Trying to find a good powder for .40 S&W

AFSFValkyrie · December 24, 2009, 12:32 AM

first of all im shooting a SIG Sauer P229 if anyone has any experience shooting handloads out of it.

I have 2 types of bullets and both are berry's plated bullets 165gr round shoulder flat points and the same in 180gr.

I have loaded both types with 4.6 gr of Bullseye which was a nice load and accurate. I seated the bullets so the OAL was 1.125". Mixed Brass. Rem Small Pistol Primers. I did not chrono any of the rounds.

I was curious if anyone else has experience with these bullets and if they have used other powders with these bullets. I have seen many people advocating Titegroup, and Power Pistol for .40 S&W and was wondering if any of you have used these powders with these bullets. or if any of you shoot IDPA or USPSA in .40 S&W if there are any loads using these bullet types.

Sixer · December 24, 2009, 06:31 AM

I've had good luck with Red Dot and Clays... I'll have to get back to you on the load data.

Don P · December 24, 2009, 07:49 AM

I am currently using Titegroup and it seems to perform well and I have had no function problems so far. The pistol is a M&P40

Chucky64 · December 24, 2009, 08:04 AM

I know the majority of IDPA shooters in my local league use
REX 2 powder, mostly because it is cheap. I have used the
Berry's 180grn bullet with 5.8grs of Accurate#5, its a good
round, but not sure if it would make major in IDPA.

Jim243 · December 24, 2009, 08:12 AM

I shoot IDPA but in 9 mm and have tried Power Pistol with the 9s and in my 40. To be honest you can't beat Win 231 powder for these loads, burns clean and is easy to consistantly measure out of almost any powder measure.

Also I have tried the Berry's Plated 9 mm's but I am not happy with my results, my guns just like copper JHPs better. But that's my guns (Taurus PT92 and Beretta PX4 Storm) yours may be different.

Jim

troy_mclure · December 24, 2009, 08:19 AM

never used berry's, but i have shot 10's of thousands of rainier plated bullets. i used hp38 to good effect.

recently ive been using universal clays. it burns a bit cleaner, and has less "bang" for the same velocity's.

im shooting out of a xd40sc, and cx4 storm .40.

Ksmoker · December 24, 2009, 08:39 AM

Right now I am using 5.5 -5.6 gr of Universal for my 357 Sig (similar cartridge) and have good luck so far. Loaded mainly 124 & 147gr Missouri bullet lead & a few 124 gr XTP's. Putting 5.6 in the XTP's probably could load them a little heavier.
I try to keep the speed down around 900 fps on the lead.
The speeds are an educated guess. These cycle and shoot well in my G32.

amamnn · December 24, 2009, 01:15 PM

I've been using either W231 or HS6 in my .40 SWs with berry 155 gr bullets. Lately, I have switched to Vihavuori N340 and have been very happy with it in both pistols. My Hi-power is really finicky and reduced powder charges which plated bullets require did not always operate it well. I had a lot of stovepipes. The N340 works the action perfectly, is as accurate as the other two powders, for me, and does not seem to have increased recoil. The only problem with it is that no one carries it in stock around here and I have to special order it or else drive to Tacoma.

Shoney · December 24, 2009, 01:43 PM

There are so many good powders for the 40. It seems each bullet weight prefers a different brand of powder. For across the board use with 135-150-165-180 gr bullets, I settled on Univesal for general use. Clean burning and economical.

To those that say ,"Have a Holly Jolly Rama-Hana-Chris-Quan politically correct time of year." I say Bahhhh! HUMBUG!!!! Merry Christmas!

Flatop_A3 · December 24, 2009, 04:58 PM

This is my load that I find shoots well for me.

3.0 Gr. of 800x
155 Gr. FP copper jacketed bullet, I preffer Barrys
CCI Magnum primers
COL - 1.125

Its middle of the road velocity wise and has very managable recoil. Hope this helps!

