Good loads for 40 S&W

peterjc

peterjc

New member
Anyone loading the 40 S&W caliber? I have an STI Trojan 1911 style coming in, in 40 S&W and want to start loading for it. Been reloading since 1965 just never did this caliber. Was hoping to use the 180 Gr. bullets. Just looking for suggestions. My Sierra book has a bunch but just wanted to get a jump on the curve.
 
I use blue dot, bullet varies. I can't remember grains off top of head....Ill check my notes later. But i like the bluedot pretty well so far.
 
If you happen to have some VV N330 around, try 5.6-6.1gr...I'm having to go from memory, but I think I was using 5.6gr for the 180gr bullets and 6.1gr for the 155gr bullets...Great loads for plinking/practice without beating up your firearm...
 
Thanks Turtle,
I saw that load in my Sierra book. Did you ever use a powder measure called a Little Dandy by RCBS? I've had one for pistol cartridges since 1975, when I [beeep] Police combat and it is a real nice and fast measure . Well I onlyever had two powder measure rotors, #1 and #2 cause I was only shooting 38 Spcl then. Well no with the 40 S&W I need some additional rotors. Going to wait and work up some loads by just scale til I see what I like then buy the approatiate rotors.
Its funny the chart I have with the old measure don't even have any of the newer powders on it, but I looked on line and they have a new chart with some new powders.
 
I use a near maximum load of unique with the 180 gr. in my XD-40 , recoil is not bad , functions well , and really accurate .
 
I use mostly H Universal with the 40. I'd look for a similar medium speed handgun powder. My all around plinking load is 6.2 grains Universal with a 165 grn plated bullet. This load cycles fine, but nothing to get one in trouble.

I bought a used Little Dandy powder measure a few years ago. After some quick research I bought an adjustable rotor from a guy on thefiringline forums. He had a supply they/he made, may be available if you are interested. He goes by 'Bailey Boat'.

My L.D. With the adjustable rotor works great. It bottomed out on the down side at about 3.1 grns of win 231 with 380 loads. I don't think I got to the top end, though it's only adequate for handgun loads.
 
I've been shooting the max charge of Hodgdon Longshot with a 180 grain JHP in my Glock 22. Recoil is a bit brisk, but still controllable and the load is X-ring accurate. For plinking I think I would drop the powder charge just a bit to avoid 'Glock knuckle.'
 
N330 and Titegroup seem to be favorites for major power factor w/ 180's. Many of the guys we shoot with are using that combination!
 
If I want max loads in the 40, I go to my "40 long" where I can put 14.5gr. AAC9 under a 180 XTP.
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