6.5 grains AA #5, 800 fps, 40 S&W

[XD-40 Shooter]

It should be higher than this. This is the minimum charge for a 170 grain jacketed, according to my Lee 2nd Edition book, I'm loading 165 grain Raniers. This velocity is well below the indicated 942 fps, what gives? I'm gonna have to up the charge to at least 7 grains to get into the 900 fps range, which is close to the max load. Is this load data bunk?

 

[jfh]

FWIW, the AA3.2.2 (latest, I believe) is available here to download.

I see that it shows a max of 6.1 gr. for a 170LSWC, and a range of 6.5 to 7.2 gr. for a Sierra 165JHP.

So, then I checked Ammoguide--and, with AA#5, that database shows no #5 loads for a 165-gr. bullet.

What barrel length does Lee cite for its load? What length are you shooting? I've AA#5 drops about 60-80 fps per barrel inch in other calibers...but that may not be relevant for the .40 S&W.

I no longer load .40 S&W, so I can't help you further--but it looks to me like #5 is not a particularly viable powder in this weight range, at least--

Jim H.

 

[XD-40 Shooter]

I'm shooting this out of an XD-40 4" barrel. Its a good thing I only loaded 50 rounds with this load, because it sucks. The brass dribbles out of the slide, its barely enough to function the gun. No more AA #5 for 165 grain bullets.

 

[Walkalong]

Zero 165 Gr JHP @ 1.135 O.A.L.

8.5 Grs AA #5
WSP Primers
Hot weather.

1061 AVG FPS from XD SC - 3"

1162 AVG FPS from Witness Elite Match - 4 1/2"

----------------------------------

6.1 Grs Universal Clays
WSP Primers
Hot weather.

1036 AVG FPS from XD SC - 3"

1132 AVG FPS from Witness Elite Match - 4 1/2"

=========================================

Berrys 165 Gr TrFP @ 1.160 O.A.L.

8.4 Grs AA #5
WSP Primers
84 Degrees

??? AVG FPS from XD SC - 3"

??? from Witness Elite Match - 4 1/2"

-------------------------------------------

6.0 Grs Universal Clays
WSP Primers
84 Degrees

988 AVG FPS from XD SC - 3"

1080 from Witness Elite Match - 4 1/2"

I was happy with AA #5 in .40, but liked Universal so much in .40 I bought a 4 pounder.

These loads were safe in my guns with my load procedure. Reduce at least 10% and work up. The Universal Clays load is over max by some data, but not all data. That goes for the AA #5 as well.