Topic: Loading 40 S&W for competition

[luvmy45]

Didn't want to drift too far in the "toys" thread so I'll start a new one.

I would be interested in specific loads and bullet types for 40 S&W specifically for competition shootiong.

With the 40 I can load major and minor depending on the game I choose. ie... steel challenge, minor... USPSA probably major to get the extra points.  So both loads are of interest.

So, what bullet types work best? TC? Seems that's what I used in the past and they worked ok.

Grain? Prefered grain? does it make a difference major/minor?

Powder? Titegroup is my choice for 45 and 9mm, and I know it works with 40 as well, better choices?

I've already been all over Enos and have info from there, but nothing beats the local shooters that I know around here that shoot.

Thanks guys...

[No-One]

Single best reloading resource for USPSA and IDPA shooters EVER ..... http://www.k8nd.com/documents/hl40sw.pdf

I even have stuff from back when I was a halfway decent USPSA competitor listed here

[tgibson]

4.7gr of TG w/just about any primer under a 180gr MG = 171 PF  I don't go any less than that as I have been as low as 164.9 at nationals.  Haven't gon minor, but been darn close at both of the last two USPSA nats and the multigun nats.
3.6 gr of TG w/just about any primer under a 180gr MG = 131 PF for IDPA, multigun, and Production in USPSA.
I am now using small rifle primers for everything but haven't figured out a load for major yet.  3.1 gr of TG over a 180gr MG is a 131 pf.
Word of caution.  Check every load with all of your barrels.  They are all different.  Good luck.
Adios,
TG

[ekuo]

There is the theory that in general terms heavier bullets equates to a softer "push" than the lighter weight bullet's "snap".  But given that this is purely a subjective thing, all that theory may very well be hogwash promulgated because that's what the good shooters use!  That said, I think the 180 gr bullet is probably one of the more common ones out there.  Bullet profile is going to depend on what the gun likes.  Kepa told me that he played around with 220 gr .40's, and said that it was really soft shooting.   

WST is my preferred powder with good ol' CCI SPP's.  3.7 grs for minor which chrono'd in the mid 130 PF for me. 4.9 grs for major at about 170 PF.  I tried a number of OAL's when I first got the Eagle, and found out that the gun will eat anything from 1.140" to 1.200".  Given that the .40 can generate some pressure spikes, I chickened out and went with 1.180 OAL for all of my major loads.  For minor, I'm less worried about pressure, and so for simplicity sake I load to 1.140" because that means my minor Eagle loads can also be used in my Glock.  In fact I just got done loading a couple boxes of those to replace what I shot yesterday.

   

   

[luvmy45]

Bonus for me, I only shoot one gun in .40  So I can just find the magic recipe for the STI and go for it.

I agree with the heavier bullet being more push than snap... has been true with .45 and why I like the 230gr manholes for my loads.

Is their a big difference between SPP and SRP in handgun load? curious, as I have way more SRP than SPP, and it would simplify the buying process to just stock one primer over the other.

[ekuo]

From what i understand, it is common to use SRP in .38super...  But if I say anymore beyond that I'd be talking out of my you-know-what because I've never done it. 

[No-One]

The page I listed above talks about the use of SRP in place of SPP and basically says that it is fine . I used SRP's in my .40 for years as it was easier than trying to keep 2 separate primers stocked up .  I also found that running the SRP gave me a few extra FPS over loads with SPP . I am running 4.9 grains of Titegroup under a 180 grain bullet using Winchester SPP loaded to 1.180 as my current load and it makes a 169 PF . The only reason I am using SPP primers now is that I bought 22000 primers of various sizes and there was a bunch in the mix .

[tgibson]

Yup.  Stock one type of primer.  They do get a few more FPS.  In my 9mm, the SRP's will get the bullet out of the end of the barrel with no powder.  Perfect Steel Challenge load 
Adios,
TG

[carharttfarmer]

Yup.  Stock one type of primer.  They do get a few more FPS.  In my 9mm, the SRP's will get the bullet out of the end of the barrel with no powder.  Perfect Steel Challenge load 
Adios,
TG

now have to ask did you find that out on purpose?

[ekuo]

I agree with the heavier bullet being more push than snap... has been true with .45 and why I like the 230gr manholes for my loads.

Think about this then:  A heavy bullet, such as a 180 gr .40, loaded to minor PF.  I'd say that would be a softer load than a 115 or 147 9mm bullet also loaded to minor PF. 

My other rationale for going with the 180 gr bullet for major is it is a close approximation to the 200 gr moly coated semi-wad-manhole cutters that I use in my .45.  So when I switch back and forth between my two STI's, there not much difference in feel.   

[Bob H]

I use 4.3 gr WST and a 185 precision bullet for my limited gun in 40.  I used to use titegroup in my 45 but have switched it to WST.  I like the precision bullets with their moly coat.  They are almost as cheap as cast and a little cleaner and seem to be as accurate as jacketed.

[tgibson]

now have to ask did you find that out on purpose?

Sort of but no.  I knew I loaded them without powder before I got to the match if thats what you mean LOL!
Adios,
TG

[Have Gun, Will Travel]

for minor, try MG 180 jhp, with 3.2 clays. very soft 131 PF in a M&P.

[rmerritt]

Another good/soft minor load is MG 180 jhp, with 3.9gr of VV N320. with a PF of 131