I'm just getting started with reloading and I have been trying to find some reload data for .40 cal. I will be using Titegroup powder and I am going to be using FMJ bullets. I was wondering if anyone on the site would have any data they would be willing to share. I will use either 165gr FMJ or 180gr FMJ bullets. I'm looking for blasting ammo so I'm not interested in a heavy or extra hot load. I'm more interested in safe and consistent.
Trying to Find Reload Data
- Thread starter Cueball
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Buy yourself one of the compiled reloading books for one caliber. Its like a reader digest of data from all the common sources. You should also have at least one comprehensive manual from Speer, Hornady, Lyman etc. for reference. Any data you get from individuals should be checked against published data to check for validity. Don't load heavier than what is listed in published data. You should start your loads using a 10% reduction of published data or at the recommended level listed and work up if you wish to maximize velocity. Often you will find a quite satisfactory accurate load at the start level and may find no need to maximize your velocity.
WayneConrad
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For your 180 FJM, hodgdon.com calls for 4.2 to 4.7 gr of Titegroup behind a 180 GR HDY XTP (J-HP). Speer 13 calls for 4.0 to 4.7 gr of Titegroup behind a 180 gr TMJ or GD-HP.
For your 165 FJM, Speer 13 calls for 5.0 to 5.4 gr of Titegroup behind a 165 gr TMJ or GD-HP.
Both hodgdon.com and Speer 13 have warnings that might be paraphrased as, "Glock chambers give us the heebie jeebies. Don't come crying to us."
Although these loads are not for exactly the same bullets as you have, you can, with caution, use them.
Generally, if the bullet's bearing surface has the same material (in this case, relatively thick copper) and surface area, and the weight is the same, I think you can use that load data. Pick an OAL for your bullet that seems reasonable, favoring a longer OAL over a shorter one, and work up your load carefully since your bullet may generate somewhat higher pressures than the bullet that the load manual used.
That's how I do it, anyhow. Still got all my fingers. So far.
For your 165 FJM, Speer 13 calls for 5.0 to 5.4 gr of Titegroup behind a 165 gr TMJ or GD-HP.
Both hodgdon.com and Speer 13 have warnings that might be paraphrased as, "Glock chambers give us the heebie jeebies. Don't come crying to us."
Although these loads are not for exactly the same bullets as you have, you can, with caution, use them.
Generally, if the bullet's bearing surface has the same material (in this case, relatively thick copper) and surface area, and the weight is the same, I think you can use that load data. Pick an OAL for your bullet that seems reasonable, favoring a longer OAL over a shorter one, and work up your load carefully since your bullet may generate somewhat higher pressures than the bullet that the load manual used.
That's how I do it, anyhow. Still got all my fingers. So far.
Get a loading manual and start off with as close as you can get to the exact bullets and loads in the manual.
When you have some experience you can start to change components.
There is more than just weight to consider like bearing area when changing loads.
Mistakes can be expensive for guns and body parts.
When you have some experience you can start to change components.
There is more than just weight to consider like bearing area when changing loads.
Mistakes can be expensive for guns and body parts.
Queball, The best place to get your data is the bullets manufacture. The second best place is the powder manufacture, if the bullet maker hasn`t worked with that powder. If one can`t find data for the paticular bullet and powder he wants to use he can use another bullet, or the proper powder manufacures, data from a similar style bullet of equal weight and start with the bottom load and work up.
The Alliant site has data for Titegroup with a jacketed 180gr that will work for this purpose. There is no data there for the lighter bullet true, but I thought I was getting you started on one weight anyway. The manufactures also often have data or can help with loads not listed on their site or in their books. A call to them or a e-mail will often get you good safe data or reliable information on the load you are looking for.
Believe it or not I am trying to help.
Thanks guys, I appreciate the input. It's been a bit confusing and intimidating to try to get started with this. I don't want to do something dangerous to myself or to damage one of my H&K USP's that will be using those rounds.
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