140 TC bullet in 40s&w

balderclev · April 6, 2013, 04:33 PM

Because of the difficulty in getting components, I have less than optimum bullets and powder to work with in my 40s&w and can't find load data (probably for good reason).

I have 140 gr TC lead bullets, 700X powder, and both Federal and Winchester brass to work with. I understand I should not shoot the lead bullets in my Glock but lead will be OK in my Beretta 92.

Based on the research I have done, I have come up with 3.8 gr of 700X as my starting load.

Any advise would be appreciated. First time loading for an auto. Bullet image is attached.

Nathan · April 6, 2013, 09:08 PM

Frankly, I think you are way light, like it might squib. Hodgdon shows on their site:
135 - lo 6.0 hi 6.6
150 - lo 5.2 hi 5.5

These are JHP and I ignored the 140 Barnes data because Barnes bully's seem to cause high pressure for some reason. Cast and jacket are different, but overlap some..You should call them, but my experience say start at 5.2 and go .2gr increments to 6.0 max or 1200 fps max. With cast bullets, ideal velocity is likely 1050-1100fps anyways.

Don't just do what I said. Do your homework, call Hodgdon and work up a safe load. In 40, my guns will give primer drag marks when a load is too hot. Know how your gun tells you to back off.

Ruger45LC · April 7, 2013, 12:46 PM

Yeah I looked at Hodgdon's data too and 3.8gr seems way low to me. Since it's lead, I would start at about 5.5gr or thereabouts (the show 6.0gr as the start charge for a 135gr JHP).

Not exactly what you asked for, but 4.5gr TiteGroup under a Berrys 135gr plated is one of the most accurate loads I've ever shot.

balderclev · April 7, 2013, 07:36 PM

Made up some rounds and shot them today.

They weighed from 4.4 up to 5.4.

4.4 ejected 6' and would keep the slide open on empty. All were pleasant to shoot. Don't see a need to go below 4.4 now although I think I could easily go to 4.0.

Had some blackening of the brass about 1/8" at the mouth. Wiped right off. Don't know if that is a problem or not. Saw no signs of leading in the barrel but haven't actually cleaned it yet.

Thanks for the advise. Always a pleasure to get feedback as I have no one around that has experience reloading.

WESHOOT2 · April 7, 2013, 08:17 PM

That 'blackening' is soot. Suggest a .2g increase in charge.

April 7, 2013, 08:17 PM	#5
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	That 'blackening' is soot. Suggest a .2g increase in charge. __________________ . "all my ammo is mostly retired factory ammo"

April 6, 2013, 09:08 PM	#2
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,328	Frankly, I think you are way light, like it might squib. Hodgdon shows on their site: 135 - lo 6.0 hi 6.6 150 - lo 5.2 hi 5.5 These are JHP and I ignored the 140 Barnes data because Barnes bully's seem to cause high pressure for some reason. Cast and jacket are different, but overlap some..You should call them, but my experience say start at 5.2 and go .2gr increments to 6.0 max or 1200 fps max. With cast bullets, ideal velocity is likely 1050-1100fps anyways. Don't just do what I said. Do your homework, call Hodgdon and work up a safe load. In 40, my guns will give primer drag marks when a load is too hot. Know how your gun tells you to back off.

April 7, 2013, 12:46 PM	#3
Ruger45LC Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 768	Yeah I looked at Hodgdon's data too and 3.8gr seems way low to me. Since it's lead, I would start at about 5.5gr or thereabouts (the show 6.0gr as the start charge for a 135gr JHP). Not exactly what you asked for, but 4.5gr TiteGroup under a Berrys 135gr plated is one of the most accurate loads I've ever shot.

April 7, 2013, 07:36 PM	#4
balderclev Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2013 Location: Benton, Arkansas Posts: 120	Made up some rounds and shot them today. They weighed from 4.4 up to 5.4. 4.4 ejected 6' and would keep the slide open on empty. All were pleasant to shoot. Don't see a need to go below 4.4 now although I think I could easily go to 4.0. Had some blackening of the brass about 1/8" at the mouth. Wiped right off. Don't know if that is a problem or not. Saw no signs of leading in the barrel but haven't actually cleaned it yet. Thanks for the advise. Always a pleasure to get feedback as I have no one around that has experience reloading.