40S&W plinking / competition load

[Danimal]

Deleted

[Great-Kazoo]

Pick the best performer you had, if that meets PF use it.
"there is too much crap to test"

I hear you.

I was going to do something similar only for 223. 62, 68, 75, 77?? for some longer than 3-400yd shooting. After crunching some numbers for what i want (realistically) i've decided it's either 62 or 68 (69 if using SMK's) between the ladder test, cost of components and time spent. I could be running in circles never finding that "perfect load"

Also browse enos forums for more specific topics on your caliber.
http://www.brianenos.com/forums/index.php?showforum=73

[ray1970]

Might be something useful in this thread if you want to check it out.

https://www.ar-15.co/threads/129251-...loading-thread

[cstone]

For handguns in .40 S&W your range is generally under 50 yards, so finding a reasonably accurate load won't be too difficult. I assume you have one or two handguns you will be loading for. If only one, that simplifies things because you can tailor your loads for that gun.

Powder, primer, bullets, are your variables. I start with bullets and settle on a weight and type of bullet. Plated, lead, or jacketed bullets. Bullet shape may have some impact on how they feed in your gun, so don't buy in quantity till you find one you like. Take a look at what is available and the cost per bullet. If you are shooting these for competition, choose a bullet that will make the power factor you want to use. Primers for me are basically a function of price, reliability, and availability. When you find quantity of the two or three brands of small pistol primers that work for you, stock up. Last for me is powder because most pistol powders will cycle .40 S&W. Buy or trade for a pound of something you can find and that is listed in your reloading manuals which will get you in the ballpark. Once you find a powder that meters or you can work with that will provide reliable, accurate ammunition, stock up.

For .40 S&W, I load Montana Gold 155 gr JHP over 7.2 gr of Power Pistol, using either CCI or TulAmmo primers. This combination cycles all of my handguns and my KelTec Sub 2000.

Good luck in your search.

Be safe.

[Danimal]

Deleted

[Great-Kazoo]

I have no issues with Unique through the dillon pm's. If you're interested in parting with some of it for AA#7 , TG or other pistol powder touch bases with me. For bullets have you looked at cheycast coated ones?

[Irving]

I've been happy with 6.8gr AA#5 under the same Xtreme Plated 180gr RNFP, with CCI No500 primers. I think they make minor power factor, but not major.

[sportbikeco]

Ive been using powder coated lead bullets in my .40 with great results, shot a few thousand of them. 180's cost $40.50/500 155's $38.70/500 delivered. (http://lucky13bullets.com/index.php?...roducts_id=161 use coupon code ncgo for 10% off)

Zero leading, ive used alot of bullseye and 231 with great results.

I tried precision bullets (black moly) and they shot ok but the coating was fragile and easy to scratch off when loading causing leading.

[Irving]

$40/500 is a great price. I've got some BayouBullets I'm going to work up. They are $46/500: http://www.bayoubullets.net/40-s-w-1...gr-tcg-500-ct/

but offer slightly better bulk pricing of $223/2500. Either way, I still get something coated that is cheaper than Xtreme.

[sportbikeco]

$40/500 is a great price. I've got some BayouBullets I'm going to work up. They are $46/500: http://www.bayoubullets.net/40-s-w-1...gr-tcg-500-ct/

but offer slightly better bulk pricing of $223/2500. Either way, I still get something coated that is cheaper than Xtreme.

That $40/500 is the delivered price BTW, ive used them in 9mm, 358/38, 40 and 45. Good product and great price.