Help me with load data for Tightgroup and Cast Bullets

[Daxx]

Help me with load data for Tightgroup and Lead Bullets

I just bought Lyman's 48th Edition Reloading Handbook and to my disappointment, the powder I bought is not listed in the cast bullet reloading data. :banghead: I bought Tightgroup and I need to know a good starting grain.

Info:
.40 S&W
.401 Hard Cast SWC 155gr
Tightgroup Powder

Can someone give me the starting grain load and the max?

Thanks!
Daxx

 

[Babalouie]

Here's a great site for data:

http://www.handloads.com/

I've been loading .40S&W at 4.7 grns of Titegroup under a 180 grn FMJ. This makes major power factor for IPSC which is what I shoot. I've loaded 4.2 grns with the same bullet for Production class and it was a real nice round. I don't know what effect lead cast has but there are plenty of data out on the web for you to look at.

 

[Master Blaster]

Look it up on Hodgdon the powder manufacturer's site:

http://www.hodgdon.com/

 

[Daxx]

Yeah, I looked it up there and didn't find it. I also called them and they would not give me load data for hard cast bullets - said it was unsafe.

The info is not on Handloads either... not for Titegroup and 155g LSWC.

 

[Wil Terry]

I Would Pay Very---very!!---close Attention To What Hodgdon Says.

They are in the business of selling smokeless propellents. They most certainly knows what works best and where it does so.
It is always best to read and study first then buy the proper components.

 

[Daxx]

They did not say using Titegroup in the .40 was unsafe, they said they do not recommend firing lead bullets in a .40 cal under any circumstances and would not give me any loading data when I said I was loading hard cast bullets. The person I spoke with said he would only provide info an FMJ bullets.

So no one out there is using Titegroup and 155grn LSWC in a .40 cal? Hard to believe...

 

[Ranger61]

I've loaded a number of 165 grain lead cast bullets with 4.5 grains of Titegroup for a very good, moderate load.

 

[m0ntels]

Well I guess this is my first post on THR I'm on TFL, but I've been lurking here for a few months. I dont reload 40 at all, but I read most of the handloading forums if they apply to me or not because I'm sure eventually they will. Here's a few links I dug up with some advice and some warnings about TiteGroup in 40 cal. Some people are saying they make ISPC Major with it, some say it peaks too fast and is easy to double charge. I can see both of them being a possibility. So here's what I found:

http://www.thehighroad.org/archive/index.php/t-78191.html
http://www.brianenos.com/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t21979.html
http://www.brianenos.com/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t16263.html

All about lead bullets and TiteGroup. Like I said, I got no firsthand experience so dont take it as gospel, but it sounded like the kinda info you were looking for.

Randy

 

[Daxx]

Hey thanks! That's the info I needed. Not exact numbers, but I think I can get a starting point from those posts. And Ranger, I think I'll take your numbers to start. Thanks!

The double charge with TG does have me worried. I just bought a Dillon 550B (not even set up yet) and I was wondering how prone the Dillon powder measure is to double charging? Any experience out there with Titegroup in the Dillon 550B?

Thanks again,
Daxx

 

[beardking]

Daxx,
Not sure what gun you are loading for, but I loaded about 150 rounds of Laser Cast 180 grain lead bullets with 4.2 grains of Titegroup for use in my CZ 75B. It performed OK, but it fouled up my barrel so bad that I was actually cleaning my barrel after every magazine just to keep semi decent groups (some of the sloppiness of the groups could be attributed to me). I've basically sworn off using cast lead bullets in my gun from now on. Too much cleaning and not enough fun.

 

[Daxx]

I just wanted to thank everyone for the info. I loaded up two batches of reloads with 155g Wideners bullets and Titegroup.

Batch 1:
4.0g Titegroup, 155g LSWC 1.135 OAL

Batch 2:
4.5g Titegroup, 155g LSWC 1.135 OAL

All I can say is "HELL YEAH!" The accuracy with the LSWC and Titegroup was just awesome. A heck of a lot better than I ever shot with factory ammo. The 4.0g batch was just a little too light, but the 4.5g batch ROCKED! I will probably bump it up a tad bit more for self defense loads, but for paper shootin', 4.5g with 155g LSWC is spot on with my Springfield Armory XD-40 Sub Compact. Dont' laugh - 2" group at 10 yards (with a 3" barrel). With factory ammo I was shooting a 6" group at 10 yards.

I bought some Power Pistol today and plan on trying that next because my Lymans' book says that's the powder most likely to give the best accuracy with lead bullets.

Thoughts on the Dillon 550B - I love it! Loads fast enough for me for my shooting level and seems very accurate with powder despense. I wish there was some sort of interlock from Dillon that would not let me pull the handle twice without indexing the shell plate (to prevent the dreaded double charge), but I guess that will be my next invention.

Overall, I'm a happy reloader and I appreciate everyone's help!

Daxx

 

[Jwar88]

Here is a tip that you may find helpful...

The Dillon measure is not prone to bridging or double charging, it is usually caused by operator error. However this disaster can be easily averted.

I think it is a very good idea to look inside each case and visually inspect the powder level before inserting the bullet. Since you have to look at the case mouth anyway, a habit of glancing inside is easy to form, and doesn't cost any time when you get used to it. You will quickly be able to see any low or high charges by the height of the powder as it fills the case to a surprising accuracy, even with fast powders.

This is the method I use for every caliber I load.

TC