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Re-loading .40 S&W

Vonflak
I'm seting up to Re-load .40 S&W. charging with 5.7gr of Hodgdon's Universal, lead cast bullets .401/175gr SWC (Lee mold w/ micro bands).

There isn't alot of air space left for the powder though, I estimate .050". I'm seating the bullet to just barely clear the last band, I can't hear the powder shake around though. maybe the last band is intended to be crimped into? Even so still not much room in there.

I this normal for the .40?

Jesus: Don't leave earth without him

byf
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Comments

5 comments

Date Votes
  • rufe-snow
    I don't know where your getting your load information? But if your having misgivings about it, start at 4.7 grains. Work up 1/2 grain at a time checking the fired brass for "Smiley Faces", i.e. Incipient Failure.

    Universal is a medium burning powder like Unique or AA 5. As a fudge factor why don't you try a slower burning powder like HS 7 or AA 7. Hopefully it will provide you, with a litle extra margin of safety.

    luger_4.jpg
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  • Pearyw
    I also have the same Lee mold. I load 5.2 gr of 231 Winchester powder. The 40 S&W is a small case and I prefer to load a full to slightly compressed load. This will usually give you better accuracy than having any air space. I have found that a medium burning powder gives better results when shooting lead bullets in a 40 S&W. Depending on what pistol you are loading for, you may have feeding problems with this semi-wadcutter bullet. I have had good luck with this bullet in my Browning High Power and 1911 Colt. I tumble lube mine in Lee liquid Alox without sizing. I cast mine from straight wheel weight lead. Don't crimp in the last grove as the overall length will be too long to work.
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  • Vonflak
    Thanks guys

    I also was thinking about the feeding problems with the SWC, but lee dosn't offer ball type in that dia. with micro grooves. Figured I'd give it a shot.

    Will also drop down my charge.

    Rufe, nice Luger.





    Jesus: Don't leave earth without him

    byf
    0
  • kuhlewulf
    Vonflak, Mind that crimping. There are many semis that headspace off of caselength, an overdone crimp can screw that up. Don't sweat the high case volume loads either. I had used Clays at 3.4 grains for a long time, but got much better results with higher volume loads using HS-6.

    James
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    Do your troops train with live cobras? ROYAL THAI ARMY DOES!
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  • richbug
    I have the same mold, I use 5.0 grains of bullseye, federal 100 primer, win nickel brass, and seat in the top groove of the bullet. I get better accuracy with this load than any I have tried out of my P16-40. Cuts nice neat holes in the targets.

    My border collie is smarter than your honor student.
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