Info on .40 S&W

[Bill92869]

I'm finally giving in to the .40 hype and going to try it. Looking at the online loading data (all my reloading manuals are 20+ years old), I see options from 135gr to 200gr. What is the "standard" bullet weight, what is the most popular load for either target and self-defense? I'd like a target load that will not be too hot for a Beretta 92F that I will be converting to 96.

[f4tweet]

165-180gr.

[10fcp]

Brian Enos and 1911 forums have lots of load info and knowledge of the 40. I load 180 HP for my Wittness. I just punch paper so I don't load real hot. Power Pistol, Bullseye, 231, and AA#5 are the powders that I use. Hogden's web site has some good data as far as loads go.

[f4tweet]

AA-5 has been very dirty for me with reduced and full power loads. My .02.

[Bill92869]

Hmmmm. Sounds like maybe a bullet around 165 using WW231 may work. Just hope my older model Beretta 92 will feed reliably.

[f4tweet]

Hope this helps.

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

[Sideline Shooter]

Beretta 92 to Beretta 96????

A Beretta 92 (9mm) to a Beretta 96 (.40cal)??? I thought it could not be done? I looked into buying a .40 cal barrel for my 9mm but I was told that it couldn't be used that way, the .40 cal barrel being to wide in diameter to fit the slide. If you have info on it please share! It would save me from having to buy a plastic Glock 22!!!

Sideline Shooter

[Bill92869]

Well from what I've learned, Beretta made a "combo" kit that supplied a custom carry case (that carried mags and slides for both calibers), and a complete top-end in .40 S&W. I also found that a while ago some large police agency that had .40 cal weapons changed over to 9mm's and as a result there were a number of outlets selling "conversion kits" that allowed model 92 owners to convert to .40 cal. By the way, many of these had nite sights and were only $150! The negatives (always a few) are that feeding is not always 100% (bullet choice a factor) and accelerated wear of the gun. Of course the remedy for these are choosing a better bullet for feeding and changing the recoil spring to a 15 lb one (according to the guys at Beretta forum). If you need a gun for SD, get the Glock! If however, you're like me and just satisfying the latest urge to spend money, this represents an economical way to own a .40 cal without spending a lot of money and waiting 10 days!!

[LGB Loader]

Ahhh... the 40 S&W.

I like VV N330 for powder for midrange power and you could even try N320 for light charges. Very Clean and accurate. 165 gr - 180 gr pills make great rounds. 155 gr for a really snappy cartridge.
40 S&W is a caliber that I would try not to push the envelope as far as velocity and pressure go. And please make sure to inspect your brass REAL Good.

LGB

[fullspeed1]

Hmmmm. Sounds like maybe a bullet around 165 using WW231 may work. Just hope my older model Beretta 92 will feed reliably.

I have been using Berry's plated 165gr flat nose with 5.3gr of W231 underneath it with an OAL of 1.25" with excellent results in my XD40.

[Gnzrme]

+1 on the power pistol and 180 RNFP. Just look out for buldged cases at the base as some barrels are not 100% supported and the case buldges just above the base rim. To remedy this, you just have to completely bottom out your resizing die....

[bruceflinch]

5.6 grn of W231/200 grn TC Zero for the last 9 yrs..

You might want to inquire w/ Berreta if they recommend a specific bullet shape.

[LGB Loader]

I was going through my tech folder and came across this.

http://www.handgunsmag.com/ammunition/40lite_091806/

It's a decent read.

LGB