Need a load check, pretty please...

[1TwistedGimp]

I'm finally loading up some .40 thanks in no small part to some of you guys on here that helped me with some brass.

All loads are with blazer brass and CCI 500 primers.
Load workup is as follows;
.40 180gr remington rnfp
OAL = 1.150
5.2 gr IMR SR 7625
5.3 gr IMR SR 7625
5.4 gr IMR SR 7625
5.5 gr IMR SR 7625

The most conservative data came from IMR's data which worked out to be 5.13gr (5.7 max -10%) IMR 7625, I rounded up to 5.2. The speer #14 manual lists 5.4 as a begining charge for 180gr tmj fp at oal of 1.120.

Does anybody see a problem here? Will be tested in a PX4 storm compact.

Out of the 4 manuals I have only 2 list this powder for .40S&W.

Any input is greatly appreciated, the resolution on my scale is .2gr so I'm trying to stay around mid-range due to not having a chronograph.
I'm only interested in plinking at the moment and prefer to err on the side of caution cause I really like being able to count to 10 and have depth perception...

Is my starting charge too low? I'll be using a fresh target for every charge weight and counting holes as well as only loading 1 round at the lowest charge weight to start with in case of squib.

Speer lists a range of 5.4 - 6.0 of 7625 at oal of 1.120 and IMR data lists 5.7 MAX of 7625 at oal of 1.125.

Near as I can tell I'm in the safe zone but would like the experts to school me if needed.

1TG

 

[gamestalker]

From what I can tell you are at the starting charge with that bullet according to Hogdon. Even the plated data uses the same start charge so it sounds fine to me. I have numerous other published sources if needed, but maybe someone else who has first hand experience with that powder and bullet will be along shortly, as I have not loaded with either 180's or SR7625 that I can recall.

GS

 

[TfflHndn]

Looks to me that you're being conservative, especially at the bottom end. Lee 2nd Edition shows 5.2 gr as the minimum load, but at an OAL of 1.125 (with the XTP bullet). Your load at 1.150 will reduce pressures a bit. You're loading longer than the length in both your manuals. I don't think I'd worry a lot about a squib with your loads, but I would make sure of full function at the lower charges.

 

[Potatohead]

Crap. Nevermind, I get my IMRs mixed up...

 

[1TwistedGimp]

Thanks Guys!

I am gaining experience slowly, I did the push test and made up a few dummys to find my working oal. This length cycles well by hand, I was just concerned about the lowest charge possibly sticking a bullet in the barrel (silly I guess but I'm a noob).

I'll find out tomorrow but appreciate the double check gamestalker/tfflHndn.

Potatohead, you were no help at all
Teasing, you've asked many questions to which the answers have been helpful to me as a noob.

1TG

 

[mstreddy]

1TG, proceed as you are -- test a few rounds and see how they cycle your gun. Check for good ejection and consistency.
Did you also do a plunk test to ensure they are good in your chamber?

 

[1TwistedGimp]

mstreddy

Yes, I did the plunk test with all rounds I worked up.
We'll find out tomorrow how everything performs.

Thanks guys, I always feel a little trepidation on dropping the hammer on new load workups... ...

1TG

 

[ArchAngelCD]

There is no reason at all to load 1 round at a time. If you do there will be no way of knowing if your ammo will strip from the magazine and load into the barrel correctly. No reason to be scared since the ammo you made was probably made with more care than any commercial offering. Just go shoot it and enjoy!

 

[1TwistedGimp]

ArchAngelCD

You're right, I loaded up 10 rounds apiece. I made up a few dummys to check feed reliability and neck tension before proceeding to actually load anything up. I should've stated that in my op but my kids were distracting me as I was trying to post.
Thank you for pointing that out, someone else like me might get the wrong impression and only make up 1 test round.

I've learned a lot from you guys here. I always find my working oal for each different bullet as suggested umpteen times on this forum. I weigh every charge and measure all dimensions of every round right now which is overkill but I'm new to this hobby and trying to be very careful.

I try not to bug you guys too much, a double check from experienced reloaders sure can't hurt though .

1TG

 

[788Ham]

When you come on this forum and ask questions, you're not bugging anyone! We all had that first trepidation feeling also, just glad you've asked, beats telling us you thought you had it right and blew things up ! Be safe.

 

[gamestalker]

No trouble at all. The only really bad question is the one that didn't get asked, and then resulted in a catastrophic event because.

Shoot them, they're certainly made with more attention to detail than any factory offering as Arch said. And take notes regarding the performance as you proceed with your work up. Sounds like you know the drill, and already have a pretty good handle on the process in general.

BTW, one of my favorite loads for .40 is a Nosler 135 gr. JHP - 11.0 grs. of Longshot. I shoot this load through various pistols, and it shoots remarkably well, high velocity too.

GS