Change from 165gr to 180gr in 40S&W?

[vaalpens]

I am trying to consolidate my plated bullets to one brand of possible. I am currently evaluating the RMR 124gr flat nose bullets in 9mm and 357sig, and if it works out then maybe I want to switch to the RMR 40S&W bullets also. The problem is that RMR does not have any 165gr bullets, but only 180gr. This made me starting to think that I should change from loading 165gr to 180gr. Up to now I have only been loading 165gr plated in 40S&W and only started loading 165gr since most factory ammo available was 165gr.

I know the powder load is a bit lower with 180gr and the shooting feels a bit softer, but from my perspective I don't see any reason why I shouldn't change from 165gr to 180gr outside of having to work up some loads again.

Is there any compelling reason why you load 180gr instead of 165gr? Any additional things I need to be concerned about when loading 180gr instead of 165gr?

As always I look forward to any forthcoming advice and comments.

 

[JO JO]

i might be wrong but i think with 180gr you will need to
be extra careful with set back and coal if i remember
correctly most ka booms reported include 180gr, i
do load 40 the most i like 165 and 155 gr but this is me
others will have a better opinion for you

 

[vaalpens]

i might be wrong but i think with 180gr you will need to
be extra careful with set back and coal if i remember
correctly most ka booms reported include 180gr, i
do load 40 the most i like 165 and 155 gr but this is me
others will have a better opinion for you

Jo Jo, thanks for the advice. I have also read about the setback issue, but I'm not sure if it is truly and issue since the charge is lower.

 

[Bullseye25]

I've loaded and shot thousands of 180 gr hard cast TC without issue using AA#5, Unique, and mainly HS-6. No set back or pressure issues. Recoil is more pushy and less snappy than my 155 LSWC, but not much. I load around 70% of max loads usually for plinking.

 

[vaalpens]

I've loaded and shot thousands of 180 gr hard cast TC without issue using AA#5, Unique, and mainly HS-6. No set back or pressure issues. Recoil is more pushy and less snappy than my 155 LSWC, but not much. I load around 70% of max loads usually for plinking.

Bullseye25, thanks for the comments. I like the snappy recoil in my 40S&W and it is/was my fun caliber to shoot. Since I have starting shooting 357sig, I think I could live with a less snappy 40S&W. I think the 180gr has a bit longer bearing surface also which should make it more accurate. Maybe I should just ask RMR to bring out at 165gr 40/10mm bullet which would then solve my problem.

 

[Ex]

Good reason to go with 180? Momentum!

How ya doing Vaalpens? I'm getting anxious...!

 

[vaalpens]

Good reason to go with 180? Momentum!

How ya doing Vaalpens? I'm getting anxious...!

Ex, thanks for the feedback. It seems like a no brainer to switch to 180gr as long as I can get it a a good price, not much more than 165gr. Xtreme does not have anything for 357sig so I will switch away from them. Berry's has what I am looking for, but is more difficult to find at a good price. Looks like RMR is going to be the way for me to go regarding plated bullets.

Arte you getting anxious for me to make a decision regarding 165gr vs 180gr, or anxious to go shooting? Send me a PM.

 

[rcmodel]

but i think with 180gr you will need to be extra careful with set back and coal if i remember
correctly most ka booms reported include 180gr

You would be correct.
But for the wrong reasons.

When the .40 S&W was introduced in 1990, the 180 grain bullet was the standard bullet weight.
And it was all you could buy in factory ammo for at least a couple of years afterword.

That was also when Glock was selling loose, unsupported chambered guns, that could also fire out of battery by as much as 5/64's" or more by design.

It didn't matter with 9mm smaller stronger case.
But it caused KaBooms in .40 S&W's.

It had nothing to do with bullet set-back.

A 180 has less chance of set-back then any lighter bullet.
Because there is more bullet shank inside the case to resist set-back.

rc

 

[joneb]

Would there be a POI difference?

 

[rcmodel]

There always is when you change bullet weights.

rc

 

[txwingnut]

IMHO I like to reload to the aprox feel and recoil of what I carry if not the actual rounds.

 

[joem1945]

I have a CZ75B and load 165 gr cast bullets. The lead cast mic @ .401 while copper jacket mic @.400. I have trouble getting the cast lead to chamber unless I crimp the bejabbers out of them and resize every one. I'm switching to copper jackets and 165 gr.

 

[vaalpens]

You would be correct.
But for the wrong reasons.

When the .40 S&W was introduced in 1990, the 180 grain bullet was the standard bullet weight.
And it was all you could buy in factory ammo for at least a couple of years afterword.

That was also when Glock was selling loose, unsupported chambered guns, that could also fire out of battery by as much as 5/64's" or more by design.

It didn't matter with 9mm smaller stronger case.
But it caused KaBooms in .40 S&W's.

It had nothing to do with bullet set-back.

A 180 has less chance of set-back then any lighter bullet.
Because there is more bullet shank inside the case to resist set-back.

rc

rcmodel, thanks again for taking the time to provide some insight into the issue. So it must have been Glock that started the rumor that it was a setback issue, just to cover the real issue.

I still have some time to decide if I want to change since I am still working through my 165gr inventory. But for now it seems a change is probably going to happen. I was also concerned about the rumors about the 180gr, but at least rcmodel has put my mind at ease.

 

[vaalpens]

IMHO I like to reload to the aprox feel and recoil of what I carry if not the actual rounds.

txwingnut, good point. Currently I don't carry my 40S&W, but it is something I'll keep in mind. I'll probably have to reevaluate my 40S&W SD ammo once I switch to 180gr.