40 S&W Load Data suggestions for 140gn lead....
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rcmodel
Member in memoriam
Either Unique or HS-6 would work well.
HS-7 not, and Blue Dot sorta.
Lyman #49 has 150 grain data that should work fine with your 140's.
Older 2002 Alliant data says 6.5 Unique is a MAX load with a 155 Laser-Cast seated 1.125" OAL.
Reduce 10% for a starting load.
rc
HS-7 not, and Blue Dot sorta.
Lyman #49 has 150 grain data that should work fine with your 140's.
Older 2002 Alliant data says 6.5 Unique is a MAX load with a 155 Laser-Cast seated 1.125" OAL.
Reduce 10% for a starting load.
rc
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
I think Blue Dot will probably not burn very well with lighter bullets and reduced loads, which the 8.3 load would be. Notice Blue Dot is the slowest powder listed for the .40 S&W until you get up to the 190 grain jacketed bullet.
I would expect it only to work best with lighter bullets like yours at full charge pressure levels. It's just too slow burning for light bullets/light oads.
The 8.3 starting load for a 150 would be very light with a 140.
However I'm just guessing. I have never tried it.
rc
I would expect it only to work best with lighter bullets like yours at full charge pressure levels. It's just too slow burning for light bullets/light oads.
The 8.3 starting load for a 150 would be very light with a 140.
However I'm just guessing. I have never tried it.
rc
I'm glad you gave me your input on this. The reason I asked was I went with the lightest load for the 150 lead bullet in the Lyman 49th as a safe starting load. I see now that it's probably too slow for this application.
I already loaded 20 of these using 8.3 grains of Blue Dot and an OAL of 1.125" which puts the base of the bullet just on top of the powder. I also put a light crimp using the Lee Factory Crimp Die. I wanted to add I'm using Wolf SP's.
I was thinking of trying 5 grains of Unique also as a start using the same OAL.
I already loaded 20 of these using 8.3 grains of Blue Dot and an OAL of 1.125" which puts the base of the bullet just on top of the powder. I also put a light crimp using the Lee Factory Crimp Die. I wanted to add I'm using Wolf SP's.
I was thinking of trying 5 grains of Unique also as a start using the same OAL.
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mohunter55
Member
i'm rehashing a few month old thread to see if anyone else had load data using this bullet from missouri bullet. I see accurate has data for 140 grain Truncated Cone for Lasercast, but it appears lasercast no longer makes this bullet. Does anyone know why...also does anyone know if the bullet was the same as missouri bullets?....I'm curious about OAL differences
casian
Member
Idp #7
Disclaimer: The following is the result I achieved, I do not endorse that anyone rely on my results, but rather consult with manufacturers' published load data. I am not legally responsible for the results of anyone attempting to duplicate my load data.
I worked up a MBC IDP #7 (.40 cal 140gr TCFP) load for my friend's S&W Sigma, not sure what the barrel length is.
6.0gr Unique (Lee disk .76 results in +/- 0.1 gr most times, and rarely +/-0.2gr) 1.125" Cartridge Overall Length.
1052fps Avg, 93fps Extreme Deviation, 30fps Standard Deviation (10 shots).
10 shot group was about the same size as a 0.75" target repair sticker at 7yds. My hands were resting on a cardboard box while testing the loads (I reckon I should get me one of them real deal rests or something). The point of impact was just above the point of aim, the bottom of the group touching the top half of the repair sticker. I'm sorry but I was in a hurry to get some shooting done so I forgot to take a photo of it. I was sick of running test loads through guns and taking photos of each group at that point. But I did record the chrono data and knew this was the load I wanted. I reckon maybe next time if there ain't nobody at the range and I can run out to the target without making everyone call the line cold, I might could take a photo.
An earlier test load at 10yds: 6.2 gr of Unique, 1.125" Cartridge Overall Length got 1.53" 10 shot group outside to outside at 1138fps Avg, 59 Extreme Deviation, 24 Standard Deviation. Seven of those shots were within 1.05" touching each other. I think I didn't focus enough and double check my sight alignment on the three flyers, otherwise they would probably all touch each other. The point of impact was about 1" higher than the point of aim.
I also ran a test load of 5.6gr Unique that wasn't worth a dang at 10yds with a 2.74" group. Looked like a scattergun pattern. 974fps Avg.
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The best result I got with Clays powder at 7yds was 1.47" group (10 shot), outside to outside. However, I do think that three of those shots were lacking adequate concentration on my part, failing to double-check sight alignment and otherwise would yield a 1.08" group with all the holes touching each other.
4.0gr Clays, 1.125" Cartridge Overall Length.
1030fps Avg. 57fps Extreme Deviation, 16fps Standard Deviation.
I did not yet have my Lee Disk Powder Measure when I assembled this Clays test load, but I did not have any measurable charge deviation with the Lee Perfect Powder Measure using Clays.
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I also forgot to check the bore for lead at the end of each test load. I had cardboard fever and daylight was burning, that probably wasn't helpful to my group sizes either. After the range session, there was a lot of lead deposited in the bore and it took some doing to get it all out. I don't know which of the nine test loads was the culprit though.
