Light Loads

praetorian97 · April 6, 2012, 10:00 PM

Anyone comfortable going lower than the low reccomendations on pistol loads?

Mainly 40. Looking to lighten recoil on 165gr 40 cal.

Miata Mike · April 6, 2012, 10:41 PM

I am not one to hot rod loads and do enjoy light recoil. In my experience working up loads, I have found some loads will not cycle the ammo at the lowest powder recommendations.

I did a 9mm work up with lead bullets and 231 powder and had to "shoot up" a bunch of under powered crap until I got to maybe mid range. I do like the light recoil and reliable rounds that I ended up with.

Revolver light loads are a whole different story. I tend to load them a little more stout where some can load'em softer.

Miata Mike · April 6, 2012, 10:45 PM

I have a Sig 239 that is very good with recoil. Might be a heavy spring because my brass does not fly like my other .40's. I remember using Unique on my Berry's hollow base 155 grain? bullets.

Don't shoot as much .40 S&W.

zxcvbob · April 6, 2012, 11:07 PM

For light recoil, use Red Dot powder. Max load won't be all that high to begin with, and it reduces well.

You might want to use lead bullets instead of jacketed (or plated) -- much less chance of sticking a lead bullet in the barrel if you go too low.

April 6, 2012, 10:00 PM	#1
praetorian97 Senior Member Join Date: May 9, 2011 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 455	Light Loads Anyone comfortable going lower than the low reccomendations on pistol loads? Mainly 40. Looking to lighten recoil on 165gr 40 cal.

April 6, 2012, 11:07 PM	#4
zxcvbob Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2007 Location: S.E. Minnesota Posts: 4,720	For light recoil, use Red Dot powder. Max load won't be all that high to begin with, and it reduces well. You might want to use lead bullets instead of jacketed (or plated) -- much less chance of sticking a lead bullet in the barrel if you go too low. __________________ "Everything they do is so dramatic and flamboyant. It just makes me want to set myself on fire!" —Lucille Bluth

April 6, 2012, 10:41 PM	#2
Miata Mike Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2010 Location: North East WI Posts: 418	I am not one to hot rod loads and do enjoy light recoil. In my experience working up loads, I have found some loads will not cycle the ammo at the lowest powder recommendations. I did a 9mm work up with lead bullets and 231 powder and had to "shoot up" a bunch of under powered crap until I got to maybe mid range. I do like the light recoil and reliable rounds that I ended up with. Revolver light loads are a whole different story. I tend to load them a little more stout where some can load'em softer.

April 6, 2012, 10:45 PM	#3
Miata Mike Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2010 Location: North East WI Posts: 418	I have a Sig 239 that is very good with recoil. Might be a heavy spring because my brass does not fly like my other .40's. I remember using Unique on my Berry's hollow base 155 grain? bullets. Don't shoot as much .40 S&W.