10mm reloading opinions needed.

[Demitrios]

How do you all do, this Christmas Santa granted me a set of RCBS dies in .40 S&W/10mm. I'm anxious to get to reloading but I need some advice. I only have 165gr RNFP as far as bullet heads go. But powder. . . this is a bit tricky and where I need data, I have Winchester 231 Ball Powder, Winchester 296, IMR 4064, Alliant Red Dot, Alliant Unique, 700X and 800X powders to choose from. Which, in your opinions, is the best powder to use for 10mm and what is the reloading data for said powders? If you could please give me a source for your data so I can double check it. Not to say I don't trust anyone here but I'd rather be safe than sorry. Thank you guys for any help you can give me.

 

[Demitrios]

Thank you Wiley, but I looked it up on Hodgdon and the list jumps from 155gr bullets to 180. I can't seem to find anything for 165.

 

[MicrometerMike]

800X is a very good 10mm powder,you may have to hand weigh ea charge because the large flakes measure poorly thru powder throwers. I have no data In the future try AA#7....Power Pistol......Blue Dot. I like 165gr. and 180 or 190's the lighter bullets can be driven at exceptionally higher speeds but suffer from the basic problems that plague short bullets. IMO

 

[RB98SS]

Lyman 49th.

Speer #4410 165 gr TMJ

800X 8.3-9.3gns 1133-1266fps

 

[jfh]

I load my "bullseye" 10mm loads with 231. I really like WSF for the 10mm. I understand 800x is the go-to powder for fast lightweights (155 or less)--there's an extensive thread on this over at handloads.com, FWIW.

Jim H.

 

[tlen]

Perhaps you should invest in a reloading manual and/or use online powder manufacture data. AA has 10mm data for lead bullets.
Red Dot and Unique aren't IMR powders.........

 

[Demitrios]

I started to use Alliant Unique 8.3 grains. I am amazed at how much powder goes into these. Up until now I've only reloaded .38 specials. I'm reloading two boxes, the 8.3 grains of Unique should push the 165gr bullets at 1,194 fps, the other box I'll try out that 800X at 9.3gr and see how I like that. Thank you RB98SS.

 

[Demitrios]

Tlen you're absolutely right and I do have reloading manuals, but with the internet being such a good source of info I decided I'd check on here as well. Plus my reloading manuals are a little dated and don't have any information on 10mm, thus why I asked for sources. Also I realized my typo above, in fact I corrected about three minutes before your post.

 

[rfwobbly]

Alliant Powders lists that bullet weight in their guide, but only with their powders (Unique, Power Pistol, Blue Dot).

If you call Missouri Bullet early Saturday, I bet you'll have some 180gr at your house by Tuesday. Or you can look for a Gun Show in your locale on Saturday.

 

[loadedround]

I started reloading for the 10mm when I bought the first Colt Delta Elite available in my area. At that time there wasn't much loading data or components available for this fine round. So to make a long story short and not to bad mouth other avalible powders, I settled on Blue Dot and have been using this powder ever since. Truthfully I have nor tried the newer Winchester or Alliant powders, I just stuck with what works for me.

 

[nitetrane98]

Funny how Blue Dot always shows up in any discussion about magnum type ammo. It's truly a great powder. I used it almost exclusively, too, until I discovered Power Pistol. It's my "go to" powder for 10mm these days.

 

[loadedround]

Nitetrain:
I 've been hearing good things about Power Pistol also and will try it one of these days. However sitting on 8 lb of Blue Dot, it's hard to switch over to another powder. but PP would give much more velocity with about the same pressure, so...why not try a lb.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

I am currently (today) loading 10mm with blue dot. I find it a good mid range target powder. If you want to go wild, consider other powders like AA7, AA9, Longshot or 800x.

Great round, it is my favorite to load because it is just easy to pick up.

 

[Demitrios]

Well with Alliant Unique and IMR 800X, loaded to 8.3gr and 9.3gr of powder I have to say I liked the Alliant a lot better. While I'm losing approximately 75fps I'm also getting rid of the muzzle flash and getting my pistol under a bit better control. Plus I noticed that my accuracy was a LOT better with the Unique. I've heard plenty about Power Pistol and Blue Dot and would like to try both, AA #7 seems to be a worthwhile look as well. Any thoughts on what you guys are liking?

 

[sqlbullet]

Of the powders you list, I would look to Unique or 800X. Unique for mild loads, 800X for wild loads.

 

[Demitrios]

Well my reloads were a real hit today and I have to say I'm liking the less noisy and less muzzle flashy Alliant Unique powder. But what about Blue Dot and Power Pistol vs. the AA line of powders? My goal is to ultimately make my own carry loads. The 165gr I'm using is only being used because it's available to me right now. However I've heard great things about 180gr. If anyone has a personal preference on bullet heads I'd like to hear them and what powder you use them for when it comes to self-defense rounds or even just shooting for competition. Any knowledge you guys have will ultimately benefit me. Thank you guys for your time.

 

[jimmertoons]

I have used 800x, Blue Dot and Power Pistol in 10mm, and am stuck between Blue Dot (more consistant load) and PP(easier metering on progressive). 800x is good for high-end loads, but a pain to meter out consistantly. I stay with Blue Dot for almost everything I load.

 

[David Wile]

Hey D,

Blue Dot seems to work best for my 10mm MegaStar. I have tried a few other powders, but Blue Dot seems to be the most accurate for me.

Best wishes,
Dave Wile

 

[mokin]

I like Blue Dot and 800x for my 10mm. I've loaded very accurate rounds with 231 but I found it is too fast to take advantage of what a 10mm can handle. Get a manual or two, consider what type of loads you want to load, have fun and be safe.

 

[Demitrios]

Guys I appreciate all your help, you guys are the best. I will be buying Blue Dot powder, I found it for a good price at Natschez, $15.50 per lb. Between your suggestions and doing some research based off those suggestions I feel really confident in buying it to do everything I've decided I wanted to do with it. Thanks again guys.