.40 S&W 3" barrel powder

[jmalys]

Will a .40 cal firearm (xd) with a 3" barrell generally require a faster burning powder to function best? I have been using AA #7 with inconsistent results. I am thinking of trying IMR 700x. Any input would be helpful!

I am using PMC primers with 165 copper plated bullets and got a couple of failure to cycle slide and unburt powder with that combo and #7 (8.8grains).

Thanks!

 

[Walkalong]

That is too light a charge of a powder that needs to be close to full pressures to burn well. That is why you are getting a failure to burn etc.

Try some AA #5, Universal, WSF, Power Pistol, or Unique, if you have any.

700X is too fast, except for light loads with that 165 Gr plated bullet.

 

[rcmodel]

AA #7 is way too slow for any barrel length .40 S&W with 165 grain bullets.
Or even 180 grain bullets.
It works best in larger capacity cases like magnum revolvers and 10mm autos.

AA #5, Unique, or WW231 would be much better suited for the .40 S&W with 165's.

Edit: Oops! Walkalong beat me to it while I was consulting a reloading manual.

rc

 

[Walkalong]

I checked Speer #13 before I posted, and they showed AA #7 and 165 Gr jacketed bullets, but it took a lot of powder compared to the velocities vs other powders, and had one of the slower velocities shown. Usable, but not a good match.

What other powders do you have jmalys?

 

[dwhite]

I loaded a LOT of 40 S&W with both 180 and 165 grain bullets using Blue-Dot. Those rounds worked perfectly ( I love that Blue-Dot flash!).

AA#7 is about the same burn range as Blue-Dot so if you're having malfunctions, you're probably not loading hot enough.

However, with that short barrel something faster would be more economical and provide a better slide impulse.

All the Best,
D. White

 

[jmalys]

Thank you !!!

Thanks everyone for responding!!!

I just started reloading and would be very discouraged right now if not for this forum!

Anyway, right now all I have is #7 and enforcer (which I suppose I will save for my .357 mag). So I will try one of the faster (but not too fast) powders that were recommended!!

Of course I have to find a vendor who is not sold out! haha

 

[243winxb]

165 copper plated bullets

For lite to midrange load. Use Unique.

 

[giggitygiggity]

I like about 4.5-4.6grains of Titegroup behind a 180gr FMJ Zero bullet with a CCI small pistol primer. Very accurate round.

 

[LiveLife]

+1 for Winchester 231/Hodgdon HP38 - Very flexible powder for pistol.

 

[shootinxd]

+1 for #5,7.2 grns for plated 165's