40 S&W Questions

[Loco]

I was wondering if you guys could answer a few questions for me about loading up some 40 S&W rounds. I load alot of 45 acp and i use Bullseye powder only. I was wondering if anyone uses Bullseye for the 40 S&W.
I'am just trying to make a round as close to factory as i can. I'am going to use a 180 gr. fmj-fn bullet. Powder ? Charge ? Bullet ? O.A.L. ?. Any info i can get would be great. Thanks Guys.

Loco

 

[Steve Koski]

I have a few friends that use BE for 40. It's a little too fast to make factory strength ammo, but works fine for lower powered loads. For factory/full strength ammo you should really use a little slower powder like Unique or WSF.

Do you have a reloading manual? If so, it will have charge weight and COL recommendations for BE.

For a factory like 180 grain load, I like 6 grains of Unique under a 180 FMJ, seated at 1.135".

 

[Crazy4nitro]

I have ran 4.5 and 5.0grs of BE Under 180gr Bullets in my G23.
Works well for me.

Check Alliant's web site for your application.

'Nitro

 

[Kimber1911_06238]

5.4 grains of bullseye behind a 155 grain plated flat point makes for a good, cheap target load.

 

[Waldog]

If your looking for a 45 ACP and 40 S&W powder. Look at Win 231.

 

[Steve Koski]

231 sucks.

 

[Loco]

Thanks for all the replys guys.

Loco

 

[12Bravo20]

I use Hodgdon Universal for .40S&W with good results. I am using CCI primers and Berry's 180gr bullets over 5.2gr of Universal. COL is 1.125"

 

[Walkalong]

Universal Clays, AA #5, True Blue, WSF all work well in the .40.

 

[RON in PA]

231 does not suck, 4.4-4.5 grains under a 180 grain lead bullet makes a comfortable range load that works my S&W MP40 100%.

 

[jmorris]

Hornady's load data for the hp/xtp bullet is start of 3.9gr max of 4.6gr Bullseye with an oal of 1.125 and you'll loose 100-150fps to slower burning powders. And 231 is great if you enjoy cleaning your pistols as much as shooting them. VV powders are the cleanest I've found and worth every cent to me.