Ksmoker · December 24, 2009, 05:25 PM

is there any advantage/disadvantage to the magnum primers that you are using, I've not used any yet.
Thanks

That'll Do · December 24, 2009, 05:26 PM

My favorite powder for 40 S&W is Hodgdon HS-6. It can be loaded mild or wild, burns cleanly, and doesn't have overly large charge weights.

I also recommend giving Alliant Power Pistol and Hodgdon Universal a try.

gearheadpyro · December 24, 2009, 05:47 PM

I have been using SR 4756 with good results, but I'm running it down and will try some power pistol next if I can find it.

jsflagstad · December 24, 2009, 10:01 PM

VV 3N37 is a great powder for the 40 S&W.

Hunter Customs · December 25, 2009, 10:23 AM

I had very good results using N350 with all bullet weights in the 40 S&W.
For my limited gun I used Montana Gold 180gr JHP bullets, for my open gun I used Nosler 135gr JHP bullets.
Regards
Bob Hunter
www.huntercustoms.com

spencerhut · December 25, 2009, 11:19 AM

Power Pistol was developed for .40S&W and as you can imagine works very well in it. You can load it light (4.4g, 180g Lasercast 793FPS) or stout (9.0g, 155g Gold Dot 1213FPS). It functions well in both circumstances. I load it right in between at 6.2g pushing a 180 Montana Gold JHP 946FSP for my standard run and gun load.

HP38 / Win 231 also works very well but I find it to be a bit more dirty than Power Pistol.

True Blue works very well also, 7.7g pushes a 165g Gold Dot 1127FPS.

Shoney · December 25, 2009, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Ksmoker asked
is there any advantage/disadvantage to the magnum primers

In general, magnum primers will ignite spherical (ball) powders better, but will also produce higher pressures. Therefore, the load must be reduced a little from standard primer loads. Whether spherical, flake, or extruded powder, mags will give higher pressures than those using the same load with regular primers.

Magnum primers will also ignite all powders better in extreemly cold weather 0-40 below F.

To those that say ,"Have a Holly Jolly Rama-Hana-Chris-Quan politically correct time of year." I say Bahhhh! HUMBUG!!!! Merry Christmas!

Ken - Oh · December 25, 2009, 04:59 PM

I would suggest great caution if using Universal Clays in 40SW, especially with 180 gr bullets.

Back in the old days of the Compuserve Firearms forum, 7 of 8 Kabooms experienced by members were using Universal Clays. I've heard it said that Universal Clays has a very steep pressure curve.

I've only had one bad incident (burst case) in reloading maybe 35,000 rounds. It was 40SW/180gr/Universal Clays. I was 0.3 grains under Hodgdon's recommended max. The gun was a new Sig P226.

I've stayed away from reloading 40SW for ten years now. I'm starting to reconsider since I have a case of bullets left, but I definitely will stay away from Universal Clays for 40SW. YMMV.

I've used Universal Clays in other calibers without problems.

Ken

Ksmoker · December 25, 2009, 09:58 PM

If I were to try them with my Sig loads using 5.5gr Universal, with the magnum primer possibly reduce it to 5.3gr or so ??

Ken - Oh · December 26, 2009, 08:27 AM

Quote:

If I were to try them with my Sig loads using 5.5gr Universal, with the magnum primer possibly reduce it to 5.3gr or so ??

FWIW, It was 5.7 gr of Universal, 180gr Win JHP, WSP primer, 1.123" COL that ruptured the case in my Sig.

Looking at my load notes, it was exactly ten years ago today that I loaded that ammo (12/26/99) Weird

I definitely would stay away from Magnum primers unless they are specified in a reliable load book. All my manuals specify regular primers, not magnum. Magnum primers are for "slow to ignite" powders like 2400 or H110 and don't need to be used with most handgun powders. IMO, using magnum primers in 40SW with a moderately fast powder is just asking for problems.

