Why is longer COL better for 40S&W?

[Babalouie]

I posted for loads for 40S&W and have loaded up some 180grns FMJ, 4.7 grns Titegroup, Win. small pistol primers at a col of 1.200 (which is substantially longer than what I had been loading which was 1.125, with 4.3 grns titegroup). I'll find out tonight how well the perform at our weekly club shoot.
I have two questions.
1) Why is a longer COL better for 40S&W?
2) I have read where a lot of shooter use small rifle primers in there ipsc loads...why, and is it safe?
Thanks again for all the help.
Steve

 

[Hoser]

When shooting 40 in a 1911, it can help with feeding as the 1911 was designed around a much longer case.

If your guns runs with a factory OAL, than stick with it. I load mine to 1.170-ish to make it feed smoother. It also takes more powder to make major with a longer OAL. Some guys go as long as 1.240, which basically makes the 40 a 10mm light. Lastly, before you start loading long, be sure your chamber is throated long to allow it.

At the old power factor of 175, small rifle primers were the norm to help with primer flow and cratering. Now at 165, its a wash. I still use rifle primers as now I just have to stock one type of small primers, and don’t have to worry about getting a small pistol primer in a 223 case.

 

[waktasz]

In my Para I loaded to 1.126 and they feed fine. OAL is mostly used to adjust feeding issues. 1.126OAL and 4.2 gr titegroup is like 160PF...not very gamey in IDPA but not IPSC major, either.

 

[Zak Smith]

The reasons to load longer:

1. Lowers initial pressure, the bane of 40SW. This allows IPSC guys to use even faster burning powders for softer recoil impulse.

2. It often feeds better in the "1911" style double-stacks.

-z

 

[Krag]

I load .40s for both my Para and G35 to 1.135". Both run perfectly.