Is loading .40S&W more difficult that other calibers?

[Katana8869]

Okay, so I am getting hooked on reloading! So far I am loading .45acp, .38 Special and .357 Magnum all of which have been pretty simple and user friendly for the most part. I am considering buying an XD .40 but from what I have read so far, the .40 S&W seems to be a little different beast that the cartridges that I have worked with to this point.

I have a few questions about the .40.

In some guns .40 has a reputation for Kabooms. Is the .40 more prone to pressure spikes than other calibers?

Is .40 harder on brass?

Is .40 considered a straight-walled cartridge like a .45acp and does it use the same style of taper crimp?

Does the .40 use a large or small primer?

What would you all say are the do's and don'ts of reloading this cartride?

I am interested in using cast lead bullets in either 155 or 180 grains and either Bullseye or Unique powder. Any help is very much appreciated.

 

[Kentucky Jelly]

Yes .40 is going to be about the same as .45 acp in a smaller package.

They use small pistol primers.

I load for an XD and have not had any pressure issues at all. Keep your OAL with in spec, and build up your load carefully like you should with any caliber. I have not loaded any lead bullets yet I use nothing but jacketed, so I can't help you there.


FYI I started out with .40 as my first loads, and had no problems.

 

[wally]

Its not any more difficult, its just you have about the smallest margin for error of any common handgun round. The .45ACP and .38Special are about the easiest because they are low pressure rounds in generally strong guns with large safety margins. THe 9mm is somewhere in between, but closer to the .40S&W.

--wally.

 

[Sommerled]

Katana,

I just started to reload .40 S&W about a month ago after buying a M&P (which had a $50 rebate and two free hi-cap mags)

I'm having more fun working on loads for this caliber than any other I've done such as 9mm,38,357,44,45.

From compressed loads with blue dot to unique to titegroup.... there is just tons of data available to play with.....but there is one problem...

I want a few more .40 cal Guns now!!!!

 

[FieroCDSP]

I am interested in using cast lead bullets in either 155 or 180 grains and either Bullseye or Unique powder. Any help is very much appreciated

Be sure to bell the mouth of the case enough that the cast bullet will seat without shaving. The Lee FCD helps taper crimp cast loads back to a chamberable size.

Flat point bullets set above 1.125" in a Smith M&P will often jam at the top of the chamber on feeding. Round nose are okay out to max length. Your gun may vary.

Be very careful shortening up OAL's or working near Max loads with the 40.

 

[FieroCDSP]

There's not really any more wear to brass from a 40 than any other. If picking up range brass, be sure to carefully check for glocked cases. These are easily ID'd by the swollen portion just in front of the rim.

Also, if I might make a recommendation, go with the M&P. I've talked to a lot of people that have shot one and most agree it's the most controllable 40 out there. Again, just a recommendation.