Unless you are very experienced in reloading, experimenting "off the books" with 40SW increases the risk of damaging your gun and your body. Also, based on my experience and that of others, there are safer powders to use in 40SW besides Universal Clays. YMMV

Ken

vsgonzo · December 26, 2009, 09:44 AM

Tightgroup For me in my .40

tightgroup in my 38spc too. I love tight group cuz at 4.5ish grs I get a lot per 1lb can. It's sooooo accurate that it looks like a 1 shot potatoe launcher hit at the 20 yard mark. Lol. (XDM .40 4.5inch barrel)

wingman · December 26, 2009, 10:16 AM

I use two powders first choice for accuracy AA5, second for economy Titegroup.

Ksmoker · December 26, 2009, 11:08 AM

I'm using the Universal because it was available when I had the money, since I have experimented with the load a little it is working good right now. When
I load the lead bullets I try to keep the speed down a little & it handles pretty good at 5.5gr of Universal. I was getting some smoke but figured out it was from the lube.
I give them a quick tumble when done to take care of the lube & any burrs on the lead. I read somewhere that shiny bullets shoot straighter anyhow.
I load 5.6 ish grains for my XTP's just because they are the better bullets & the SD loads.

Steviewonder1 · December 26, 2009, 11:44 AM

I have several loads of both Unique and Universal Clays with 180 and 200GR bullets. All work well and shoot clean in my G35 and Para 16-40.

bedlamite · December 26, 2009, 12:00 PM

I have 2 loads for 40s&w. Universal under 165gr plated bullets, they just make major, and Longshot under 135gr JHP at 1450fps from my Beretta 96.

December 24, 2009, 12:32 AM	#1
AFSFValkyrie Junior Member Join Date: December 24, 2009 Posts: 3	Trying to find a good powder for .40 S&W first of all im shooting a SIG Sauer P229 if anyone has any experience shooting handloads out of it. I have 2 types of bullets and both are berry's plated bullets 165gr round shoulder flat points and the same in 180gr. I have loaded both types with 4.6 gr of Bullseye which was a nice load and accurate. I seated the bullets so the OAL was 1.125". Mixed Brass. Rem Small Pistol Primers. I did not chrono any of the rounds. I was curious if anyone else has experience with these bullets and if they have used other powders with these bullets. I have seen many people advocating Titegroup, and Power Pistol for .40 S&W and was wondering if any of you have used these powders with these bullets. or if any of you shoot IDPA or USPSA in .40 S&W if there are any loads using these bullet types. Last edited by AFSFValkyrie; December 24, 2009 at 12:38 AM.

December 24, 2009, 06:31 AM	#2
Sixer Senior Member Join Date: April 16, 2008 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,891	I've had good luck with Red Dot and Clays... I'll have to get back to you on the load data. __________________ Hopp Custom Leather <------ click for HOLSTER awesomeness!! -There is no theory of evolution... Just a list of creatures Chuck Norris has allowed to live.

December 24, 2009, 07:49 AM	#3
Don P Senior Member Join Date: December 17, 2005 Location: Swamp dweller Posts: 6,187	I am currently using Titegroup and it seems to perform well and I have had no function problems so far. The pistol is a M&P40 __________________ *NRA Life Member, NRA Chief Range Safety Officer, NRA Certified Pistol Instructor,, USPSA & Steel Challange NROI Range Officer, ICORE Range Officer, ,MAG 40 Graduate* *As you are, I once was, As I am, You will be.*

December 24, 2009, 08:04 AM	#4
Chucky64 Member Join Date: December 12, 2008 Location: Abernathy TX Posts: 36	Different Strokes Different Folks I know the majority of IDPA shooters in my local league use REX 2 powder, mostly because it is cheap. I have used the Berry's 180grn bullet with 5.8grs of Accurate#5, its a good round, but not sure if it would make major in IDPA.

December 24, 2009, 08:19 AM	#6
troy_mclure Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2008 Location: gulf of mexico Posts: 2,716	never used berry's, but i have shot 10's of thousands of rainier plated bullets. i used hp38 to good effect. recently ive been using universal clays. it burns a bit cleaner, and has less "bang" for the same velocity's. im shooting out of a xd40sc, and cx4 storm .40. __________________ There is only one tactical principle which is not subject to change. It is to use the means at hand to inflict the maximum amount of wound, death, and destruction on the enemy in the minimum amount of time."

