Range report and load testing

[traveling1253]

Took my new batch of handloads to the gravel pit for some testing. Goal is a soft shooting, inexpensive and accurate round for plinking/target practice. Used Hodgdon load data for HP-38 with once fired Federal brass, CCI #500 SPP and some 180gr RS Berry's plated bullets. Starting load 4.1gr increasing .2gr each batch up to 4.9gr. all rounds set at 1.126" COAL. Testing with my 3.8"barrel XDM at 15yds, my Springfield had no problems cycling any of the various loadings. Noticed the recoil with HP-38 is lighter but more "snappy" than the only other powder I have used which is Longshot.
4.1gr was a very soft powder puff loading, noticed some soot on the casings(maybe not quite enough charge to fully swell the brass and seal the chamber?) decent grouping. Brass falls about 3' away.
4.3gr still very mild recoil, casings are very clean. Nice groups,POI right on.
4.5gr still easy recoil, noticeably more than the starting load. Best groups of all the HP-38 loads, POI slightly higher than the 4.3's.
4.7 & 4.9 Increasing recoil as expected but still quite manageable. Groups started growing in size and POI seems higher.

Not sure where to go from here as far as load development, groups are slightly better at 4.5gr but POI is better at 4.3gr. Logic tells me to try 4.4gr. Possibly experimenting with slightly longer COAL to tighten up groups?
Also played some more with my "full power" loads burning Longshot. I'm not changing a thing with that one. 7.0gr Longshot,Winchester brass,CCI #500 SPP, 180gr RS Berry's plated. Love this load POI right on the mark and even better groups than the HP-38 loads. Night and day difference on the recoil side of it, gotta hang on when using Longshot. Very loud muzzle blast and you gotta chase the brass alot farther.

 

[454PB]

We handloaders are always experimenting. It seems that once I find a load I really like, I can't leave it alone......I have to keep experimenting.

What I would suggest is that you write that recipe in whatever kind of "journal" you use, obviously it's a keeper.

I doubt that .1 grain of powder will make much of a difference, probably less than changing primer or case brand.

 

[Walkalong]

Yep, almost no end to possibilities. Trust your instinct and try 4.4, then try tweaking the O.A.L. to see if it makes any difference. A longer or shorter O.A.L. may require a .1 Gr tweak of the powder up or down.

 

[rfwobbly]

Hey Congrats !! Feels good doesn't it.

Possible experiments....
• Vary the powder up 0.1gr and down 0.1gr
• Try the other two Berry 180gr bullets
• Try the same bullet in 155/165gr

You're on your way now!

 

[traveling1253]

4.4gr HP-38 will be my next batch then possibly experimenting with COAL. After I get this loading to my liking I plan to have a go with some of the lighter 165 or 155gr Berry's. Berry's also has a 135gr listing, anyone have experience with bullets that light in a .40? Seems like they would have to be really short, not much for the neck of the case to hold onto.
Ordered the Lyman reloading manual today, hoping to find a good place to start with cast bullets as well. Would like to try some of the Missouri or Laser Cast offerings but neither the Speer manual that my RCBS kit came with nor the Hodgdon loading data I got from the website includes .40S&W loadings for lead.

 

[Walkalong]

I have shot some 135's in .40. I don't remember if they were Ranier or Berrys. They are good for light loads with fast powders. I suppose you could load them hot, but I haven't tried it, at least not in .40. I have in .400 Corbon though.

 

[mcdonl]

Hey, a fellow Mainah! Good times isnt it?

 

[traveling1253]

Ayuh

 

[bushwacker_hock]

newbiw question

Is there a glossary somewhere that can help me with all the abreviations. brand new to reloading and see thinks like COAL and O.A.L plus lots more and wondering what they mean? I'm on a slow learning curve right now so any help greatly appreciated.

 

[Walkalong]

Is there a glossary somewhere that can help me with all the abreviations

I didn't see one here right off, although I know it is somewhere, but found this one at TFL.

http://thefiringline.com/Misc/library/TFL_Primer.htm

 

[traveling1253]

brand new to reloading and see thinks like COAL

Not sure if I'm using the correct acronyms myself(also very green at this handloading madness) but with COAL I was referring to Cartridge Over All Length.

 

[rfwobbly]

LOL

COAL..Cartridge Over All Length
COL...Cartridge Overall Length
OAL...Over All Length
AOL...America On Line
LAO...Laugh A$$ Off


That should get you by for awhile.

 

[whipper]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=509386

Hope this will help.

 

[popper]

I use the MBC 180 gr. lead with 4.5 unique. Works great in XDM 4.5"
I tried hp38 but had leading at case end, more smoke, didn't like it as well.
I use xtreme 180 plated with almost the same load. A little snappier, more expensive.
I save the hp38 for 9mm. Light loads with lead are easier to push out of barrel than cast or plated, in the case of bunny fart loads or squibs.