems.

 

[kimbernut]

Thanks,H. Smith

Something new to study up on!'Preciate the response.