Disclaimer: The following is the result I achieved, I do not endorse that anyone rely on my results, but rather consult with manufacturers' published load data. I am not legally responsible for the results of anyone attempting to duplicate my load data.
I worked up a MBC IDP #7 (.40 cal 140gr TCFP) load for my friend's S&W Sigma, not sure what the barrel length is.
6.0gr Unique (Lee disk .76 results in +/- 0.1 gr most times, and rarely +/-0.2gr) 1.125" Cartridge Overall Length.
1052fps Avg, 93fps Extreme Deviation, 30fps Standard Deviation (10 shots).
10 shot group was about the same size as a 0.75" target repair sticker at 7yds. My hands were resting on a cardboard box while testing the loads (I reckon I should get me one of them real deal rests or something). The point of impact was just above the point of aim, the bottom of the group touching the top half of the repair sticker. I'm sorry but I was in a hurry to get some shooting done so I forgot to take a photo of it. I was sick of running test loads through guns and taking photos of each group at that point. But I did record the chrono data and knew this was the load I wanted. I reckon maybe next time if there ain't nobody at the range and I can run out to the target without making everyone call the line cold, I might could take a photo.
An earlier test load at 10yds: 6.2 gr of Unique, 1.125" Cartridge Overall Length got 1.53" 10 shot group outside to outside at 1138fps Avg, 59 Extreme Deviation, 24 Standard Deviation. Seven of those shots were within 1.05" touching each other. I think I didn't focus enough and double check my sight alignment on the three flyers, otherwise they would probably all touch each other. The point of impact was about 1" higher than the point of aim.
I also ran a test load of 5.6gr Unique that wasn't worth a dang at 10yds with a 2.74" group. Looked like a scattergun pattern. 974fps Avg.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The best result I got with Clays powder at 7yds was 1.47" group (10 shot), outside to outside. However, I do think that three of those shots were lacking adequate concentration on my part, failing to double-check sight alignment and otherwise would yield a 1.08" group with all the holes touching each other.
4.0gr Clays, 1.125" Cartridge Overall Length.
1030fps Avg. 57fps Extreme Deviation, 16fps Standard Deviation.
I did not yet have my Lee Disk Powder Measure when I assembled this Clays test load, but I did not have any measurable charge deviation with the Lee Perfect Powder Measure using Clays.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I also forgot to check the bore for lead at the end of each test load. I had cardboard fever and daylight was burning, that probably wasn't helpful to my group sizes either. After the range session, there was a lot of lead deposited in the bore and it took some doing to get it all out. I don't know which of the nine test loads was the culprit though.
Just thought i would comment since i reference this site quite a bit for tid bits of information.
I just started loading and i bought the IDP #7 140grain cast bullets from Missouri Bullet Company. I want to thank Casian for his load information. I loaded my first 50 with 5.8 grains of Unique (using the info casian gave about 5.6 not being great and 6.2 being his max, i thought i should start with something lighter and work my way up). I have to say 2 things.
The load data was spot on 5.8 grains was a nice starting load. I shot those cast bullets great at 10 yards. I could probably go up to 6.0 grains, but i don't want to push those kind of speeds with a cast bullet. Maybe i've been misinformed, but i have read that you don't push cast bullets at fmj/hp velocities.
The other comment i have is probably in part to me being new to reloading and that is the Unique powder being very smokey. I didn't notice the gun being overly dirty, but i will say that it was quite a cloud of smoke that came from the barrell with each shot. Any comments on that?
I'm sorry i don't have any scientific data like casian offered all i have is to say that casian offered great loading data for those 140 grain cast bullets. BTW I was shooting a S&W M&P .40 stock.
I just started loading and i bought the IDP #7 140grain cast bullets from Missouri Bullet Company. I want to thank Casian for his load information. I loaded my first 50 with 5.8 grains of Unique (using the info casian gave about 5.6 not being great and 6.2 being his max, i thought i should start with something lighter and work my way up). I have to say 2 things.
The load data was spot on 5.8 grains was a nice starting load. I shot those cast bullets great at 10 yards. I could probably go up to 6.0 grains, but i don't want to push those kind of speeds with a cast bullet. Maybe i've been misinformed, but i have read that you don't push cast bullets at fmj/hp velocities.
The other comment i have is probably in part to me being new to reloading and that is the Unique powder being very smokey. I didn't notice the gun being overly dirty, but i will say that it was quite a cloud of smoke that came from the barrell with each shot. Any comments on that?
I'm sorry i don't have any scientific data like casian offered all i have is to say that casian offered great loading data for those 140 grain cast bullets. BTW I was shooting a S&W M&P .40 stock.
casian
Member
I'm glad that you were able to make use of the load data chouse. I do remember a whole lot of smoke from some of the powders I've used, it was probably Unique or Bullseye or both and I wouldn't use either of those two again for my calibers. Clays was pretty clean. I wouldn't use Clays again with cast bullets because it made me feel weird using such a small charge and leaving all that room in the case. Doesn't make any sense, there ain't no reason for me to feel that way, maybe it's that Louisiana voodoo superstition getting a hold of me.
