40 S&W Reloads with Bullseye: Experiment

koltey1

June 14, 2009 09:13

I just started reloading the .40 around 6 months ago and have maybe reloaded a total of 700 rounds. For primers, I use WSP. Winchester casings mainly from the 100 round value packs. The first couple reload sessions I used HS-6 powder and found it shot O.K. smoked a little bit but burned rather clean. However, the HS-6 didn't really meter that well. Now, I bought a 1lb. tube of Bullseye powder and had four different bullets to try behind different powder loads. I first started off with a 180 grain Hornady FMJ bullet (my target loads) and loaded 5 grains of Bullseye. Next I loaded 155 XTP with 50 rounds having 5 grains (rather light load) and another 50 rounds having 6 grains. Next, I loaded 180 grain XTP with 5 and 5.4 grains of Bullseye. Lastly, I had around 200 rounds of I think Remington 180 JHP (these are serious HP's) which I use for personal defense. With these rounds I also put 5 and ranged it up to 5.5 grains of Bullseye. Every round measued out to 1.132 OAL. My pistol accepts this longer OAL so I loaded them this way. NOW, I have not shot these yet and will let you all know how it goes soon.
Have you guys ever experimented with Bullseye powder and if you have, what are you loading for powder and bullets??

Dan

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  Pearyw

  June 14, 2009 14:14

  I usually have better luck with slower burning powder in 40 S&W. I use AA5 for hotter jacketed bullet loads and 231 for 180 gr lead bullets.

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  babun

  June 14, 2009 14:43

  Your loads seem like good starting points. I would only add this...
  DO NOT USE Reloads for personal defense !!! I'm sure I'll get lots of flack about that statement, but if you Have to shoot some one you want
  a factory built round from the biggest Manufacturer possible !!!If you don't kill the SOB, his lawyer will have a field day in court about how
  "you maliciously load your own inhumane bullets". bob

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  smith52

  June 15, 2009 04:04

  I load Accurate No.2, 4.5gr, behind a 180gr TC lead bullet. Accurate No.2 meters really well.
  babun makes a good piont, use factory ammo for self defense.

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  partisan

  June 15, 2009 12:55

  Bullseye is a great powder! I began using it in the early 1970's. I don't reload .40 S&W with Bullseye. Have you tried Hodgdon Universal?

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