|
Forum Rules | Firearms Safety | Firearms Photos | Links | Library | Lost Password | Email Changes |
Register | FAQ | Calendar | Today's Posts | Search |
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
August 20, 2001, 07:51 AM | #1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: January 14, 2001
Location: Alexandria, VA
Posts: 203
|
Problems loading for a BHP in .40
What am I doing wrong?
Trying to build reloads for my NEW Browning High Power in 40 S&W (A Mark III) The Pistol is "STOCK" from the factory. Am trying to use Hodgdon CLAYS and 180 grain Truncated Cone bullets in FMJ AND Hard Cast Lead. Looking at SEVERAL reloading Manuals: GRAINS VEL CPU CLAYS ---------- ----- ------ Laser Cast Lead TC (Oregon Trails) OAL > 1.135 MINIMUM 3.2 848 ? MAXIMUM 3.4 880 ? *************************************************** Hodgdon 180 HDY XTP COL > 1.125 MAXIMUM 3.5 847 34300 NOTE: The 34,000 seems out of line with other manuals **************************************************** Lyman 175 lead TC OAL > 1.100 Minimum 3.3 641 17800 Maximum 4.0 992 20900 180 Jacket HP OAL > 1.115 Minimum 3.4 551 17900 Maximum 4.0 912 21900 **************************************************** Lee 180 Jacketed OAL > 1.085 Minimum 3.1 ? ? Maximum 3.5 847 34300 NOTE: the CPU for 3.5 of CLAYS (seems out of line with the others) This data is Identical to the Hodgdon data (probably comes from there), Since Hodgdon only gives Maximum and NO Minimum > Lee probably took 10% off for the Minimum grains and having no data > left vel and cpu out) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Going for a LIGHT Target Load I used the most conservative (Laser Cast/Lee) I built 100 test rounds as follows: >> Built 10 each with an > OAL = 1.130 CLAYS 3.1 / 3.2 / 3.3 / 3.4 / 3.5 180 gr FMJ CLAYS 3.1 / 3.2 / 3.3 / 3.4 / 3.5 180 Hard Cast Lead ******** >>>>>>> The 3.1 , 3.2 , 3.3 , and 3.4 WOULD NOT CYCLE THE BHP. The 3.5 only cycled the BHP aproximately half the time. All indications seem to say that the load was too light. Obviously, I am doing something wrong. What is it? The BHP is NEW and tight. I am thinking to try again with 3.6 / 3.7 / 3.8 / 3.9 / and 4.0 of CLAYS BUT the Lee/Hodgdon > (34,300 cpu for 3.5 of CLAYS) scares me. What do you all think?
__________________
An Armed Society, Is a Polite Society. |
August 20, 2001, 08:19 AM | #2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: February 21, 2000
Posts: 819
|
I will give you my "limited" ideas on loading for
the 40, I have been loading for years and just started with the 40. I have been using red dot powder and 170gr lead swc in an feg compact, they work very good. However I have been doing some reading on the 40 because of high pressures and blow ups, most of what i have read is stay away from 180gr bullets.(I am sure someone will dis agree) but most problems have been caused with that bullet and of course the Glocks in un-supported chambers. I do not have a BHP but am guessing the recoil spring is very stiff, new, hence the reason for action not cycling. For what its worth once my 170gr lead is gone I will switch to a copper 155 (berry's)and stay with that. |
August 20, 2001, 09:35 AM | #3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: February 20, 1999
Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country)
Posts: 14,324
|
EXPERIENCE TALKING
I suggest Clays is too 'fast'; highly recommend Alliant Power Pistol.
