.40 S&W 165 gr FMJ Suggestions?

[2ndtimer]

Looking to load up some .40 S&W mild to mid range ammo for a friend’s Sig Sauer. Have some pulled 165 gr FMJ’s from RMR and some beautifully wet tumbled range brass, along with Fed 100, CCI-500 or Fiocchi small pistol primers. Powders on hand are Titegroup, Bullseye, Unique, CFE- Pistol, True Blue, HP-38, Universal and Zip. Looking for some tried and true options. I have lots of load manuals as well as internet access, just looking for personal experience recommendations. Thanks.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

For this application, True Blue is your Huckleberry. Sierra online lists 6-1/2gr of TB. That seems pretty average. In an average service pistol barrel (4.5-5”) “around” 6.5gr “should” get you close to 1000fps with mild recoil. I’m not familiar with the bullet you’re using, I typically use the XTreme 165gr plated RNFP and 6.5gr of TB for a good range load. At 25yds it’s about as accurate as I am. . It’s not a thick coat plated so I use lead data and work up. I suggest you start with jacketed starting data and work up.

 

[2ndtimer]

Thanks, I am leaning to using True Blue, as I have a couple pounds and almost grabbed one yesterday that was on the shelf for just $29.99. My Sierra No. 6 lists a start load of 5.9 gr for 950 fps. I guess I might start there and maybe work up to their listed max of 7.4 gr which they say should clock around 1150 fps.

 

[sparkyv]

Looking to load up some .40 S&W mild to mid range ammo

I use Universal for this load range.



To me 1,150fps is well beyond mid range, so I use Longshot for really spicy loads like those. If True Blue performs similarly to Blue Dot, then it sounds like you are in the right neighborhood.

using True Blue...<snip>...and maybe work up to their listed max of 7.4 gr which they say should clock around 1150 fps.

 

[lordpaxman]

I shot a lot of Titegroup in .40 for the gun games before I discovered WST felt better. I’ve never tried True Blue but based on its place in the burn chart looks like a fast powder as well.

 

[1KPerDay]

FWIW here are my notes for some loads under 165 plated


6.4 power pistol accurate, functioned, lots of blast and flash. no good

5.4 unique. works fine, seems okay needs more evaulation. feels about the same recoil as
WWB maybe a little lighter

6.4 WSF unburned flakes, sharp recoil, not good.
5.0 WST Xtreme 165 plated RNFP 1.125" good load. About the same as 5.4 Unique, bit cleaner.

Good bulk range load.


6.5 grains silhouette 165 power bond; good load seems similar to factory blazer 180
Cleaner than 800X
Seems accurate enough
1.123” plunks in Taurus and glocks
Good range load

 

[1KPerDay]

I guess I might start there and maybe work up to their listed max of 7.4 gr which they say should clock around 1150 fps.

I thought you said mild to mid range. 1150 with a 165 is spicy.

 

[2ndtimer]

I thought you said mild to mid range. 1150 with a 165 is spicy.

I was just quoting Sierra’s max load from their No. 6 manual. Some ball powders don’t burn clean or consistently until they approach maximum charges. Not sure if True Blue is one of those, but some of the slower burning ball powders (like W296/H-110) tend to be erratic if loaded too light. Hoping True Blue will burn consistently and clean at 6.0 gr, my intended starting point.

 

[PistoleroWadcutterGANG]

This combo worked really well for me. Extreme Bullets 165gr. RNFPCB / Aliant Power Pistol 6.3 to 6.5 grains. (Glock 35) CCI or FED mag primer used.