Need advice on Elite II reloads.

Status
Not open for further replies.
T

TexVetDan

Member
Joined
Oct 29, 2003
Messages
83
Location
Pearland, Texas
Reloading 40 cal for the Elite II is giving me a fit. First, it won't shoot lead of any kind or any load without leading badly. Second, now that I'm using plated bullets, it won't lead but they are not accurate. With jacketed bullets it will hold about 3" at 25yds, with plated it will only hold 6". I've tried 3 different powders and many different charges to no avail. I'm beginning to think that Beretta 40''s are not designed to shoot anything but costly jacketed bullets. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Dan
 
just mebbe......

New IMI case (sized), 180g Rainier TCJ-FP, CCI500, 6.0g Alliant Power Pistol, OAL 1.125-1.130", gentle crimp sufficient to remove residual mouth flare ONLY.

There, try that.

Need components? Gimme an e-mail.....
 
I've had good luck reloading .40 S&W with Universal and Reinier Lead-Safes. I later switched to Star 165 Gr FMJ because I could get them for less than I could find the Reinier's at the time.

Since then I've switched to Nosler 135 gr JHP because of their accuracy reputation here and them being easier on my Delta Elite when loading for 10mm. So far I haven't been disapointed but they aren't exactly cheap for shooting in mass. If I get more 40 S&Ws I'll likely try the Reiniers again.
 
I think the key in WeShoot's post is minimum crimp. The way I get mine is to lighten up the crimp until a pulled bullet shows no measured deformation. If you crimp down hard on a plated bullet accuracy will go to heck. Plating stripping shouldn't be an issue, supposedly occurs at 1200+. My 9mm loads in the 1130-1150 area show no problems.
 
Well, I've picked up two more .40 S&W pistols so I'm bullet shopping again.
I had been using a Lee carbide crimp die and it was deforming even FMJ bullets. Instead of abandoning it altogether I found backing off the die so that the carbide ring takes the flare out results in the most consistant crimp and accuracy and minmium brass wear.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top