A little confirmation

Pirelli · January 22, 2012, 10:07 PM

New to reloading, started today actually.
S&W M&P .40
Fredaral brass and primers
Hornaday 155 XTP
5.5 grn hogdon HP-38
OAL - 1.12 to 1.13

I am not able to get out to shoot as much as I like to test this load.
In your guys experience, is this a good load?
Are there any adjustments that need to be made before firing?

Misssissippi Dave · January 22, 2012, 10:40 PM

The min. load is 5.0 grains. I suggest starting there and working up your load 0.1 grain intervals. You should find the load that works best for your needs. You can also watch for over pressure signs and should be able to spot them before you start to get dangerously high. 5.5 might work but you may never know what works best without starting low and working your way up slowly. I suggest staying away from the max loads if possible. I doubt you will find any load above 5.8 grains that will improve things.

Load 5 to 10 rounds for each test load. Try shooting from a rest, sandbags or at least use something stable to help you to remove as much of the human factor as possible when testing. Probably you will find 3 loads that work best. Then take the one in the middle. Your mileage may vary.

January 22, 2012, 10:07 PM	#1
Pirelli Junior Member Join Date: November 25, 2011 Posts: 7	A little confirmation New to reloading, started today actually. S&W M&P .40 Fredaral brass and primers Hornaday 155 XTP 5.5 grn hogdon HP-38 OAL - 1.12 to 1.13 I am not able to get out to shoot as much as I like to test this load. In your guys experience, is this a good load? Are there any adjustments that need to be made before firing?

January 22, 2012, 10:40 PM	#2
Misssissippi Dave Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2009 Posts: 1,411	The min. load is 5.0 grains. I suggest starting there and working up your load 0.1 grain intervals. You should find the load that works best for your needs. You can also watch for over pressure signs and should be able to spot them before you start to get dangerously high. 5.5 might work but you may never know what works best without starting low and working your way up slowly. I suggest staying away from the max loads if possible. I doubt you will find any load above 5.8 grains that will improve things. Load 5 to 10 rounds for each test load. Try shooting from a rest, sandbags or at least use something stable to help you to remove as much of the human factor as possible when testing. Probably you will find 3 loads that work best. Then take the one in the middle. Your mileage may vary. Last edited by Misssissippi Dave; January 22, 2012 at 10:46 PM.