Need info: 40 S&W - 180 gr. Lead + 231 or Bullseye

[dcinia]

I don't know why there is still such limited data in print on the 40 S&W, it's obviously here to stay. Internet has brought mixed results as well.

Anyhow, like the title says, I have 180 Grain Missouri Bullet Co. lead bullets, W231 and Bullseye powder. Trying for a moderate load recoil wise.

It looks like 4.5 grains of of 231 is popular but I've found from 3.0 to 6.0 gr. of 231. So I'm trying to make it specific to what I have and tighten it up a bit.

Thanks in advance

 

[LiveLife]

When I could not find suitable current load data to work up lead 180 gr TCFP and W231/HP-38, I referenced 1999 Winchester load data. (Since Lyman #49 used .401" groove diameter test barrels, I tend to use more conservative load data for my .400" barrels). So slug your barrel and if the groove diameter is .401", use Lyman load data and if it is .400" then use more conservative load data.

With MBC 180 gr TCFP (IDP #5), I started at 3.8 gr and 1.125"-1.130" OAL/COL which produced mild recoil yet accurate shot groups and worked up to 4.0 and then 4.3 gr. Many report they use 4.5 gr but if the lower powder charges reliably cycle the slide, not lead the barrel and produce accuracy for the barrel you are using, you are good to go.

Although I have tested faster burning powders like Bullseye/Red Dot/Promo with various weight jacketed/plated/lead 40S&W bullets, I found the recoil snappier and not very pleasant to shoot.

Here's another 1999-2005 Winchester lead load data for 40S&W.

 

[gahunter12]

I will 2nd bds. On the other hand I gave up on lead in my .40s&w pistols. I love loading lead for .45acp, and .38spl, but had OAL issues in my XDm's, and LF barreled Glocks using 180gr TCFP. I had to seat the bullets at 1.090" just to keep the bullets off the lands. This also caused a near compressed load with W231. I dropped 20% off min charge, but didn't feel warm and fuzzy about it.

 

[readyeddy]

For .401" 180 gr lead, I use 5.0 gr W231 at 1.125 OAL. Gun is G22 with KKM barrel.

As noted above, 5.0 is max in some books.

 

[dcinia]

Thanks for the info thus far.

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