hodgdon data for 40SW

[gutterman]

Looking to load some lead 40SW for just range shooting. Have Missiouri Bullets 180 grain .Hodgdon data shows 180 grain BERB then the XTP's. Can I load using the BERB data for my 180 grain TCFP's?

 

[sexybeast]

Kinda. I use starting loads for lead but thats just me. I like accuracy, 40 is more forgiving than 9mm when it comes to lead. I would look at the starting load for FMJ and also for Berber/plated. Start somewhere around there, put them on paper and see how they function and grouip.

Edit: What powder were you going to use?

 

[horseman1]

I had a similar issue, with no load data from Hodgdon, Hornady or Lee manuals for 180gr lead in 40 SW.

As I recall, I borrowed a copy of the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook and found some good data there. Need to buy that one next .

I started a bit lower than the plated bullet data you see in the Hodgdon data. Found a great soft shooting load that was still below the plated starting load data. Got a wife and youngsters that like to shoot and I wanted something they would be comfortable with starting out. I was using WST for this load. W231 is another good one I used.

 

[mxjunky78]

Looking to load some lead 40SW for just range shooting. Have Missiouri Bullets 180 grain .Hodgdon data shows 180 grain BERB then the XTP's. Can I load using the BERB data for my 180 grain TCFP's?

Absolutely! If I remember correctly, Berry's recommends using lead data for their plated bullets so I see no issue with you using any of the starting loads for BERB and working up. One of my pet loads using MBC cast 180's is 4.5gr of Win231/HP-38.

 

[rcmodel]

Actually, Berry recommends using mid_range jacketed bullet data with thier plated bullets.

http://www.berrysmfg.com/faq-q9-c1-How_do_I_load_Berrys_Preferred_Plated_Bullets.aspx

Plated bullets are a little more 'sticky' then grease lubed lead bull it's.

So don't go too low, or below lead bullet starting loads for sure.

rc

 

[Otto]

Berry's FAQ says: "We recommend using hard cast load data or start with mid-range jacketed data."

Personally, I don't like or use lead with 40S&W...just the way I roll.

 

[rcmodel]

That's sure not what the Berry FAQ I am reading on their website says.
And I just read it again to be sure.

rc

 

[gutterman]

I intend to use HP38 for these 180's. Will probably load 4.4 or 4.5 grains and see how they perform. Thanks all for the info.

 

[Strahley]

I loaded a batch of those bullets not too long ago. Here's what I used

Hodgdon HS6, 6.5 grains
Missouri Bullet 180gr (IDP #5)
Remington 5 1/2 small pistol primers
1.125" overall length

Pleasant shooting in my SIG P250 subcompact. They are loaded lightly, but I don't need max pressure rounds for casual trigger time. I may increase them a little over time, but we'll see. If you're looking for more performance out of a longer barrel (a full size instead of a subcompact), I'd suggest using Hodgdon Longshot (same for .357 SIG if you ever load that)

 

[sexybeast]

I intend to use HP38 for these 180's. Will probably load 4.4 or 4.5 grains and see how they perform. Thanks all for the info

HP38/231 is one of the best powders to use with lead in my not so humble opinion. 4.4gr of HP38 is a good load, its what I use [actually 4.3gr], but you will be fine with it.
Let us know how they work.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I intend to use HP38 for these 180's. Will probably load 4.4 or 4.5 grains and see how they perform. Thanks all for the info.

The Missouri 180gr bullet looks like the one used in the Lyman manual. Lyman lists a charge range of 4.6gr to 5.2gr W231. That RCBS #40-180-FN bullet is cast from 10 to 1 Alloy. A charge of only 4.4gr might not cycle the slide reliably.

 

[steve4102]

That's sure not what the Berry FAQ I am reading on their website says.
And I just read it again to be sure.

rc

Berry has it both ways is their FAQ page.
#3 from the top says this.
When loading plated bullets we have found best results using low- to mid-range jacketed data in the load manual

The last question at the bottom says this.
We recommend using hard cast load data or start with mid-range jacketed data.

Go figure?

http://www.berrysmfg.com/faq-q21-c1-Load_Data_for_Berrys_Preferred_Plated_Bullets.aspx

 

[vfjr]

Just to add my 2 cents. I use 6.0 of power pistol with this bullet. Got that from this site. Thanks to those who shared with me.

 

[vfjr]

Forgot to add that I use both the MBC idp5 and the Berry's 180 gr flat point.

 

[Stormin.40]

I use 6.6gr of HS-6 with a lead180gr RNFP bullet. Works great in my Beretta PX4. The Lyman manual should have some loads for you to compare.