AA #9 in 40 S&W

AA #9 is too slow for any normal auto pistol caliber.

It is a slow magnum class powder similiar to Alliant 2400 in burn rate.

rc

I know this doesn't answer the question but I load a lot of .40S&W and have had great results with HS-6, you may want to give that a try since you are experimenting.

+1 for HS6! Good stuff in both the 9mm and .40 cal.. I also like Longshot and it seems to perform very simular to HS6, it is a much bulkier powder and may not meter well for those who use a powder measure. For me it doesn't matter, as I weigh every charge on the scale.

HS-6 is the powder of choice for full throttle loads in the 9X19 and 40, among others.

If you want to stick with an Accurate Arms powder try AA#5 instead of AA#9 or even AA#7 even though it's still a little slow IMO. It's burn rate is more in line with the 40 S&W. If you don't mind changing powder companies the above suggestion for HS-6 is a very good suggestion.

I prefer AA5 for accuracy and AA7 for power.
AA9 starts to come into its own with heavy bullets.
Bullet Weight Powder Weight Velocity Start/Max Power Factor COL
JHP 170 AA9 10.2 902 Start 153
JHP 170 AA9 11.3 1025 Max 174
JHP 180 AA9 9.9 875 Start 158
XTP 180 AA9 9.9 897 Start 161
JHP 180 AA9 11.0 994 Max 179
XTP 180 AA9 11.0 1019 183 1.135
TMJ 190 AA9 9.9 877 Start 167
TMJ 190 AA9 11.0 997 Max 189
XTP 200 AA9 8.3 759 Start 152
XTP 200 AA9 8.3 0
XTP 200 AA9 9.2 863 Max 173
XTP 200 AA9 9.2 863 173 1.130
XTP 200 AA9 9.2 863 173 1.130
TMJ 200 AA9 9.5 838 Start 168
TMJ 200 AA9 10.6 952 Max 190

AA9 is a slow pistol powder on the far edge of burn rate for small capacity cases like the .40 S&W. Not the best choice for the .40 S&W so you are unlikely to get the best results despite their being data for the loads. Better results will be achieved with a faster powder. If you want to stay with the AA brand try AA5 or AA7 or powders with burn rates similar to these two.

I used No 5 all the time when I shot 40 S&W. It's quite versatile, so even though I no longer shoot 40 S&W I still use it in most of my handgun calibers.

I agree with Bullfrog. I have tried all sorts of powders with the .40SW and AA#5 always seems to give me the best results in accuracy.

No.7 and Universal work well for me.

gamestalker said:

HS6, it is a much bulkier powder and may not meter well for those who use a powder measure.

Click to expand...

I load on my Hornady LNL and have not had any issues with it metering, I think HS-6 meters great, IMO