.40s&w results

[Jeff2131]

Ok, got out to the range today and test fired the .40 reloads for the first time. All went well with the exception of some cases not ejecting all the way. Is this a sign of a low charge that isnt popping the chamber open properly?

[n5lyc]

I think more info is needed.
What weapon, what load data, what weight projectile, what powder.

Limp wrist hold or firm hold.

These things we need to know to help out.

45 Bravo

[Jeff2131]

Berretta px4 storm
Nosler 180gr hp
Bluedot 7.1 gr charge
Cci small pistol primers
Firm grip
Nickle plated brass casings

[Ruger45LC]

Alliant lists 8.9gr for Blue Dot. Your load is a bit light.

From my 3.5" Glock 27:

180gr Montana Gold JHP, 8.9gr Blue Dot @ 1.120": 1,050 fps avg (very consistent, 3 FPS ES!)

[Jeff2131]

So, does my light load produce case ejection issues because the action isnt gettinv enough "pop" to operate properly?

[n5lyc]

That is correct.

It takes a certain degree of force to move the mass of the slide far enough to extract, then eject the case from the chamber.

If your load is only strong enough to extract the fired case from the chamber, but not move far enough back to hit the ejector before the slide starts to move forward, then you will have stove pipes, or crushed cases and such.

With a stouter load, the slide moves far enough back for the empty case to strike the ejector, there by kicking the case out of the way.

The stouter the load, the harder the case hits the ejector, and the more forcefully the case is ejected.

With light loads, I have had some brass from my 1911 actually just fall over the back of my right hand, and land at my feet, with a heavier load, it would eject the brass several feet to the right.


If you are using this ammo for target shooting, you will want to load it strong enough to be reliable, but not so strong that you have excessive recoil to contend with.

Keep us posted..

[YARDDOG(1)]

You (OP) Really NEED to get a Manual or two JMO ; )PS Be safe
Y/D

[David Bachelder]

That would be my guess.

[n5lyc]

I ASSUMED he had a manual.
but there I go assuming..

I never attempted reloading ANYTHING, without consulting the Speer Manual.
(or Hogdon, or Lyman manual)
There is a wealth of knowledge contained in them (not just the loading tables either)

My dad started reloading when I was about 7 or 8, he bought his setup from a friend, he taught me as he learned too.

That was over 40 years ago.
Knock on wood, everything has always gone bang as it should.

[Jeff2131]

I have the nosler 6th and the lyman 49th. And i have you guys. And dont take that the wrong way, i have posted several questions and always get great feedback. I would prefer to take the info from people who have knowledge and experience like you guys. Im a mechanic for forklifts...its always more comprehensive to have a tech thats been there done that to explain and show you what to do rather then try and read from the repair manuals. I absolutely use the manuals to obtain my weights, oal, and powders. But ive always found that experience beats a book any day of the week. So, on that note, i thankyou all, again, for all the wonder info and feedback youve provided due to your experience in reloading.

[TMD]

I just looked in my Lyman 49th and it says 7.3 to 8.8 for Blue Dot. So yeah, 7.1 is a little to light of a charge to properly cycle it.

[Jeff2131]

I went back to the range yesturday with 50 more all loaded at 8.0 grains. Perfect! They were ejecting wonderfuly and not a single shot missed the paper at 30 yards. Lesson learned! Thanx again.

[Nathan]

What OAL?

[Jeff2131]

1.125

[Nathan]

That is the magic OAL for my guns!