.40 Reloading Recipe

[Josephnagy1]

Hey all,

I am looking for a .40 recipe that you love. I am using 165gr fmj and cci 500 primer. i have not decided on the powder so any recommendations would be great.

 

[J_McLeod]

Can't go wrong with 231 for target loads or HS 6 for more power.

 

[mookiie]

155 grn projectile and 5.8 grns Unique works for me. I use unique because I can use it to load all my pistol calibers.

 

[rg1]

1st consult all the manuals and powder company recommended start and maximum data and compare them all. I recently loaded for a new 40 S&W and chrono'd some test loads using Win cases, 165 FMJ IMI copper jacketed exposed lead base bullets, CCI 500 primers at an oal of 1.125". Your pistol, bullets, and cases may give slightly different results.
I recommend from my testing of 4 different powders that Winchester Super Field WSF would be the best pick, followed by Alliant Power Pistol, and Unique.
I shot some PMC Bronze 165 FMJ factory to compare and they showed 955 fps average velocity. Power Pistol I started at 6.5-940 fps--6.7-1010---7.0-1030---stopped at 7.2-1065 fps. With Unique I started at 5.7-956 fps---6.0-1008 fps---6.3-1030---stopped at 6.6-1070. Using WSF I started at 6.0-970---6.3-1010---stopped at 6.6-1060 fps. I only tested 3 rounds for each powder charge. Winchester Super Field has a milder recoil even with the same velocity. Either of these powders will work fine for 40 S&W 165 fmj loads. Consult your manuals for recommended start loads and maximum loads but just added this info to compare. My 1st time loading for a 40 with a new pistol, a Glock 23. I was attempting to find a load that would be near factory velocity without pushing the limits. Use this to compare and at your own risk.

 

[gahunter12]

I love W231 for 40 S&W. I have never loaded 165 gr. All my loads have been 180gr FN. I load CCI500 primers/ 4.1gr of W231/ 180gr FN plated/ OAL: 1.130". Very low recoil and very accurate. I love this load.

 

[Fatdaddy]

I use Unique for my 175gr loads, fills the case nicely.
I've heard folks say Unique is dirty but it's a vicious internet rumor.

 

[gunlaw]

AA#5

 

[kennedy]

universal works great in my .40

 

[Muddydogs]

165 grain FMJ FN speer bullets and 6.8 grains of Unique that I worked up for my XD .40 4" barrel and CCI 550 mag primers.. Your weapon might differ so work up your loads. As I remember I think the OAL is around 1.125 although it doesn't matter a hole lot as long as you are not seating to much in the case and you WORK UP THEM LOADS in your own weapon. I think book max is 7.1 or 7.2 grains on this?

 

[Striker Fired]

HP-38,WSF,or AA#5 are some good ones. I personally prefer N320,N340 and Sillhuette for my .40 loads to reduce the "snappiness" of the recoil. They are accurate and clean also.

 

[GooseGestapo]

I'll second WSF and add Hod. LongShot.... It comes close to reaching advertised velocities making it one of the fastest powder (velocity wise) for the .40.

FWIW; my "favorite" .40S&W load is a cast 180gr TCFN over 4.0gr of Bullseye. Gets about 850fps from my G22 and is match grade accurate (at least "Glock" match accurate.... 4" @ 25yds....).

re:HS-6 didn't give good accuracy at all for me....You'll also have to load it at the top of the chart to get good results, at that.

 

[noylj]

AA5 and Silhouette are best for accuracy and performance.
.40S&W is very touchy about loading errors, so stay with published loads and always work up.
Best accuracy in my guns comes with 145-155gn bullets.
I have no "best in all guns" loads.

 

[PO2Hammer]

I like Universal for the .40 with 165s and 180s. Hodgdon's web site has the data.

 

[Stormin.40]

HS-6 is my favorite, I like 7.6grains behind a 165gr plated FP at 1.125 OAL. As was mentioned use Hodgdon's web site to verify all reloading data you get from the web.

I started with titegroup first and after finding out that my gun didn't like it I switched to HS-6 which is great. You should start low and work up a good load, keep in mind that at the low end HS-6 will be dirty but becomes very clean burning when used at medium .40 pressures.

 

[jim8115]

40 and 231

For what its worth. I chron'ed some of mine last weekend from an XD 4"
W231, all at 1.125

180 plated 4.5 grains AVG 822
180 XTP 5.0 AVG 906
155 XTP 6.0 AVG 1090

 

[JO JO]

power pistol has worked well for me