180gr 40 s&w Load Data

[skale240]

I picked up 1k of berrys plated 180gr RS bullets and 300rds of 180gr FMJ FP bullets and need some help with load data. My Lyman book doesn't have load data for these types of bullets. I know with the plated ones I should follow the lead loads. As far as the FMJ ones the book has load data for 180gr JHP. I've read I shouldn't follow due to JHP being a longer bullet and bullet seating depth could cause an issue (read in a previous post a couple months ago). I've tried the winchester/Hodgon site and the load data is for 180gr xtp. I googled and got some other hits but couldn't find any data with the components I've got:

Powder: Win 231
Primers: Win small primers
Bullets: 180gr Plated
180gr FMJ

Any help is greatly appreciated!

[sargenv]

In addition to all that, what kind of gun are you going to fire these out of? If it's a 1911 you can load them longer than if you have to load them for a Glock. If you are able to load them longer for your gun, that will decrease pressure and give you some wiggle room on your load. Do you want maximum power loads, target loads.. what are you trying to do with them? Punch paper? Make major for IPSC? All useful info for those of us who reload for 40 S&W.

[jmzhwells]

I think if you use the starting load for the plated bullets you should be ok. U can reduce the starting load by a couple grains and build up. I used the berrys 180 gr with HS-6 at the starting load and didnt see any problems. Try reloadersnest.com for info.

[skale240]

In addition to all that, what kind of gun are you going to fire these out of? If it's a 1911 you can load them longer than if you have to load them for a Glock. If you are able to load them longer for your gun, that will decrease pressure and give you some wiggle room on your load. Do you want maximum power loads, target loads.. what are you trying to do with them? Punch paper? Make major for IPSC? All useful info for those of us who reload for 40 S&W.

Thanks for the great questions I totally forgot to list that. I will be shooting this out of my Sig 226. I don't want max loads just something for plinkin' and paper target shooting.

[sargenv]

If that is the case, I have a load for my 229 that I like. I use the Extrema plated 180 RNFP loaded with 4.2 gr of 231 and seated to 1.140" which just fits the 229 magazines I have. I have replaced the stock spring for the slide to a 13 pound one made by Wolff. It is easier to rack and I hardly ever fire full power ammo from it. This load chrono's about 750 fps and is quite accurate. I believe for 40 S&W with a 180, Winchester lists it at 5.0 gr.

[skale240]

If that is the case, I have a load for my 229 that I like. I use the Extrema plated 180 RNFP loaded with 4.2 gr of 231 and seated to 1.140" which just fits the 229 magazines I have. I have replaced the stock spring for the slide to a 13 pound one made by Wolff. It is easier to rack and I hardly ever fire full power ammo from it. This load chrono's about 750 fps and is quite accurate. I believe for 40 S&W with a 180, Winchester lists it at 5.0 gr.

Thanks for the recipe, i'll load some up tonight and try them at the range tomorrow!