WSF and 40 S&W - Published data vs chronograph

[Memnok]

Recently I was reloading 40 S&W using WSF and 165g Zero JHP’s. I’ve been using WSF for years with 180 and 165 grain JHP’s, and went to loaddata.com to compare the load I’ve been using with what was published. I noticed that my pet load, 5.4 grains WSF with 165 JHP’s is much lower than the data published there. They show 6.3 to 6.7, with velocities from 1055 to 1115 respectively. I was a little alarmed by how much lower my load was and headed out to the range with my chronograph to check things out.

I used two Glocks, a 22 Gen2, and a 23 Gen3. It was quite hot outside, about 100F, but the ammo boxes were never in the sun, and the bullets didn't feel hot or even warm. The Chronry chronograph, however, was noticeably warm sitting in the baking sun.

Any thoughts on why my 5.4 grains of WSF with 165 JHP’s is averaging 1210fps when the data published by Hodgdon (via LoadData) shows 1115fps with 6.7 grains? Could the heat be effecting the power and or chronograph that much?

 

[sparkyv]

Those data look a bit off to me, Memnok. The extreme spread is just way too large on all 3 loads. I would check out that chrony.

 

[mrawesome22-250]

I bet that 180 grainer coming out at 1,678fps had a bit of recoil to it.

You chrono readings are FUBAR.

 

[Memnok]

Thanks. The first six rounds of the 165 seemed like what I was expecting. I made this load years ago to reliably cycle the Glock 22 with minimal recoil. I wonder if the readings are off due to heat? This one was wrong for sure, so I just excluded it.

 

[GooseGestapo]

I’ve shot a LOT of WSF through my .40 Glock.
How far away was your chronograph from the muzzle?
I’ve gotten erroneous readings with my .300RUM with the chronograph too close. I use a 25ft spacing instead of the typical 15’.Also bright sunlight at an angle can cause aberrant readings.
I used 5.5gr with a 180gr and 6.2gr with a 155gr for competition/qualifications. VERY accurate (for a stock Glock).
Compared to Hodgdon’s 4” test barrel, your Glock will get 35-50fps faster, but not what you’re seeing.
Typically 180 @ 950fps and 155@1,150fps
My experience with the Remington Golden Sabre 155, and Green box 155 JHP were typically 1,155fps +/-. Unless you’re shooting a long-slide, those are high (1,240’s).

 

[LiveLife]

I wonder if the readings are off due to heat?

Whenever I conduct range test to measure muzzle velocities, I bring along CCI SV and 10/22 to use as known reference to verify chrono readings.

If I am seeing questionable velocity readings, I verify by shooting CCI SV which produces quite consistent muzzle velocities. If CCI SV readings are "normal", I suspect the load I am testing. If I also get questionable readings with CCI SV, I will check the chrono/sun shades/sensors/battery/distance from muzzle (Check your owner's manual ... Mine says 10'-15' in front of muzzle).

 

[lordpaxman]

There are Lots of variables to deal with here. Having a factory load to shoot across the chrono helps check that if you know what it should be close to. Your last column of numbers, is that factory and is it 165 grain? I wouldn’t expect that kind of deviation with factory ammo for .40.
What are your reloading skills, and how are you throwing and checking charges? Do you have test weights for your scale to verify accuracy?
When I used a shoot through chrono, I kept it in the shade and used sunscreens.

 

[rsrocket1]

When I used my Chrony Beta Master to test loads, I always brought along my 10/22 and 22LR rounds to test the chrony before shooting the test rounds. Sometimes the afternoon sun or other lighting conditions would sneak past the skyscreens and give me double velocity readings or simply not register. If those shots you recorded are in chronological order, the first thing that raises my eyebrow is the increasing trend in bullet velocity for your first two loads. 5.4g WSF with a 180g bullet (I don't know your seating depth but assume XTP's with COL 1.135") should average about 970 fps and your 165g loads should average in the high 700's to low 800's with a very mild recoil.

Unless you felt your G22 kick like a 44 magnum with the 1600 fps readings with a blown up gun, those readings are false and something is simply wrong with the chrony. 1650fps would have needed a 155,000 psi peak pressure to send the bullet out that fast.

If you felt the recoil getting stronger and stronger with the handloads, I would go back and do some test drops with your powder measure to see if you get higher and higher drops. If it's consistent, then you know your loads are safe and it's the chrony.

Another thing you can do is to check the battery voltage of your chrony with a volt meter both with the battery by itself and touching the terminals with probes while plugged in. I always used to carry a spare 9V battery in my chrony bag along with extra skyscreen sticks made out of chopsticks (just in case).

A couple of years ago I bought a Lab Radar which works beautifully with handguns but needs a little more careful alignment with rifles. I still use the 10/22 to fire test shots to align it. The good thing is that you don't need to wait for a ceasefire at a range to align it and there's no risk of sending a bullet through it. Yes it's expensive compared to the Chrony Beta Master ($700 vs $100), but I figured for the price of a typical handgun, I now have a much better chronograph.

 

[rg1]

My Glock 23 40S&W load with WSF and 165 gr FMJ-FP with WIN cases and CCi-500 primers. OAL at 1.125”.
6.0 grains average at 970fps
6.3———1010fps
6.6———1070fps