__________________
. "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo" |
August 20, 2001, 09:51 AM | #4 |
Moderator in Memoriam
Join Date: August 28, 1999
Location: North Texas
Posts: 4,123
|
For .40 BHP
Renaissance
Can't speak to the problems of loading H. CLAYS in the .40, except to sympathize with your confusion. When I first got my .40 BHP several years ago, I bought some of that powder by mistake, meaning to purchase UNIVERSAL Clays. When I discovered the error--luckily, before I opened the container--I consulted with a couple of friends who had been loading .40 for a while. They said bad idea to use CLAYS because the acceptable variance wa just too narroy, expecially if any of my loads ever found their way into Glocks. I exchanged the powder and got UNIVERSAL. I've had very good results with UNIVERSAL and Unique both, using both lead bullets and jacketed. Never had any problems with cycling, using loads about 0.3 to 0.5 grains below maximum. Best of luck. Johnny |
August 20, 2001, 12:31 PM | #5 |
Senior Member
Join Date: August 10, 2000
Location: WI
Posts: 1,395
|
As you may have guessed from the previous posts, fast powders and heavy bullets are a bad combination in the 40s&w. One other thing to watch is your OAL, keep it as long as possible while still feeding in your gun (I load all my 40s&w to 1.145"). Take a look at:
http://www.greent.com/40Page/ammo/40/180gr.htm If you want to use those 180gr hard cast, try 4.3-4.8 grains of Universal for about 900-950 fps. Don't try for screamers, just get it to cycle reliably.
__________________
A plan is just a list of things that doesn't happen. |
August 23, 2001, 01:08 AM | #6 |
Member
Join Date: December 29, 1999
Location: IL - ORD area
Posts: 22
|
Weshoot2 _ Power Pistol Load?
Weshoot2
Would love to find a consistent and accurate load for Power Pistol with 165 FMJ for my Glock 23 and Sig 239. I get a lot of flash and lousy accuracy. Have tried everything from 6.8 grains to 7.5. This with 1.125 OAL, and WSP primers. TIA
__________________
Consistency is the last resort of the unimaginative. |
August 25, 2001, 09:28 PM | #7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: February 20, 1999
Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country)
Posts: 14,324
|
J.B.
First, determine if accuracy problem is gun(s) or operator (not being smarmy, just trying to get to root cause of inadequate accuracy).
Second, try this: any case (prefer starting with new), CCI500, 6.0g Power Pistol, 180g (repeat, 180g) Rainier TMJ-FN, OAL 1.128-1.135". Finish using LEE Carbide Factory Crimp die. If that doesn't work e-mail me direct. PS PP is a 'flashy' powder, but how often do you carry handloads for defense?
__________________
. "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo" |
August 26, 2001, 11:30 AM | #8 |
Member
Join Date: October 4, 2000
Location: Redmond, WA
Posts: 23
|
BHP .40 Reload Suggestion
Renaissance7697,
I have had very good performance with the following load. I shoot informal IPSC with my .40 BHP Practical and have had NO FTF, using OE Browning magazines. It bears repeating that under no circumstances should you assume reloading data given here to be true. Do your own research; get the most up to date reloading tables from the powder manufacturer's website. Manufacturers have been known to change their formulas which render old data useless or even dangerous. Don't ask me how I know this! I use a Dillon Precision go-no-go gauge for EVERY finished round; I use Lee Tungsten Carbide resizing dies, and seat/taper crimp bullets for an OAL of 1.14" on my trusty old RCBS RockChucker. Bullet: Rainier Ballistics 180gr. RNFP (as soon as these are gone I will go to 165gr.) Case: Starline, PMC, Speer, Winchester Primer: Winchester Small Pistol Powder: Vihta Vuory N350 6.1gr
__________________
"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." Benjamin Franklin 1789 "The 2nd Amendment; it ain't about duck huntin'." bumper sticker I wish I had |
August 26, 2001, 10:49 PM | #9 |
Moderator in Memoriam
Join Date: August 28, 1999
Location: North Texas
Posts: 4,123
|
Some Specifics this time - - -
r7697- - -
This goes toward answering both this topic line and the later one, dealing mostly with springs - - - As above, I have no experience with the two powders you mention. I do have a few loads which work fine in my Browning HP .40--- H. Universal, 5.6 gr with either 180 jacketed or lead truncated cone, length 1.120 Unique, 6.0 gr, with same bullets, same length. These loads are under published maximums, and they function my pistol perfectly. Yours and mine both work with American Eagle factory. Going on the theory that, if a = b, and b = c, then a = c, why not try the handloads which run well in my pistol? I'm a little afraid of what happens if you mess with your recoil spring tension and get it to work with your other loads, and then you put some warmish factory loads into your pistol. I am working under the theory that this type pistol will at least occasionally be called into service for defensive work. Best of luck to you - - - Johnny |
|
|