green dot for 40?

[frankenstein406]

Hi I was wondering what you guys thought of reloading with green dot in 40?
I've read mixed reviews online some good and others said use a different powder. Local shops don't have much seems pretty hit or miss on stuff. Bullets will probably be berrys plated or whatever is in stock at the time. Thanks for any help!

 

[Steve C]

Green Dot would work fine for loading the .40 S&W. Recent data is sparse but you can find data for Green Dot in the .40 that's about 10 years old. Being a faster powder with a burn rate similar to 231/hp38 it will provide good medium and target velocity loads.

 

[LiveLife]

During the last shortage, I tested various powders to recommend as substitute for W231/HP-38 and Green Dot came fairly close.

Here's my range test impressions but as always, use unpublished load data at your own risk and conduct your own powder work up (linked thread tested 9mm jacketed/plated/lead and 40S&W lead loads) - http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=524547

Range tests were done with G22/G27 and Lone Wolf barrels at 7/10/15 yards off hand.

40 S&W test loads:
180 gr Lead (Missouri Bullet) at 3.5/3.8/4.1/4.4 gr with 1.125" OAL

Shooting impressions: All loads cycled the Glock slides with factory recoil springs

40S&W average shot groups:
180 Lead/3.5 gr - 7 yard 1" - 10 yard 3" - 15 yard 4" - Mild recoil
180 Lead/3.8 gr - 7 yard 1" - 10 yard 2" - 15 yard 2.5" - Mild recoil
180 Lead/4.1 gr - 7 yard 1.5" - 10 yard 2.5" - 15 yard 3" - Moderate recoil
180 Lead/4.4 gr - 7 yard 1" - 10 yard 1" - 15 yard 3" - Moderate recoil

Here's 2004 Alliant load data

 

[06]

thanks for the scoop. Picked up a keg of Green Dot and have used it in 38s. Have 200+ 40s primed and am glad to find this. Again thanks.

 

[gamestalker]

It's been really interesting what things we are coming up with in terms of substitutes for powders during this buying craze. Fortunately for us reloaders, we have options by which we can work around obstacles of this nature. I feel for those that rely on factory ammunition as their only source, doing without.
GS