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Old March 4, 2000, 11:54 PM   #1
Snakeman
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It's now time to order some powder for the .40S&W.
Give me your favorite powder brand, and why?
Thanks!!!!
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Old March 5, 2000, 08:23 AM   #2
WESHOOT2
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After loading multiple tens of thousands of 40 rounds, I recommend Alliant Power Pistol, CCI primers, once-fired Federal or R-P cases (for new IMI, Speer, R-P, W-W).

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Old March 5, 2000, 02:01 PM   #3
Peter M. Eick
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I agree with the prior post, ie: cci primers, and power pistol. I would change a bit though, starline brass and remington bullets. My second choice for powder is blue dot.

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Old March 5, 2000, 02:22 PM   #4
Snakeman
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Tim, thanks for your response to my E mail!!
While I will defenetly reload the 9MM, and your info was extremly helpfull, the info that I was seeking was for the 4oSW.
Thanks, Edward
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Old March 5, 2000, 04:57 PM   #5
Mikie
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40SW is one cartridge I use one powder for all loading requirements(from Nosler 135 gr JHPs to 180 gr JHPs or LSWCs). I use Winchester Super Field(WSF). The reason I like it is that with this powder I can pretty much duplicate any factory defense load without excessive pressure as well as produce comfortable target loads. Also the lightest charge(smallest volume) I use is 5.2 gr for 175-180 gr LSWCs and if I were to double charge by accident it would fill the case and be very easy to spot.

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Old March 5, 2000, 08:59 PM   #6
Nyterunner
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I like Accurate Arms #5. Maybe not as fast (50-75fps doesn't bother me), but it is very clean and accuracy in several different pistols is superb. Also, it gives a nice full case (no doubles and helps accuracy). It is a great universal powder (38spcl,45acp,9mm,40s&w,etc) and clean=fewer jams from fouling.
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Old March 6, 2000, 08:13 AM   #7
Albert Z
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Snake,

I have had very good results, both in precision and in velocity, with Vihtavuori 3N37 and Hodgdon HS-6.

They are both very useful powders for reloading medium-to-high pressure semiauto handgun cartridges.

3N37 may be a little dirtier burning than others, but it meters really well in my powder measure, and yields very high velocities with (relatively) low pressures. Excellent precision.

Ditto for HS-6, except it is cleaner burning

HTH, Albert.

[This message has been edited by Albert Z (edited March 06, 2000).]
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Old March 8, 2000, 12:15 AM   #8
SVSUPER
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What is the load going to be used for? If it just for plinking i would recommend Winchester Super Target. If it is going to used to make IPSC major power I would use VihtaVouri N320.
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Old March 8, 2000, 12:19 AM   #9
SVSUPER
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What is the load going to be used for? If it just for plinking i would recommend Winchester Super Target. If it is going to used to make IPSC major power I would use VihtaVouri N320.
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Old March 8, 2000, 09:21 AM   #10
Tree Rat
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Snakeman - I use Universal Clays. Meters great through a Dillon 550B, and burns clean like all the Clays powders. My current load is 6.6 grains under a Rainier 155FP. I`m using RP x1 Brass with WSP`s, OAL of 1.126, with a .421 crimp. The load averages 1175 fps with no pressure signs from an HK USP. Work .40 loads up carefully. Tree Rat.
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Old March 8, 2000, 04:20 PM   #11
TheOtherMikey
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Bullseye and Winchester 231
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Old March 11, 2000, 02:27 AM   #12
Pooch
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I avoid fast powders and heavy bullets, this is the KB load! I use blue dot, gives the best velocity with the best accuracy.

I would like to know those alliant load though if anyone wants to share them.
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Old March 11, 2000, 07:41 AM   #13
JHS
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Unique. Been using it for my IPSC loads. Also personal defence loads. Only difference is the bullet.
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Old March 11, 2000, 12:33 PM   #14
petej88
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Well, now that we've listed about every powder there is

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Old March 11, 2000, 01:54 PM   #15
nwgunman
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You guys that load Alliant Power Pistol in the .40S&W: how's it perform? I am just about to finish up the last of my Winchester Action Pistol (discontinued!) and am thinking about going to Alliant PP. Does it burn fairly clean? How are the velocities? Much muzzle flash? Thanks.
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Old March 11, 2000, 07:51 PM   #16
WESHOOT2
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nwgunman,

Power Pistol is very close to WAP in burn rate (might be a wee bit slower), slightly more flash, clean, easy-metering, accurate, excellent in 40 and 9.

Vihtavuori 3N37 and N350 are good, too.

(Still have a HUGE supply of WAP I'm keeping all to myself -- selfish ratb*stard)(did I mention HUGE?)

LOL

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Old March 12, 2000, 01:25 AM   #17
nwgunman
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WESHOOT2: Ahhh, rats! But I guess sooner or later it's gonna be gone. Some guy offered me a couple of lbs recently but I figured I'd go ahead and make the switch now. I like the slower powders in the .40S&W and Win AP was pretty dang good. I never could get the velocities out of it, and figure that's maybe why the lack of demand which made Winchester bail out on an otherwise great powder. For "practice" I can handle a little more "flash". Thanks and Stay safe.
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