StevesPages + Multicast lead bullets

[natomasboy]

Hi all -

My loading manual has absolute zero data on cast lead bullets. (My mistake since I thought I would use the FMJ bullets at the store until I realized from Calguns how much cheaper lead was?!)

Anyway I purchased some Multicast lead bullets and wanted to know what are some reliable load info for .40SW.

180gr lead bullet
Winchester brass
Bullseye Powder / WSF Powder

I googled and found this website but not sure if the load data was reliable:

http://stevespages.com/400p_2_180.html

Any first hand experience with Steve's load info?

Thanks

[10fcp]

I believe the Lyman manuel has lots of lead data in it. Steves pages are a real good referance, start low and work your way up.

[10fcp]

I'm sure that data is for jacketed bullets. I'll look thru my favorites and see if I can dig up some sites to reference. If you only have 1 manuel I would suggest a few more, can't have too much data. search for loading pages of MD Smith. There is lead data for a 40 there.

[natomasboy]

10fcp,

Appreciate any info/links you can offer!

[10fcp]

try this.http://www.reloadammo.com/40loads.htm

[natomasboy]

Why is load data not consistent with all powders? Some powders are listed only for certain bullet weights. I see this in almost all load manuals.

[Ugly Dwarf]

Why is load data not consistent with all powders? Some powders are listed only for certain bullet weights. I see this in almost all load manuals.

Different powder burn rates work better with different bullet weights in a given caliber.

Different bullets of the same weight, but different design / manufacturer also need different load data. I believe this is largely tied to bullet material and bearing surface, but there are probably other factors.

Different load data for an identical combo of powder, primer, case and bullet will probably relate to the observed pressures by the testing source (Lyman, Hornaday, the powder manufacturer and most other reloading books will probably run their own tests). Sometimes you'll find that a source amends / changes it's maximum loads for a given combination, and I assume this is based on additional testing or other findings, causing them to adjust charge weight up or down. It could also be accounted for with changes in the formulation / burn rate of the powder, but I don't think this is a common practice amongst powder makers.

It's a commonly held best practice to consult at LEAST two (more is better) reputable sources (bullet, powder or reloading equipment manufacturer published data). If you can't find the load data for the powder / bullet you wish to use, you can often call the tech support line for the powder maker. You can use load data found on forums like this, but I would not consider it reliable unless you were able to validate it from other sources.

ALWAYS (no matter where you got your data) start 10% below max load and work up.

[Leon75x55]

I'gve been to Steves Pages, and I use some of his data, it has not failed me. He gives Max and min weights. I usually just plink so I use mid range. Every round goes boom down the range. Steel target at 250 yards every time open sights.

[mif_slim]

For 180gr lead cast bullet 40SW I use AA#5 at 5.8gr with OAL set at 28.81mm. No sign of leading so far (700 rounds) These are the 180gr Lee molds that Im using.