need load data, 200 gr cast bullets .40 S&W

[scythefwd]

All - I'm about to start up on handgun loading. Starting with my .40. I have about 800 pieces of brass, so all is good (paid 17 bucks for it total). Still need to decide on a powder.

I'm thinking universal since it can also be used in my 9mm.

I don't have load data for cast bullets for universal. Any other suggestions or a recipe would be welcome. I'm still deciding on my cast bullets.... I have the opportunity to buy 500 at 20 bucks... can't beat that.

I'm not looking for barn burners... 800-900 fps would be nice though.

 

[GooseGestapo]

Pass on the 200gr bullets from the .40.

The "gain" from the mass/inertia from the heavier bullet is lost from the .40.
The 200gr bullet will occupy more of the limited powder space of the case and will cause rapidly rising pressures relative to velocity.

Upper 800fps is tops for the .40 with a 200gr bullet. Pressures "spike" from this small capacity case and can go from OK to "OH Sxxx" with a small change in temperature...... That's why you don't see "factory ammo" in 200gr. Mostly 165gr or lighter.

For cast bullets from the .40, I prefer a 180gr bullet. Specifically, I use the Lee 180gr TCFN. With cast bullets, you get 50-75fps gain due to lower barrel friction/engraving resistance.

For jacket bullets, I use 155gr and lighter. My M22 prefers the 155gr Remington HP and the Nosler 135gr JHP's.
I like Hod. LongShot for velocity and Winchester SuperField for accuracy.

FWIW: 4,7gr of Universal for ~870fps is max. I would suggest dropping it 0.5gr for the Glocks due to unsupported case heads. This max was developed in a S&W with supported case head at the feed ramp.... If you do "insist" on a 200gr bullet.

I had a S&W 1006 back in 1992-3. I then bought a Glock M20 from a Desert Storm vet who needed the money. Two of the first 3 rounds (200gr XTP over AA#7 book max load =at the time, later reduced by Acc.= ruptured at the case head over the feed ramp. Destroyed the slide release, I replaced the mangled slide release and "dumped" the gun...... I wasn't the only one who had this happen. The reduction in the factory loadings is what "killed" the 10mm. The relatively small difference in the 10mm and .40 gives the advantage to the .40. With upper level hand loads, and bullets under 190gr, the difference is 100fps or less. .40 brass is now "ubiquitous", meaning I can go to the public range and pick up 2-300 ever monday morning. Not so, with the 10mm.

I started loading for the .40 in 1993-4. I was issued a G-M22 in 1996 and still have its "re-issue" replacement I got when I retired (new one has my badge# and Agency" on it. It's killed 3 deer with 155gr, and I still use the 155 today..... but only for "night-stand" duty.....

When knocking around in the woods, I've either got my Ruger BH in .45lc or my 329PD with 300gr FNGC cast bullet. Either at ~1,000fps. More accurate, powerful, and "forgiving" than the .40/10mm.

 

[LiveLife]

+1 for 180 gr TCFP for lead 40S&W. Haven't tried 200 gr bullet yet.

I shoot Missouri Bullet (IDP #5) along with other lighter bullets and with W231/HP-38, it produces very accurate loads at start-high range load data.

 

[scythefwd]

Goose - I'll probably be loading in the 4.0 - 4.3 gr range if 4.7 is max. I'm using a supported chamber, so there is less of a chance of a blow out then you had with the glock.

Thanks for the load data, the info, and the warning.

 

[Clark]

CAUTION: The following post includes loading data beyond currently published maximums for this cartridge. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The High Road, nor the staff of THR assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information.

The max published 40sw load:
6.3 gr 800X 200 gr 1.125"


A load I have shot many times in my Glock 22 40S&W
15.5 gr 800X, 200 gr 1.171"


Curiously, the 10mm has a failure in the work up due to the weak case head with deep extractor groove and large Boxer primer pocket:
14.2 gr 800X, 200 gr 1.3"


What does it all mean?
1) The handloaded 40 S&W is more powerful than the 10mm, despite what the internet gun culture believes.
2) For me to get that much powder to fit, I must use more than double compression, I have to compress powder on the third step. This is a lot of trouble to charge a case.
3) I have welded up my Glock 22 feed ramp, so the case support goes all the way to the case web at 0.18" from the breech face.
4) The recoil of 15.5 gr 800X 200 gr cannot be managed in a Glock 22 with a change in recoil springs. Maybe the Desert Eagle has enough slide mass, I have not done the calculation.

What does all THAT mean?
1) 200 gr will get the most out of a 40sw.
2) You need case support, probably from an aftermarket barrel.
3) 800X gets the most power per pressure, but pressure is not the limiting problem, recoil is. So you can work up with a lessor powder that is easier to meter, like Power Pistol, and reach your limit with the stiffest recoil springs you can live with.
4) A super powerful 40 will not do you any good if the recoil is so harsh that you can't hit anything. You must find a balance of power and accuracy.

 

[scythefwd]

2) You need case support, probably from an aftermarket barrel.
3) 800X gets the most power per pressure, but pressure is not the limiting problem, recoil is. So you can work up with a lessor powder that is easier to meter, like Power Pistol, and reach your limit with the stiffest recoil springs you can live with.
4) A super powerful 40 will not do you any good if the recoil is so harsh that you can't hit anything. You must find a balance of power and accuracy.
__________________


2. My chamber is fully supported, it is not a Glock, it's a CZ.
3. Not really looking for a MAX load... not looking for compressed loads..Unique or Universal are what I am looking at right now.
4. True... I prefer lower powered .40... it's my 9mm +P+ so to speak. The gun was just designed to work with the extra umph.