start load .40 s&w

[HydeSmyler]

First time pistol reloader here. I couldnt find any specific data for the 180 gr. ranier flat nose plated and Unique powder combination. These are to be used in a hi point carbine. What would be a good charge weight for starting loads and how much will the velocity be affected by the longer barrel. Going to be using the lee 4-die set. I have four up to date manuals and starting charge weights vary somewhat and none of the plated or lead areas include unique powder. Would 5.5 be a safe start?

 

[dagger dog]

Starter load from Speer 13

180 gr Gold Dot 6.0 grs Unique for 849 fps from 4" bbl. 1-16 twist, Speer case and CCI 500 prime trim to 0.840" Max cartridge length
1.135" Max case length 0.850"

6.7 grains Unique is MAX

 

[HydeSmyler]

Thanks for the data dagger dog.

 

[wally]

I shoot 180 gr hard cast lead and 180gr FMJ over 5.2gr Unique in .40S&W. I'd start here, not higher! THen work up if you want.

You've got small margins for error with .40S&W.

--wally.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

DO NOT use Jacketed load data with Rainier bullets!

This is directly from Rainier:

We, at Rainier Ballistics, recommend using lead bullet load data when loading our bullets. There is no need for adjustment when using lead bullet load data. Our bullets are jacketed using an electroplating process and are softer than traditionally jacketed bullets; hence the recommendation to use lead bullet load data. If you only have access to traditionally jacketed load data, we recommend reducing maximum charge by 10%. A roll or taper crimp may be used with our bullets; do not over crimp.

Always be careful of information you get on the Internet. It can be incorrect, dangerous or both. Always check what you read and don't assume just because someone posted something on the net it must correct.

 

[Walkalong]

Plated bullets do not act like lead or jacketed. They fall somewhere in between. Some calibers/bullet weights will tolerate 95% or better of jacketed data, while others will only tolerate 75 to 80%. Plated bullets are not restricted to lead data, but that is a simple and safe way to start.

I'll post some plated bullet data sheets when I get home. It should prove very usefull. They are around here somewhere. If you search loading plated bullets you may find it.

Accurate data for Raniers

Vihtavuori Data for Raniers

Midway Data for Raniers