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Originally Posted by MDS
I may be opening a can of worms here, but here goes. I'm a victim of the internet (and myself). I've read so many bad things about loading the .40S&W, that I have talked my self out of it. So do you load .40? Is it safe. I think this would be a good discussion for a lot of newbies.
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The loading manual I keep next to my computer has these pressures listed for the most often compared cartridges:
40 S&W - 30000-35000 psi
9x19mm - 25000-33000 psi
45 ACP - 14000-21000 psi
By contrast, 44 magnum tops out at 40000 psi, 10mm at 36000 and 357 mag at 35000.
I am speculating here, but I suspect a lot of reloaders see the .40 as having less safety margin than the 9mm or 45 ACP. Right or wrong.
As others have already said, if you follow good procedure, there is no reason to shy away from the 40.
I have not read bad things about reloading the 40. What have you heard? (PM me if you like).
I have heard that many guns chambered for the .40 have "unsupported" chambers, which some gun manufacturers have said mandate against shooting reloads, and yet others (assuming reloaders will be loading cast lead bullets) suggest not using lead reloads in polygonal barrels. But that says nothing about reloads, just pressures and bullet types.
As my opening suggests, it is the pressures that give ME pause.
Caveat:
Remember, only believe half of what you see and one quarter of what you hear. That goes double for what you get from the internet. Even this post. Maybe especially this post.
Do your own independent, confirming research when ANYONE gives you new facts on the web.
Also remember, even the idiotic stuff might have a kernel of truth buried in there somewhere.
I do not know you, so if my advice seems over-obvious, please take into account my ignorance of your experience level. Also, others of all experience levels are reading.
Lost Sheep