Load data for 175gr swc in .40 cal

SQUAREKNOT · July 23, 2009, 10:04 AM

What I am finding is all over the place. So far W231 looks to be the best bet for me as my powder dump is no real accurate in light loading of Unique.
I'm looking for a mid range load or better for practice
TIA

Randy 1911 · July 23, 2009, 06:40 PM

Is this a lead bullet or a jacketed bullet? If lead, I use 4.9 grs. W231. It is mild and easy to shoot. My Lyman Pistol and Revolver Book shows a start of 4.3 grs. and a max of 5.8 grs.

SQUAREKNOT · July 23, 2009, 09:32 PM

Randy
I have the same book. I have come to the conclusion that the .40 is not a good one for cast bullets. I had some 30+ years old Winchester primers and
in trying to work up a load I settled at 5.0 grs of W231. Unique and Blue Dot were no good choices for this bullets. The older primers were standard
WSP and shot hotter than the modern day primers.
Thanks for the feed back

Farmland · July 23, 2009, 09:36 PM

Why do you think the 40 is not good for cast bullets?

I also still load lead bullets with WAP since I still have about 6 pounds of it. I thought that was a good powder.

dwhite · July 25, 2009, 01:18 PM

I routinely shoot lead bullets in .40. I've had no problems and get very good accuracy.

My favorite load is a 180gr LTCFP with 3.4 grains of Clays. I like the recoil of this load also.

I add a coat of Lee Liquid Alox to the cast Missouri Bullet Company bullets I use. I don't know if it really helps but it doesn't hurt either. I get very little leading and smoke with this combination.

All the Best,
D. White

July 23, 2009, 10:04 AM	#1
SQUAREKNOT Senior Member Join Date: July 16, 2008 Posts: 263	Load data for 175gr swc in .40 cal What I am finding is all over the place. So far W231 looks to be the best bet for me as my powder dump is no real accurate in light loading of Unique. I'm looking for a mid range load or better for practice TIA

July 23, 2009, 06:40 PM	#2
Randy 1911 Senior Member Join Date: May 7, 2009 Location: Western Arkansas Posts: 273	Is this a lead bullet or a jacketed bullet? If lead, I use 4.9 grs. W231. It is mild and easy to shoot. My Lyman Pistol and Revolver Book shows a start of 4.3 grs. and a max of 5.8 grs. __________________ Been Reloading 27 Years NRA Member Member Old Fort Gun Club www.ofgc.org

July 25, 2009, 01:18 PM	#5
dwhite Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2007 Location: Wake County, N. Carolina Posts: 379	Lead bullets in .40 S&W I routinely shoot lead bullets in .40. I've had no problems and get very good accuracy. My favorite load is a 180gr LTCFP with 3.4 grains of Clays. I like the recoil of this load also. I add a coat of Lee Liquid Alox to the cast Missouri Bullet Company bullets I use. I don't know if it really helps but it doesn't hurt either. I get very little leading and smoke with this combination. All the Best, D. White

July 23, 2009, 09:32 PM	#3
SQUAREKNOT Senior Member Join Date: July 16, 2008 Posts: 263	Randy I have the same book. I have come to the conclusion that the .40 is not a good one for cast bullets. I had some 30+ years old Winchester primers and in trying to work up a load I settled at 5.0 grs of W231. Unique and Blue Dot were no good choices for this bullets. The older primers were standard WSP and shot hotter than the modern day primers. Thanks for the feed back

July 23, 2009, 09:36 PM	#4
Farmland Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2009 Posts: 869	Why do you think the 40 is not good for cast bullets? I also still load lead bullets with WAP since I still have about 6 pounds of it. I thought that was a good powder.