Reloading the .40S&W

cngerms

cngerms

New member
Hi Folks,

I'm preparing to reload .40S&W for the first time. I'll be running them through a Sig 229, 1:16" twist, and I BELIEVE I'll begin w/ 155 - 165gr. bullets; maybe try 180s later.

If any of you are reloading this caliber, I'd appreciate hearing which components are performing best for you. Actual recipes aren't necessary unless you are compelled to provide them. I anticipate beginning w/ Rem or Hornady brass and Hornady XTP bullets or Speer Gold Dots.

Thanks in advance for any and all of your helpful advice.

Jeff
 
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I load a lot of 155gr for practice and competition with VV-330 powder...brass is varied.. These are not 'hot' loads but very accurate. I keep mine loaded with Speer Gold Dots for personal defense..
 
Thanks Bill and Josh! You guys were very helpful, and I appreciate it.

Josh, did you try Accurate #5 as well?

Bill, did you happen to try VV340 and get negative results? The latest VV manual has no data for 165s and 180s using 330. VV340 seems to be the powder with a broader bullet mass range.

I try my best to keep my powder inventory to a minimum; meaning I like to have many pounds on the shelf of just a few powders. Having 20 different powders on the shelf doesn't appeal to me.
 
I'm running AA#5 with a 150 and 155g. The 150g NOsler has unreal extansion characteristics in the water jugs that I shot.

I'll shoot you a pm with the load.
 
Thank you ackleyman, skb, and Buck! I appreciate you folks being willing to share.

Buck, the Sig P239 SAS is the next handgun on my list to purchase. I dig that pistol. Are you happy with yours? Do you have the SAS (Sig Anti-Snag) version? I want a P238, too. That's a cool-looking little .380.

Would anyone else like to chime in with load info? Do you have a favorite .40S&W powder and bullet?
 
My Limited class IPSC pistol is a .40. I load longer than SAAMI OAL @1.195" with a 180 or 200 grain bullet for a custom 1911. The powders I've used for the last dozen years have been Clays, Intl. Clays and Titegroup. VV makes some great powders, but they are expensive, and not as readily available as the Hodgdon powders have been for me. Accuracy has not been great with Clays and the 180 grain bullet, but it has been stellar with Intl. Clays or Titegroup. I would NOT recommend Clays for SAAMI OAL cartridges, it's too fast and could result in pressure problems. I've used 155 grain bullets with Titegroup for Steel Challenge loads and they performed very well...but they are reduced loads!
Stick to the books with your Sig and you shouldn't have any problems......
F1
 
Cngerms, The only reason I wound up with the VV-330 was my local supplier only had 3N37 and 330 in stock and the 3N37 was leaving a lot of unburned particles in the chamber/barrel and I worked out my loads with the 330 by trial and error... It's always given me consistent accuracy with all three calibers..(9mm, .40s, and 10mms)... I've recently switched over to Ramshot Silhouette but haven't taken the time to work up loads for anything but the 9mm...

I'm the same as you when it comes to having a lot of different powders around...My ammo inventory is substantial as well and a lot of brass & bullets in reserve.. My wife used to ask why I had so many until I showed her what the current prices had climbed to lately..and what it was costing my to reload at "yesterday's" cost factor vs today's..

When we moved back to MO in 2005, I picked up 1,000 rounds of new Starline 10mm brass for $101 and now it's priced at over $180..
 
I did try #5. I looked for my info, but I must have gotten rid of it when I cleaned up some stuff recently.

If I remember correctly the main reason I went with #7 was because it also did a good job in my 10mm.

I use #7 for a lot of 9mm and 40S&W these days.

As far as bullets, I shoot Montana Gold most of the time.
 

I shoot Hodgdon's Universal in 9mm, 40 S&W, and 45 ACP practice
ammo. Very clean, and decent accuracy. I buy the stuff by
the biggest quantity I can find. I also use it in target, and
some hunting loads, for 28 ga., 20 ga., and 12 ga.

For personal defense, I load stouter loads with Blue Dot.

Squeeze
 

Cngerms

Buck, the Sig P239 SAS is the next handgun on my list to purchase. I dig that pistol. Are you happy with yours? Do you have the SAS (Sig Anti-Snag) version? I want a P238, too. That's a cool-looking little .380.

I've very happy with the P239, very concealable. I added Hogue grips for a great fit \feel. No it's not an Anti-Snag version.

B...
 


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