I just got a hold of W231 and worked up my first load of MBC Button in .45 cal. I didn't notice any smoke and the 10 yard group is a little more than 1" but I bet the load shoots better than I do. If you took me out of the equation and vise the gun still, it might could be 0.5 inch group at 10 yards. I made a post on it with photographs in case you're interested in looking at some MBC .45 data. If you search Missouri Bullet Button, I bet it would come up.
I just got a hold of W231 and worked up my first load of MBC Button in .45 cal. I didn't notice any smoke and the 10 yard group is a little more than 1" but I bet the load shoots better than I do. If you took me out of the equation and vise the gun still, it might could be 0.5 inch group at 10 yards. I made a post on it with photographs in case you're interested in looking at some MBC .45 data. If you search Missouri Bullet Button, I bet it would come up.
ssyoumans
Member
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In most cases, I'd guess 80% of the smoke is from the lube, not from the powder choice. Cast bullets are smoky from the burning lube, that's the trade-off for shooting cast bullets. I still shoot them in 380, 9pm, 38 Spec., 357, 44 Mag, and 45 ACP - they are so much cheaper and I like the MBC offerings.
vfjr
Member
Don't mean to hijack this thread. Does anyone have any data for Power Pistol powder with this bullet?
Vinny
Vinny
Cop Bob
Member
You didn't state what velocities you were trying to achieve...
I'm a big fan of 700-x in lead target loads... doesn't take much, and more forgiving of Bullseye and clean burning. You will get good economy out it...
For next time your buy powder... copied from IMR/Hodgdon website. served me well for years... in MANY pistol calibers...
Cartridge: 9mm Luger
Load Type: Pistol
Starting Loads
Maximum Loads
Bullet Weight (Gr.) Manufacturer Powder Bullet Diam. C.O.L. Grs. Vel. (ft/s) Pressure Grs. Vel. (ft/s) Pressure
125 GR. LCN IMR 700-X .356" 1.125" 2.9 899 23,700 PSI 3.4 1003 31,600 PSI
125 GR. SIE FMJ IMR 700-X .355" 1.090" 3.0 845 21,600 PSI 3.6 1007 31,000 PSI
NEVER EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADS
I'm a big fan of 700-x in lead target loads... doesn't take much, and more forgiving of Bullseye and clean burning. You will get good economy out it...
For next time your buy powder... copied from IMR/Hodgdon website. served me well for years... in MANY pistol calibers...
Cartridge: 9mm Luger
Load Type: Pistol
Starting Loads
Maximum Loads
Bullet Weight (Gr.) Manufacturer Powder Bullet Diam. C.O.L. Grs. Vel. (ft/s) Pressure Grs. Vel. (ft/s) Pressure
125 GR. LCN IMR 700-X .356" 1.125" 2.9 899 23,700 PSI 3.4 1003 31,600 PSI
125 GR. SIE FMJ IMR 700-X .355" 1.090" 3.0 845 21,600 PSI 3.6 1007 31,000 PSI
NEVER EXCEED MAXIMUM LOADS
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vfjr
Member
Looking for around 950 fps. Something for plinking at the range. Do you have a better suggestion for a good plinking speed? Advise is always welcome
Cop Bob
Member
850 is a nice place to start, you can run up or down from there...
Usually went working up loads for a gun, if I am being serious about it, I use a Chronograph to know where I am speed wise and a ransom rest to know where I am accuracy wise.
If a machine rest is unavailable, sold rest on some sand bags for repeatability to test group size in an alternative.
I'm looking for accuracy and reliable function of a quasi dirty or dry gun.. if the gun is sparkling clean and fresh oiled it may not act the same after a hard day of use, or a few months in a holster..
I have, just trying to see how soft I could get one to function run as low as 635fps in my 96 Berreta in 40cal with 155 LRN... and it still worked pretty good... It was a good load to intro some newbie FM's and youngsters without scaring them to death..
I haven't spent a whole lot of time reloading the 9... except for one load that we did as a qualifying round.. It was a 124-125 LRN with either 3.2 or 3.4 700-X... many years ago. The city dumped all it's reloading equipment and went to factory loads for liability reasons...
Usually went working up loads for a gun, if I am being serious about it, I use a Chronograph to know where I am speed wise and a ransom rest to know where I am accuracy wise.
If a machine rest is unavailable, sold rest on some sand bags for repeatability to test group size in an alternative.
I'm looking for accuracy and reliable function of a quasi dirty or dry gun.. if the gun is sparkling clean and fresh oiled it may not act the same after a hard day of use, or a few months in a holster..
I have, just trying to see how soft I could get one to function run as low as 635fps in my 96 Berreta in 40cal with 155 LRN... and it still worked pretty good... It was a good load to intro some newbie FM's and youngsters without scaring them to death..
I haven't spent a whole lot of time reloading the 9... except for one load that we did as a qualifying round.. It was a 124-125 LRN with either 3.2 or 3.4 700-X... many years ago. The city dumped all it's reloading equipment and went to factory loads for liability reasons...
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