December 24, 2009, 08:12 AM	#5
Jim243 Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2009 Location: Just off Route 66 Posts: 5,067	I shoot IDPA but in 9 mm and have tried Power Pistol with the 9s and in my 40. To be honest you can't beat Win 231 powder for these loads, burns clean and is easy to consistantly measure out of almost any powder measure. Also I have tried the Berry's Plated 9 mm's but I am not happy with my results, my guns just like copper JHPs better. But that's my guns (Taurus PT92 and Beretta PX4 Storm) yours may be different. Jim

December 24, 2009, 08:39 AM	#7
Ksmoker Member Join Date: December 6, 2009 Location: NE Kansas Posts: 74	powder Right now I am using 5.5 -5.6 gr of Universal for my 357 Sig (similar cartridge) and have good luck so far. Loaded mainly 124 & 147gr Missouri bullet lead & a few 124 gr XTP's. Putting 5.6 in the XTP's probably could load them a little heavier. I try to keep the speed down around 900 fps on the lead. The speeds are an educated guess. These cycle and shoot well in my G32.

December 24, 2009, 01:15 PM	#8
amamnn Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2006 Location: WA, the left armpit of the USA Posts: 1,323	I've been using either W231 or HS6 in my .40 SWs with berry 155 gr bullets. Lately, I have switched to Vihavuori N340 and have been very happy with it in both pistols. My Hi-power is really finicky and reduced powder charges which plated bullets require did not always operate it well. I had a lot of stovepipes. The N340 works the action perfectly, is as accurate as the other two powders, for me, and does not seem to have increased recoil. The only problem with it is that no one carries it in stock around here and I have to special order it or else drive to Tacoma. __________________ "If the enemy is in range, so are you." - Infantry Journal

December 24, 2009, 01:43 PM	#9
Shoney Senior Member Join Date: February 21, 2002 Location: Transplanted from Montana Posts: 2,311	There are so many good powders for the 40. It seems each bullet weight prefers a different brand of powder. For across the board use with 135-150-165-180 gr bullets, I settled on Univesal for general use. Clean burning and economical. To those that say ,"Have a Holly Jolly Rama-Hana-Chris-Quan politically correct time of year." I say Bahhhh! HUMBUG!!!! Merry Christmas! __________________ I pledge allegiance to the Flag - - -, and to the Republic for which it stands….Our Forefathers were brilliant for giving us a Republic, not a democracy! Do you know the difference??? and WHY?http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissue...les.asp?id=111

December 24, 2009, 04:58 PM	#10
Flatop_A3 Junior Member Join Date: December 24, 2009 Posts: 2	This is my load that I find shoots well for me. 3.0 Gr. of 800x 155 Gr. FP copper jacketed bullet, I preffer Barrys CCI Magnum primers COL - 1.125 Its middle of the road velocity wise and has very managable recoil. Hope this helps!

December 24, 2009, 05:25 PM	#11
Ksmoker Member Join Date: December 6, 2009 Location: NE Kansas Posts: 74	powders is there any advantage/disadvantage to the magnum primers that you are using, I've not used any yet. Thanks

December 24, 2009, 05:26 PM	#12
That'll Do Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 546	My favorite powder for 40 S&W is Hodgdon HS-6. It can be loaded mild or wild, burns cleanly, and doesn't have overly large charge weights. I also recommend giving Alliant Power Pistol and Hodgdon Universal a try.

