Load info for .40 VV 340 please

[RN]

Going to load up some VV340 with some 180gr Berrys FP in my .40..Anyone out there with some good info to share? I can't really find an exact load for this bullet(even off loadvdata.com) so help is welcomed!!I'm thinking something like 5.3 gr as a starting point..

Thanks!

 

[Reloadron]

Going to load up some VV340 with some 180gr Berrys FP in my .40..Anyone out there with some good info to share? I can't really find an exact load for this bullet(even off loadvdata.com) so help is welcomed!!I'm thinking something like 5.3 gr as a starting point..

Thanks!

I see your 5.3 as a good start and would not exceed 6.0 as a Maximum load with N340 powder. That is based on an old VV 6th Edition pamphlet for a jacketed Speer bullet. The problem with most of the newer plated bullets is finding good load data. My opinion and just that would be work up from 5.3 but not exceed 6.0 grains and as I got close to 6.0 look real hard for pressure signs. You don't mention it but I would keep the OAL around 1.126" and no less.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

Ron

 

[RN]

Thanks!!

 

[Artofgolf]

Hey RN, try this link

http://www.vihtavuori.com/en/reloading-data/handgun-reloading/-40-s-w.html

From Berry's: http://berrysmfg.com/faq-q21-c1-Load_Data_for_Berrys_Preferred_Plated_Bullets.aspx

Reloading For Handgunners (Patrick Sweeney) has Berry's 180g FP loads on page 167. Good luck

 

[RN]

Thanks.. I did..That with some other info led me to 5.3 as a decent starting point.. The charge master is spitting out vv340 as I type..(love that thing)

 

[Mad Chemist]

That sounds right. With the Berry's bullets you want to start right around the max load for an equivalent lead bullet and work up no higher than the mid range data for a jacketed bullet.

So by the VV data a Fiocchi 180gr LRN has a max of 5.2 which is a good place to start with the plated Berry's bullet. You may need to work up a bit from there. N340 can leave a bit of unburnt powder if pressure is too low.

 

[ImjinScout85]

According to the load data you seem to be starting at above the max for that bullet if using the Fiochi bullet. The speer HP has a range of 5.4 to 5.7 which is probably because the HP bullets usually are shorter which at the same bullet depth gives you more case volume. I just tried some new .40 loads tonight with N320 and loaded 3.6. 3.8 and 4.0 and the fiochi guidelines of 3.5 to 4.1 max. I would use the fiochi bullet as a reference to the Berry's and I also use Berry's.

 

[Mad Chemist]

The Fiocchi bullet is lead. Berry's, Xtreme, and RMR plated bullets need to be loaded between the lead and jacketed data. This means starting at the near max load for the lead bullet and going no higher than the mid-range for the jacketed. I speak from experience as I have loaded many thousands or plated bullets in .380/9x19/.40/.45 calibers using Berry's, RMR, Rainier, and Xtreme bullets.

Using lead data is too slow and will occasionally produce reliability problems depending on the powder. A faster powder like N320 can be loaded "light" with OK results. Loading N340 too light causes reliability issues and leaves unburnt powder behind. Ask me how I know

 

[ImjinScout85]

The Fiocchi bullet is lead. Berry's, Xtreme, and RMR plated bullets need to be loaded between the lead and jacketed data. This means starting at the near max load for the lead bullet and going no higher than the mid-range for the jacketed. I speak from experience as I have loaded many thousands or plated bullets in .380/9x19/.40/.45 calibers using Berry's, RMR, Rainier, and Xtreme bullets.

Using lead data is too slow and will occasionally produce reliability problems depending on the powder. A faster powder like N320 can be loaded "light" with OK results. Loading N340 too light causes reliability issues and leaves unburnt powder behind. Ask me how I know

Yes, I agree but when I work up loads I never start above the max for lead and I use Berry's also. As for reliability I'm not concerned with that with load developement as I only load about 15 to 20 rounds for each charge weight to find what is best for my gun (s). Plus the gun and recoil spring will provide different results, good luck to the OP and stay safe.