reloading 40 sw

[Shoot-it]

I am thinking about reloading for my xd-40 .I have a reloading manual that has different fps loads what is needed so my gun will cycle. 900 fps 800 fps etc.

I read some people will put lighter springs so they could shoot lighter loads less recoil for competition. I am not into that I just want to do a idpa club match once and awhile.

[XDRoX]

What manual do you have? If it's a good manual your XD will probably cycle any of the loads, even the light ones. Most modern manuals only post the mid ranges of loads anyways to keep from getting sued.
I don't load 40, but for 9mm I can drop the loads way below the manual specs and still get the gun to cycle.
But really you're probably just going to have to load some rounds and test them out in your gun. Even when using a manual everything won't be the same as your stuff. Too many variables like brass, primer, bullet, barrel length, ect.

[dbear22]

I load a lot of 40. when I got started I took the recipes in the book and found a mid point and then knocked 10% off the powder. Start small only load a mag full or so at a time until you get something that feels right. I have heard you have to be careful with .40 because of the pressures but I have never had a issue doing it that way

[mif_slim]

I just finished loading some last week that shot 802fps average on #5 powder, CCI SRP, 180 leadcast bullets. Locks the slide in place every last shot.

[Shoot-it]

I am using Hornady 7th edition. I noticed even on the rifles the max is low.I have went over max on my 7mm rem mag with no pressure signs.

The published data I have 40sw says I can get 1000 fps on max with power pistol and blue dot and 800 x. I know blue dot is a shotgun powder like clays. I will just be using what ever I can find locally i am sure clays would be easier to find.

Do you guys crimp your 40 S&w ammo. I can't seem to find the answer any where I think I don't need to but i am asking to be on the safe side.

thanks all for your help!

[FieldsofFire]

My XD-40 cycled just fine with some of my lighter loads, basically just minimum charge for a certain published load. Although, I felt that anything lighter than that, it would start having issues possibly. Sorry that doesn't give you much info, but if you're trying a starting load, it should cycle just fine.