Starting point for .40 S&W

Hello all, this is my first post.

I am writing to inquire about a good starting point for loading a .40 S&W RNBB hard cast lead .401 bullets. These will be going through a carbine rifle with a 16.1" barrel (Kel-Tec sub-2000). My intended purpose is stocking up on bulk ammo for target/tactical training.

Anything that is suggested will be checked thru the appropriate manual and I will start with the minimum load and work up to your suggestion. That said, what recipe works for you?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your reply. Have you tried this combination in a carbine rifle?

Thanks for that heads up. It looks like the barrel on the sub 2k is a true .401, so I will have to keep that in mind as well.

Thanks for the help so far. Am I barking up the wrong tree trying to develop a load for a carbine? Should I just use pistol data and see where it takes me?

Ok based on that, I am thinking longshot - starting at 6.3 gr with a 1.125" OAL.

I already have 180 gr lead

Walkalong said:

Power Pistol is another one to consider for top velocities.

Check the data to see the top performers velocity wise in .40.

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7.2 grains based on the data at a shorter OAL. Is power pistol considered to be slower burning or faster than longshot?

popper said:

I already have 180 gr lead - understand, but then you have a 50 yd rifle. The 135 will get you to 100 fine, 2.5" @ 50, vs 2.5 @ 100.

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Thank you for the information. My next lead order will be 135 gr for sure.

Thank you for the help everyone. Turns out the local gun shop had a bunch of weird IMC powders, some red dot, and Unique. I got unique because I remember seeing it thrown around. He is ordering me some longshot, so there is that for next time.