.40S&W Ranier180gr/Hodgdon HP-38 data

[Artista_CO]

Hey all. I am getting ready to load a thoudsand rounds of .40 S&W. I will be loading Ranier 180g plated bullets using Hodgdon HP-38 powder. Unfortunately, I cannot get exact data for that round. Can you help?

Hodgdon says HDY XTP 180gr FMJ uses 4.1gr of SP-38. 1.125 C.O.L.

Unfortunately, I found out after purchasing a full box of Ranier (plated) bullets that they should be considered lead bullets - and to use that loading data. If that cannot be found, to reduce the powder load by 10%. If I use Raniers' formula - that gives me 3.7 (3.69) gr of HP-38. Has anyone loaded this before? does that sound right?

I will be using this ammo for practicing drills, etc. not 'target' per se. I am not looking for spot on accuracy - but rather working on 'combat accurate' hits from 3-7 yards. I do not yet have a chrono - so I cannot check the speed.

BTW, I will be shooting an XD-40 4" barrel.

Thanks - this is my first big run of reloads (my Christmas present) and i don't wanna screw it up.

 

[rcmodel]

Hodgdon says HDY XTP 180gr FMJ uses 4.1gr of SP-38.

Thats the recommended Starting load.
It only gives 23,800 PSI and may not cycle the slide on some guns.
The max is 5.0 grains.

180 lead bullet max would be higher then that.

So split the differance and call 4.5 or 4.6 grains good.
Shoot and see if they will function your gun.
If not, go up some more 0.1 grain at a time until it cycles the slide.

And pay no attention to the recommended OAL with the Hornady XTP.
What you have to do is take the barrel out of your gun to use as a guage while setting the seating/crimp die for OAL.

Seat just short enough they will drop in the chamber without hitting the rifling first.

Whatever that OAL is, is what it is.

rc

 

[Artista_CO]

Thanks, That sounded light...the conversion made me leerie... have you loaded .40 raniers before?

 

[LiveLife]

I shot a lot of Rainier 180 gr with HP38/W231.

3.8 gr will work but is a very light recoil powder puff load, yet still accurate.

4.1-4.3 gr will give you mild to moderate recoil and very accurate loads.

4.5+ gr will give you moderate recoil and accurate loads approaching factory
FMJ target loads.

All the loads fed/cycled well in my G22/G27, M&P40 and various other pistols. They were all loaded to 1.125" OAL.

 

[Artista_CO]

Thanks, I am looking for a practice load. And saving the 'little bit o powder" would be appreciated in the long run. BTW, are you familiar with the HS-6 powder? they suggest it for .40.

 

[traveling1253]

Looking at that same recipe in the Hodgdon loading data, 180gr HDY XTP with a starting load of 4.1gr HP-38 @ 797fps up to 5.0gr @ 947fps. I am looking to put together a soft shooting/low recoil plinking loading using Berry's plated bullets. My first batch of handloads using the Hodgdon load data worked out great. I loaded 180gr RS Berry's on top of 7.0gr Longshot for what I would consider a full power practice loading with similar felt recoil to 180gr factory SD ammo. Ran great through my 3.8" barrel Springfield XDM, good accuracy and no feeding or cycling issues at all.
Picked up a can of HP-38 locally today to try out. Need something with a bit less punch, my wife did not enjoy the stout recoil with Longshot. Will be loading at the low end of the scale to start with, I'm hoping that the heavy 180gr bullets will help the gun cycle even with a light charge. Plan to pick up some lighter Berry's in 165 or maybe even 155gr but figured I'd try a few of the 180's since I already have them.

 

[LiveLife]

BTW, are you familiar with the HS-6 powder? they suggest it for .40.

HS-6 is slower burning powder than HP38/W231 and will provide a recoil that "pushes" rather than "snappy". It will provide for more full power loads.

But for lighter target loads for range practice, I prefer HP38/W231 which seems to have a "broader" start-mid range flexibility, especially for the heavier 180 gr bullet.

Plan to pick up some lighter Berry's in 165 or maybe even 155gr but figured I'd try a few of the 180's since I already have them.

I like to push the 155/165 gr bullets harder with HP38/W231 and like the firm snappy recoil that brings the sights right back for follow up shots.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I agree with "bds", don't use HS-6 for practice ammo in the 40 S&W. HS-6 reacts better at the top end of the pressure range and should also be used with Magnum primers for best results.

 

[GLOOB]

HS-6 might be a more versatile powder, but in 40SW it doesn't compare very well to Auto Comp, per Hogdon's data.

In 135, 155, 165, and 180 grain bullet weights, Hogdon shows Auto Comp producing slightly higher velocity at approx 10% lower charge weight. Actually, the 180 grain max load is quite a bit faster. And Auto Comp is cheaper to begin with.

 

[orrwdd]

Thats the recommended Starting load.
It only gives 23,800 PSI and may not cycle the slide on some guns.
The max is 5.0 grains.

180 lead bullet max would be higher then that.

So split the differance and call 4.5 or 4.6 grains good.
Shoot and see if they will function your gun.
If not, go up some more 0.1 grain at a time until it cycles the slide.

And pay no attention to the recommended OAL with the Hornady XTP.
What you have to do is take the barrel out of your gun to use as a guage while setting the seating/crimp die for OAL.

Seat just short enough they will drop in the chamber without hitting the rifling first.

Whatever that OAL is, is what it is.

rc

Agree with MOST of what you said,

But wouldn't the starting load for a Lead bullet be less than a Jacketed one? Lead bullets are easier to push down the bore.

OOPs I didn't read your post correctly, you stated the Max would be higher. I never considered that.

Bill

 

[Gadzooks Mike]

I am getting ready to load a thoudsand rounds of .40 S&W.

Consider loading just a few (10 or 20) first using the starting load, try them out, and then adjust the load as desired.

 

[traveling1253]

Loaded a batch last night, used the Hodgdon loading data for HP-38,starting at 4.1gr increasing .2gr each time up to 4.9gr. Put together 10 each for testing, hope to get a chance to try 'em out tomorrow. Kept everything else the same, COAL 1.126", once fired Federal brass, CCI #500 SPP and 180gr Berry's RS plated. Noticed HP-38 flows nicely through my Uniflow and metered very consistently. Will post results after my XDM gobbles them up.


Here it is
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=6992779#post6992779