Lead Bullets and 40 S&W?

[Jumping Frog]

I started reloading with .45 ACP, using 200 GR. CAST LSWC bullets, where I am looking at pressures well under 20,000 CUP. I am quite satisfied with my well under maximum load for target practice and competitive pistol shooting, and enjoy the crisp holes left by a SWC bullet profile.

Now I have added the die set, turrets, shell plate, etc. to load 40 S&W, and am wondering about bullet choice. Inexpensive lead SWC bullets are appealing, but I am concerned about 30,000+ pressures and leading. After all, .40 S&W has significantly higher pressures than .45 ACP.

Anyone experienced with lead bullets working OK for 40 S&W, or should I start with FMJ or plated bullets? FWIW, these rounds are destined for my S&W M&P40.

 

[tbtrout]

I ue 175 lswc in my XD and round rifled barrel USP

 

[Walkalong]

Lead will work fine. You may need a bit harder alloy for it, but it is done all the time. I have shot lots of 9MM with lead with no problems using basically the same alloy as .45

 

[rbernie]

I shoot lead all the time in my M&P 40S&W. I use 170gr, mostly, over 4.5gr of Unique.

It's a mild and effective load. As with all pistol rounds, I use a Lee FCD.

 

[lee n. field]

I've shot plenty of lead .40. Currently hand cast 180 grain truncated cone bullets, in front of 4.7 grains of Bullseye. (I need to troubleshoot this, as cartridges loaded with this bullet sometimes have trouble feeding.)

 

[Floppy_D]

I've had no problems in my 229. What leading I do get (very mild) is easy enough to clean in the short barrel. Given the cost of factory ammo, it's worth any amount of scrubbing.

 

[ReloaderFred]

I use lead bullets in my S&W 4006's and Witnesses in .40 without any problems. I like the 170 grain TCFP for the .40.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[Shoney]

All my polygonal barrel 40's get heavy use with hardcast 170-180 TCFP.

 

[Bad Flynch]

Lead bullets can be fine in the .40 S&W. The problems seem to arise in barrels with either of two characteristics: a very slick bore, like those produced by EDM or those barrels with a large unsupported area under the cartridge case head.

If you have one of those barrels with a large unsupported area under the case nead (at the top of the feed ramp), I probably would not recommend relaoading at all.

If you have a very slick barrel, just stick with plated or jacketed bullets.

If you have normal barrel, shoot and enjoy anything you wish.

 

[Idano]

I am a Rainier PHP fan myself for my .40 S&W and 9 mm and pretty much all I shoot unless there is a sale on one of the jacket HP brands. I have had very good success loading Rainier bullet at full jacket loads (1,100 to 1,200 fps)with no occurrence of plating separation, barrel leading, or issues with accuracy.

 

[feets]

Lead bullets get used in the 460. If 60,000+ psi is okay, your little 40 isn't going to present a problem.

Find what you want and go make some holes in stuff.

 

[trickyasafox]

I use 175gr LSWC- but castboolits just closed on a group buy mold for a 150gr TC single lube groove design (spear headed by yours truly)

I think its a great profile for most 40s (and most semi auto pistols actually)