.40 Cal Loads in 3" Barrels

ARshooter · October 22, 1999, 10:56 PM

I just purchased a Kahr MK40(.40 cal) and will be handloading for this gun. I am leaning towards the lighter bullets as there is not a lot of barrel length for powder burn time to take place. Maybe I'm wrong in this choice, but it seems logical that a lighter bullet would obtain a faster speed before it leaves the barrel than a heavy one. Any thoughts on this subject?

Also, I would like to know if anyone has found a powder that works well in such a short barrel.

Thanks for any advice.

TheOtherMikey · October 23, 1999, 12:47 AM

Bullseye is one of the fastest burners. I like to load a 155 FMJ on top of 5.4 gr of Bullseye. For lead with a copper plate, use about 5.2 gr (or a little less) of Bullseye.

Using a fast burning powder with a short barrel makes a lot of sense.

Hope this helps, Mikey

[This message has been edited by TheOtherMikey (edited October 23, 1999).]

[This message has been edited by TheOtherMikey (edited October 23, 1999).]

October 22, 1999, 10:56 PM	#1
ARshooter Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 1999 Posts: 142	I just purchased a Kahr MK40(.40 cal) and will be handloading for this gun. I am leaning towards the lighter bullets as there is not a lot of barrel length for powder burn time to take place. Maybe I'm wrong in this choice, but it seems logical that a lighter bullet would obtain a faster speed before it leaves the barrel than a heavy one. Any thoughts on this subject? Also, I would like to know if anyone has found a powder that works well in such a short barrel. Thanks for any advice.

October 23, 1999, 12:47 AM	#2
TheOtherMikey Senior Member Join Date: October 16, 1999 Location: Surprise, Arizona, USA Posts: 171	Bullseye is one of the fastest burners. I like to load a 155 FMJ on top of 5.4 gr of Bullseye. For lead with a copper plate, use about 5.2 gr (or a little less) of Bullseye. Using a fast burning powder with a short barrel makes a lot of sense. Hope this helps, Mikey [This message has been edited by TheOtherMikey (edited October 23, 1999).] [This message has been edited by TheOtherMikey (edited October 23, 1999).]