December 24, 2009, 05:47 PM	#13
gearheadpyro Senior Member Join Date: September 3, 2009 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 169	I have been using SR 4756 with good results, but I'm running it down and will try some power pistol next if I can find it. __________________ www.southernmarksman.com Owner of & Chief Instructor for The Southern Marksman, LLC NRA Life Member, NRA CRSO, Multi-Discipline NRA Certified Instructor

December 24, 2009, 10:01 PM	#14
jsflagstad Senior Member Join Date: January 29, 2005 Location: Up Nort Posts: 419	40 Slow & Weak VV 3N37 is a great powder for the 40 S&W. __________________ JSF "Is your rifle interesting? -Larry Potterfield

December 25, 2009, 10:23 AM	#15
Hunter Customs Senior Member Join Date: March 26, 2005 Location: Osborn, Missouri Posts: 2,697	I had very good results using N350 with all bullet weights in the 40 S&W. For my limited gun I used Montana Gold 180gr JHP bullets, for my open gun I used Nosler 135gr JHP bullets. Regards Bob Hunter www.huntercustoms.com

December 25, 2009, 11:19 AM	#16
spencerhut Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 147	Power Pistol was developed for .40S&W and as you can imagine works very well in it. You can load it light (4.4g, 180g Lasercast 793FPS) or stout (9.0g, 155g Gold Dot 1213FPS). It functions well in both circumstances. I load it right in between at 6.2g pushing a 180 Montana Gold JHP 946FSP for my standard run and gun load. HP38 / Win 231 also works very well but I find it to be a bit more dirty than Power Pistol. True Blue works very well also, 7.7g pushes a 165g Gold Dot 1127FPS.

December 25, 2009, 04:59 PM	#18
Ken - Oh Senior Member Join Date: August 2, 2006 Posts: 280	I would suggest great caution if using Universal Clays in 40SW, especially with 180 gr bullets. Back in the old days of the Compuserve Firearms forum, 7 of 8 Kabooms experienced by members were using Universal Clays. I've heard it said that Universal Clays has a very steep pressure curve. I've only had one bad incident (burst case) in reloading maybe 35,000 rounds. It was 40SW/180gr/Universal Clays. I was 0.3 grains under Hodgdon's recommended max. The gun was a new Sig P226. I've stayed away from reloading 40SW for ten years now. I'm starting to reconsider since I have a case of bullets left, but I definitely will stay away from Universal Clays for 40SW. YMMV. I've used Universal Clays in other calibers without problems. Ken

December 25, 2009, 09:58 PM	#19
Ksmoker Member Join Date: December 6, 2009 Location: NE Kansas Posts: 74	powder If I were to try them with my Sig loads using 5.5gr Universal, with the magnum primer possibly reduce it to 5.3gr or so ??

December 26, 2009, 09:44 AM	#21
vsgonzo Member Join Date: March 16, 2009 Posts: 86	Tightgroup For me in my .40 tightgroup in my 38spc too. I love tight group cuz at 4.5ish grs I get a lot per 1lb can. It's sooooo accurate that it looks like a 1 shot potatoe launcher hit at the 20 yard mark. Lol. (XDM .40 4.5inch barrel)

December 26, 2009, 10:16 AM	#22
wingman Senior Member Join Date: August 20, 2002 Posts: 2,108	I use two powders first choice for accuracy AA5, second for economy Titegroup.

December 26, 2009, 11:08 AM	#23
Ksmoker Member Join Date: December 6, 2009 Location: NE Kansas Posts: 74	powder I'm using the Universal because it was available when I had the money, since I have experimented with the load a little it is working good right now. When I load the lead bullets I try to keep the speed down a little & it handles pretty good at 5.5gr of Universal. I was getting some smoke but figured out it was from the lube. I give them a quick tumble when done to take care of the lube & any burrs on the lead. I read somewhere that shiny bullets shoot straighter anyhow. I load 5.6 ish grains for my XTP's just because they are the better bullets & the SD loads.

December 26, 2009, 11:44 AM	#24
Steviewonder1 Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2009 Location: John's Creek, Georgia Posts: 328	Good Powder for .40S&W I have several loads of both Unique and Universal Clays with 180 and 200GR bullets. All work well and shoot clean in my G35 and Para 16-40.

December 26, 2009, 12:00 PM	#25
bedlamite Senior Member Join Date: August 10, 2000 Location: WI Posts: 1,395	I have 2 loads for 40s&w. Universal under 165gr plated bullets, they just make major, and Longshot under 135gr JHP at 1450fps from my Beretta 96. __________________ A plan is just a list of things that doesn't happen.