Newbie w/a question

[Astroangler]

Hello,
I'm new to the forum. Found your site after doing a search for 40s&w load data. Still struggling to find good data for loading 40s&w using Rainier 135gr Plated Flat Point. Has anyone found a site or data that may help me find a good target load? Just for range shooting really. Thanks in advance for any insight or direction you can share.
The Newbie

 

[Potatohead]

welcome to THR

 

[rcmodel]

You can use mid-level 135 grain jacketed bullet data from any reloading manual.

Just stay between the Start load and mid-level data until you get enough recoil to function the gun reliably.

DO Not try to use the listed Max loads for conventional jacketed bullets.

rc

 

[Astroangler]

I've heard you can start with -10% of the load as a start, but would that be of the minimum or the maximum? Thanks guys

 

[rcmodel]

Some data sources like Alliant Powder only publish the Max load.

You are expected to reduce it 10% for the correct Starting load.

DO NOT reduce any published starting load any further.

That is why it is already a Starting load.

rc

 

[Astroangler]

Glad you shared that info. Good to know. So if I were to take the load data for a nosler 135gr jhp and begin at the minimum I would be safe and could expect a decent outcome?

 

[rcmodel]

Yes.

But sometimes the listed starting load is too low to cycle some pistols.

But you start with that and work up a little at a time while testing for proper functioning.

rc

 

[Astroangler]

Just found another thread on pressure signs and such. Great site here for reloading info and helpful members. Thanks so much!

 

[warhwkbb]

40 S&W is not a load to hot rod. Many 40's like my Gen2 Glock have generous chamber clearances that leave a large part of the case unsupported. Factory loads sometimes bulge this area of the brass. If this brass bulge gives way, you have a ruptured case than can damage your pistol or worse. If you are using used cases the risk increases.
Plated bullets can be loaded from start to medium load data. Please do not load plated bullets above the mid level. Let us know what powders you have available and others can help with confirming a safe starting load that you can bump up slightly is the pistol will not cycle.

 

[Astroangler]

Man this is great site. I'm blown away from the helpfulness. Here is the powder I have on hand and will be running it through Beretta PX4. Thanks again guys.

Rainier 135gr plated flat point and?

Bullseye
Hercules 2400
BL-C(lot#2) not sure if I can use this but I inherited it.
Blue dot
700x

 

[rcmodel]

Bullseye, 700x, and Blue Dot are your only options.
Blue Dot is best with full pressure hi-velocity loads, and your plated bullets are not.

The other two will not work.

2400 is Magnum revolver powder.
BL-c(2) is centerfire rifle powder.

SO, Bullseye & 700x is it.

Hodgdon website has 700-X data.
http://www.hodgdon.com/basic-manual-inquiry.html

Lyman #49 manual has Bullseye data.

BTW: Did you happen to inherit any reloading manuals??

rc

 

[Astroangler]

Yes, I inherited 1 reloading manual, Lyman 46th edition and it doesnt contain any 40 data. Grandpa didn't own any semiautos, just revolvers. However, I do own a Nosler 5th edition and a Speer#13, but Nosler is the only one that has data for a 135gr bullet and it is for JHP data. Would that be comparable if I were to begin with its minimum load?

 

[Astroangler]

Looking at a starting load of 6gr of 700x. See how that cycles and will report my progress back. Thanks again for the advice!