Soft .40 load

jpdavis423 · May 28, 2010, 10:13 PM

I realize that "soft" and "light" may not be the most requested .40 &W mag. loads, but I wonder if someone has a load like this to recommend. I just finished about 50 of 165 gr. plated round nose rounds with 4.8 gr of Bullseye and another 50 with 4.8 gr of 231. They were fine but I would like to get softer. Iwonder how low a charge I can get before my Glock stops cycling?
I need to buy some more bullets but I would like to get some suggestions before placing an order.

Jeff

Jim243 · May 29, 2010, 12:14 AM

Jeff

That's really up to your Glock and if it is new or has seen 500 rounds through it. I personally would not go below the published starting load. As your gun breaks in it will handle lighter loads, but to be perfectly frank the 40 is not what I would consider a light recoiling caliber to start with. Your accuracy will fall off as you reduce your load. I tried using lighter bullets 155 gr JHP and my results sucked. I am using 165 gr JHP and it seem a little better but not as accurate as 180 grain HPs.

This is one of those just keep praticing and your results will get better over time as the gun and you get broken in.

Jim

DocAitch · May 29, 2010, 12:24 AM

Sometimes a slower powder may produce less perceived recoil as well. I use WSF and my subjective impression is that it feels smoother. My working hypothesis is that the slower powder gives a prolonged push while the faster powder produces more of a "punch". I am also under the impression that certain powders such as TiteGroup and American Select are "snappier". I shoot a lot of W231 but not in .40, I have no experience with Bullseye.
DocAitch

jpdavis423 · May 29, 2010, 07:03 AM

Thanks for the replies. I think I'll get some heavier bullets and start reducing the powder until it doesn't cycle reliably.
Then I'll know my limit.

Jeff

May 28, 2010, 10:13 PM	#1
jpdavis423 Member Join Date: September 22, 2007 Posts: 52	Soft .40 load I realize that "soft" and "light" may not be the most requested .40 &W mag. loads, but I wonder if someone has a load like this to recommend. I just finished about 50 of 165 gr. plated round nose rounds with 4.8 gr of Bullseye and another 50 with 4.8 gr of 231. They were fine but I would like to get softer. Iwonder how low a charge I can get before my Glock stops cycling? I need to buy some more bullets but I would like to get some suggestions before placing an order. Jeff

May 29, 2010, 12:24 AM	#3
DocAitch Member Join Date: March 16, 2010 Location: North of Baltimore Posts: 60	light .40 Sometimes a slower powder may produce less perceived recoil as well. I use WSF and my subjective impression is that it feels smoother. My working hypothesis is that the slower powder gives a prolonged push while the faster powder produces more of a "punch". I am also under the impression that certain powders such as TiteGroup and American Select are "snappier". I shoot a lot of W231 but not in .40, I have no experience with Bullseye. DocAitch

May 29, 2010, 12:14 AM	#2
Jim243 Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2009 Location: Just off Route 66 Posts: 5,067	Jeff That's really up to your Glock and if it is new or has seen 500 rounds through it. I personally would not go below the published starting load. As your gun breaks in it will handle lighter loads, but to be perfectly frank the 40 is not what I would consider a light recoiling caliber to start with. Your accuracy will fall off as you reduce your load. I tried using lighter bullets 155 gr JHP and my results sucked. I am using 165 gr JHP and it seem a little better but not as accurate as 180 grain HPs. This is one of those just keep praticing and your results will get better over time as the gun and you get broken in. Jim

May 29, 2010, 07:03 AM	#4
jpdavis423 Member Join Date: September 22, 2007 Posts: 52	Thanks for the replies. I think I'll get some heavier bullets and start reducing the powder until it doesn't cycle reliably. Then I'll know my limit. Jeff