Question on 135 grain 40 S&W load

[XD-40 Shooter]

I just ordered 250 135 grain Nosler JHP's, I really like these bullets. My Lee Modern Reloading 2nd edition book lists 8.5 grains of Unique as both the minimum and maximum load, about 1300 fps, pressure is only 26,600 psi. If I reduce this to say, 7.5 grains, would it actually increase the pressure? Should I just run with the 8.5 grains?

 

[ozshadow]

Check out using Longshot for that bullet.

It is a fun match up.

 

[ozshadow]

And 8.5gr is the max. Suggested starting load is 8.5 - 10% = roughly 7.7gr

It should be lower pressure with less powder.

http://www.alliantpowder.com/reload...gtypeid=1&weight=135&shellid=1022&bulletid=62

 

[XD-40 Shooter]

I'll load up (5) with 8.5 grains, (5) with 8 grains, and (5) with 7.5 grains, see what works best.

 

[XD-40 Shooter]

You're right, I just checked the data for longshot, with 135 grain jacketed, the starting load gives 1367 fps and the top load gives 1480 fps, damn! I'm gonna have to try some of this powder/load, should be fun. I'll probably go with 11 grains, as the start load is 10.5 grains and the max is 12 grains.

 

[Chief 101]

8.5 of Unique is all you can get in the 40 case. Not enough room to get too hot. Less powder may have the effect of not working the action on an auto. Chief aka Maxx Load

 

[XD-40 Shooter]

I just bought 1lb of Longshot today, as soon as my bullets get here from Cabela's, damn they're slow, I'm gonna load'em up. I think I'll experiment a little, with the longshot load and the Unique load, see what's the most accurate, consistent velocities. I'm betting the longshot will beat out the Unique, I know it will on velocity, maybe even accuracy.

 

[ozshadow]

How'd it go ?

 

[XD-40 Shooter]

I loaded up (10) of the 135's with 7.5 grains, got 1150 fps. I loaded 10 bullets with 8.5 grains and got a very consistent 1300 fps, they were accurate and the listed pressure is only 26,600 psi. This is what I've decided to go with.

 

[Shoney]

XD-40 SHOOTER
I did lots of testing with Longshot, with great results velocity wise. However, the 135 Nosler would shoot below and/or left of point of aim in my weapon.

My best accuracy in most bullet weights was well below max, and some at starting weights. The 165 Golden Sabre got terrific accuracy at upper mid range loads though.

Since the accuracy spread is usually not very detectable with 5 shots, I use 10 shot test groupings per test load.

GOOD SHOOTING!

 

[DWARREN123]

My GLOCK's like 165gr bullets best and do give Longshot a try, it's all I use for 40 S&W.