For you who reload the .40 S&W

[Nordeste]

It's just a few generic questions that I'd like to make to you, but first off, be informed that I don't reload, nor plan on reloading this caliber. Also that I'm at the other side of the pond, in a country with gun laws so aberrant that you would hardly understand (I don't understand, them, in fact) so we'll leave the powder reccomendations aside and speak in general terms, so to say.

First one, what is your favorite bullet weight, and why?. Looks like over here, it's the 180 grains what the guys who shoot IPSC major prefer.

Faster or slower powders?. A few of these guys I mentioned above are buddys of mine and they say they use Vectan A1 for this caliber, which is a fast powder. It's fast enough that its use in a caliber like the 9 mm is kind of tricky. I presume that it has to be tricky as well in the .40, as it runs similar pressures. These guys say they have no problem so far and that they're happy with the results. Others use Optima A ( a cousin of the CSB-1 you've probably heard about here ) which is slower. My thought is that the .40 prefers slower powders and that it's actually safer to use slower versus faster powders in this caliber.

Your inputs, appreciated.

 

[jwalts27]

I think you'll find the common weights are 155, 165, 180g. I prefer Unique, Win231/HP38, Titegroup or recently BE-86. I have never used CSB-1 but I have 8 lbs of CSB-5 and I found it to load very well for the 40. I do not shoot IDPA so im not sure about power factor and such. From some of the other forums I have heard CSb-1 to be pretty fast. Not sure how much faster you need.

 

[Nordeste]

CSB-1 looks to be faster than the Optima A that Maxam sells over here, but certainly, CSB-5 is faster than CSB-1 . If it works well for the .40, then it looks like these buddies of mine might be on the right track.

 

[ImjinScout85]

I load a lot of .40S&W and I prefer the 180gr FP bullet, just my preference. As for powder I use Hodgdon HS-6 which I think is well suited for that caliber. Just recently I tried VV-N320 and really liked that powder as well.

 

[jwalts27]

CSB-1 looks to be faster than the Optima A that Maxam sells over here, but certainly, CSB-5 is faster than CSB-1 . If it works well for the .40, then it looks like these buddies of mine might be on the right track.

I thought CSB1 is faster than CSB5?

 

[oldpapps]

40 cal bullet weight????

If I were running a 10MM, the 180 grain bullet weight would make better scene. But I don't.
I feel the slower velocities of the .40 S&W with 180 grain bullets are slower than I prefer. The 165s are better but...

I load 2 standard loading for my .40S&W. Both are 155 grain, one is cast lead, the other is Hornady HTP JHPs.
I have used tightgroup powder in the past but now use 231/HP38. Both loading run very close to the same velocity. They are brisk and I do get a little leading with the lead loads but they are practice rounds and I do want near the same recoil and trajectory with both.

Hope this helped. I don't use the powders you listed, so I can't comment on them.

 

[ljnowell]

I like the 180 grain bullet. My thought process is a longer bullet means more bullet bearing surface in contact with the case lowering possibility of gullet setback.

I use lead bullets only in 40 and the extra .001" diameter kinda makes it a moot point but it makes me feel better.

 

[Jason Neighbors]

When I shot USPSA in the states almost everyone was going for the 180 grain bullets with powders to fast to make "major" at least with out going of SAMMI specs (Clays). Myself being the odd ball prefered the 165grs with titegroup. I never ran a 2011 though (G35 limited was my way) so maybe that made a difference. I could be wrong but, I think if people would spend as much time learning to shoot as they do worrying about recoil impulse it would all come out in the wash.

 

[wlkjr]

I use 180 grain plated and Bayou coated in my .40 and 10mm with either Titegroup or W231/HP38. I've been using primarily TG but really like the W231 a little better especially with the coated bullets.

 

[Elkins45]

I prefer 175 grain bullets, but that's mostly because I have a six cavity tumble lube bullet mold in that weight. I've been using Promo lately and it has been giving fine results.

 

[readyeddy]

180 grain hard cast with W231 for me. The heavy bullet and fast powder combo results in relatively low charge weight, resulting in about 1,400 rounds per pound of powder.

 

[Hillbillyz]

175 grain cast with 5 grains of Unique works for me.

 

[gamestalker]

I load jacketed 150's, 155's, and 165's mostly, but 180's are ok when the lighter bullets are unavailable.

Powders, well powder actually, I am almost exclusive to Longshot, though HS6 serves as a substitute. I've used a variety of other powders as well, but I'm really stuck on L.S..

I don't shoot competitions, so I have no idea about power factors.

GS

 

[Nordeste]

CSB-1 looks to be faster than the Optima A that Maxam sells over here, but certainly, CSB-5 is faster than CSB-1 . If it works well for the .40, then it looks like these buddies of mine might be on the right track.

I thought CSB1 is faster than CSB5?

It's actually the other way around. 5 is faster than 1 . Both are powders originally intended for use in shotgun shells, that are, however, pretty flexible and usable in a variety of handgun cartridges.

 

[gahunter12]

I load 180gr for my .40s&w load that I use in IDPA to make minor power factor. I also use fast powder (Titegroup). Both heavy bullets, and fast powders can really build pressure quick, but my load is .5gr below minimum charge. For everyday plinking I would use something like W231/HP38.

 

[Lennyjoe]

180's over Unique and Longshot when Unique is not available.

 

[Toprudder]

I load 155 plated almost exclusively, but have shot a few 165. I started with 155 and have not seen the need to try anything else.

Power Pistol is my preferred powder as I get good accuracy and it is very clean. It also works very well at reduced loads which I prefer for plinking. I also like BE-86, Titegroup, AA#7, and CFE Pistol.

 

[Jimfern]

I load 180 grain bullets with AA7 for my G35. I haven't found an accurate load for 155 grain bullets yet. On a separate note, Madrid is probably my favorite city in Europe.

 

[THe Dove]

165 grain with Titegroup is my happy spot!

The Dove

 

[Stormin.40]

I have loaded 155, 165, & 180s. I prefer 180s and have my carbine sighted in for this bullet weight.

I like slower powders that fill the case nicely, HS6 for lead bullets and Longshot for plated/jacketed. I have used Titegroup and still do for light 155gr bullet loads.

 

[TfflHndn]

I like 165s with AutoComp for normal loads, WST for light loads. I have some HS-6 coming soon, and look forward to trying it out on 40 caliber.

 

[Kevin Rohrer]

180s over Longshot. It is a good medium to hot powder that is much cleaner than Unique.