.40 sw and bullseye

[newguy07]

I have just started reloading recently and am using a lee classic turret with the auto disc pro powder dropper. I currently only have bullseye powder and am using it to load .40 sw. The load data with the Lee dies recommends a starting load of 4.6 grains and a max load of 4.9 grains (not a big difference). the powder discs have listed drops of 4.3 grains then 4.6 grains for bullseye so I started loading with the 4.6 hole. I have been measuring all charges before loading the bullet since I am new to this and have been getting 4.6 ~85% of the time but have had other loads vary from 4.5 up to 4.8. I have been dumping the 4.8s and trying again. I have had no problem after shooting about 20 of the 4.5-4.6 loads. I am somewhat concerned that the dropper will at times let down the 4.8 though and was considering going down to the next disc to I don't have to weigh the charge everytime.

So my question is, is it safe to drop below recommended starting load? If I use the 4.3 and it varies the same as the 4.6 disc I should get loads anywhere from 4.2-4.5. Is there any safety risk in this? It seems if it has enough power to cycle it should be fine? I think I would feel safer with this range rather then the dropper putting out close to max on occassion.

Why is the range for bullseye so narrow? 4.6 start to 4.9 max is not a very wide range. I have read somewhere that lees ranges are on the conservative side.

I am using berrys preffered plate bullets. 155 grain. I was using the lee data for a lead bullet. Berrys site says you can use low to mid range jacketed data but I don't have any data for 155 grain jacketed with bullseye.

Is there a better powder for loading .40? I will also be loading 38s and want to use the same powder. Though I prefer not to run out and buy anymore right now as I just picked up the bullseye and there aren't a lot of choices available locally.

Thanks

[Unclenick]

Dropping below in a short pistol case has no hazard. You'll get to a point where it is too low to cycle the gun properly, but that's it. Move to the 4.3 grain disk. I'd actually been going to suggest you start at 4.0 grains, but you may not have a disc for that.

You'll find a spherical propellant like Winchester 231 meters more consistently.

[Brian Pfleuger]

Do you have the Double Disk Kit?

I have only loaded about 20 rounds myself (although I dispensed and dumped enough powder for a couple hundred probably) but I noticed that the Auto Disk seems to meter more consistently if I use two disk instead of one. For example, .37 and .31 instead of .68. I'm using Power Pistol so I don't know if it's the same for all/other powders, but it might be worth a try.

[The_Vigilante]

I would suggest you buy the Lee Adjustable Charge Bar-will allow you to get all those 'in-between' the discs loads. Also would suggest you also try Power Pistol in addition to Bullseye-wider range between low and high.

[newguy07]

I'll probably try a different powder when I decide to buy more but I've got all this so I should probably use it.

I tried the disc for 4.3 grains and after measuring 50 drops it varried between 4.2 and 4.5. All below the starting load from lee. If this will cycle my gun I think it would be a good safe load?

I do have a disc for 4.0 (next one down from 4.3). It actually varied from 3.9 to 4.2. Is this a better choice or am I getting too low?

I do not have the double disc kit.

[Shane Tuttle]

Have you throroughly cleaned the powder dropping components? I'm wondering if the variation of your measured charges are due to powder sticking or maybe static...

For .40SW I'd look into Hodgdon HP38 or Win231 (same powders) when you're ready to switch. HS6 has been a great powder for me, too. All three meter very well and burn fairly clean.

AA#5 has been the most accurate for me when splitting hairs and is a soft recoiling powder. Problem I have with it is when used in a progressive, it has the tendency to spill out a tad when indexing. Also, I do see slight variations in my charge usually in the .1-.2 range.

If you still want to stay with Bullseye, I wouldn't hesitate dropping your charge down a bit like you're wanting. As long as cycling is fine and your brass is clearing out consistently you should be OK.

[newguy07]

the dropper is brand new....so no i havent cleaned it...i assume it came from the factory clean

[Shane Tuttle]

That's probably the biggest issue. Take some isopropyl alcohol, swabs and a lint free cloth to clean it. Let it air dry. Don't keep wiping it or use an air compressor. You'll induce unwanted static and most compressors blow moist air. Then try out the charge...

[Brian Pfleuger]

The double disk kit is worth having. It gives you a much wider range of possible loads, not to mention it's only $10.99

I'm having a bit of a static problem myself.... need to fix that.... I hear a Bounce dryer sheet works.

[Shane Tuttle]

I hear a Bounce dryer sheet works.

An UNUSED one...

Also, in the winter time, keep your reloading area's humidity at a reasonable level.

[Doby45]

I used an unused dry sheet on my Auto Disc and it drops in the +/-.1 range.. That is also using HS-6 and Universal both of which meter well, but I have absolutley no static stick.

[tpareloader]

I use hogdon's universal powder in my .40

I drop 5.2gr with a 165gr rainier fp

I haven't had any problems yet with my lee deluxe turret press kit.

[FM12]

To help with static on plastic parts, wash the parts in a light mixture of water and a mild soap. Remove the parts and let them air dry, no rinseing.

Use the dryer sheet as needed also.

[Dragon55]

I've loaded 150g JHP's with Bullseye @ 6.3 grains .... Winchester brass, Federal Small PP's, OAL 1.125 no issues

I've tried low loads and had trouble with cycling