40 S&W cast bullet load

[QuickRick]

I recently purchased a FNP-40 for which I plan to reload. I have a quantity of 175 grn SWC's and a bunch of once fired brass to utilize them. I am more concerned with reliable functioning and accuracy than power level with these lead bulllets. Any thoughts you care to share would be appreciated.... I am a new member interested in shooting primarily rifles and handguns. My favorite hunting is varmint shooting because I enjoy the volume of shooting in good areas. I reside in Lewiston, Idaho which is the home of CCI and Speer products. I also enjoy backpacking and photography.

 

[mscott]

I've never loaded for a FN, but have run thousands of lead bullets through my Glocks and other guns. What powder do you have available? I prefer WST personally. You should generally be able to use published data for jacketed bullets, but reduce your charge by .5 to 1 grain of powder. With that bullet you have and WST I would suggest you start at 4 grains and see what you think. I also like the LEE factory crimp die. Some guys will tell you they are not needed, but it doesn't hurt anything either. I'm also not sure about your mags, but keep your length at 1.130 or longer. Every gun is a little different, but if you pay attention to what you are doing everything will be fine and you'll save a bunch of money in the process.

 

[QuickRick]

Thx for the info mscott. I have wondered about using the Lee FC die for cartridges which headspace off the case mouth. I will find some WST and give it a try. My current powders include HS-6, Universal, W231, Unique, HS-7, Power Pistol, Blue Dot, and some others I'm no doubt forgetting. I've loaded up some test rounds with HS-6 and W231 but have not (for shame) got out to try my new pistol.

 

[Matt Dillon]

Folks, I have a pound of Universal Clays that I would like to work up for a new load for .40 S&W, 155 grain lead round nose semi wadcutters - Does anyone have any suggestions for this combination, or should I bite the bullet and buy a pound of HP38 or W231 (both I have used for previous loads for this combination)? Is it true that using Universal clays may result in more leading of the barrel? Thanks so much in advance for your help!

 

[QuickRick]

Matt / I haven't yet shot my new FNP-40 so I can't say how universal might perform in your gun. I have used it in 38 Spec+P and 357 mag loads with lead bullets. It did not seem more prone to leading than other powders to me. The stuff is wonderfully clean burning. My favorite heavy 45acp load is 7.0 grns of universal with Speer 200 JHP's or Gold Dots of the same weight. This is a max load but it is accurate and quite effective.... On Stevespages.com (reloading section) he lists 4.9 to 7.0 grns of universal with 155 grn bullets in the 40 S&W. He does not specify whether cast or jacketed bullets so load accordingly.

 

[TonyT]

I shot some light 155 and 180 gr. cast bullets loads in my PO16-40 and S&W 646. I used 3.6 gr. of WST, very mild and accurate but required a lighter recoil spring in my PO to function reliably.

 

[Dark Helmet]

Winchester Super Field will do whatever you need in 40 S&W

 

[spencerhut]

Carefull with the FCD and Lead Bullets

Just a comment from someone who learned the hard way. If you get a little to happy with the FCD on a jacketed bullet, no harm done. But on a lead bullet it will squeeze the diameter down to the point the bullet is too small for the bore of your gun. After using the FCD on a round try pulling the bullet and measuring it. You may find it's shrunk a little. If so, back off the FCD. These now undersized bullets will likely keyhole your targets. Ask me how I know.

You can also do what I did, kick the FCD "habit". I no longer use an FCD at all on my progressive. I will occasionally use them in the single stage to fix the odd rounds that won't pass the case gauge. Those rounds get marked as PRACTICE ONLY. Once I learned to properly setup my bullet seating die to remove the flare I made my life much easier. Press runs smoother, and faster I might add. I am safer now since I can run a RCBS Powder Lock-Out die instead of having the FCD take up a station on my die plates. The Powder Lock-Out also makes things go faster since once you get it setup properly it saves me from visually looking (and worrying about) at the powder charge. I upped my output about 20-25% by kicking the FCD and adding the Lock-Out die. My ammo is just as good as it was before, I can just make it faster.

 

[AH-1]

I cast a 175 gr swc and size .401.
4.7 grs unique has turned the best groups with my CZ40B.
pete