Loading .40 S&W for Glock

[sequoia_nomad]

I'm in the process of loading my first batch of .40 for my Glock 22. I am using 180 gr. Zero fmj over 4.9 gr. Universal and a CCI 500 with oal 1.124". Does this sound like a safe starting load? I've loaded thousands of 9mm and .38 Special with great success, but the repetitive warnings in reloading manuals regarding unsupported chambers has me a little spooked. The brass wasn't fired in a Glock so the bulge is not severe, but is slightly present, although mostly disappeared after sizing. I have a factory barrel and Rcbs carbide dies. Any words of wisdom/warning/encouragement?

[Chief-7700]

Warning: Only use this data in handguns that fully support the cartridge in the chamber. If used in unsupported chambers, cases can rupture and cause harm to the shooter and bystanders.
Lyman's 49th Edition.

[sequoia_nomad]

Yeah, that's the one. You're really good at the repetition, too.

[Chief-7700]

Sorry for the double post, I fixed it.

[sequoia_nomad]

I thought you did it on purpose, very fitting, I got a laugh out of it.

[Chief-7700]

I thought you did it on purpose, very fitting, I got a laugh out of it.

Glad I made you laugh.

[sequoia_nomad]

Really though, anything I can use? If the unsupported chamber was that bad then any ammo would be unsafe to fire, right? I only plan on making light target loads.

[Chief-7700]

Remember that your are using 1x to unknown fired brass and it could have some internal damage by repeated reloading. The .40S&W is a high pressure round, from what my reference material says your starting load is just above minimum. Make sure that you do not seat the bullet to a shorter length that what is published in your reloading manuals since the pressure will increase dramatically which is not a good thing.

[Chief-7700]

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

http://www.handloads.com/

[Munk]

Basically, they're just oging on the popular stories about the KBs that happen from time to time. While rare, it's worth considering. If you want a better fitting chamber, get a new barrel. I've seen the difference it makes, It's nice.

If you still use the stock, unsupported, oversize chambered glock barrel, then you need to be extra mindful of policing your brass for defects. You also need to be very careful to never cause an overpressure situation.

[tujungatoes]

never had a problem with my powerpistol loads in my stock G23. you'll be fine. load away. just keep an eye on your brass. I usually lose 'em before they fail.

[sequoia_nomad]

I believe it is once fired, all matching headstamps found at one place out in the hills. My Lyman Pistol and Revolver Handbook states 4.8 gr. Universal as a starting charge with a 180 gr. hp. with oal 1.115". Measured a factory 180 gr fmj and oal's are abound 1.124", figured that should be safe with a light load.

[uscbigdawg]

Weird as I've loaded for my stock G22 over and over again and I don't shoot that pistol near as much as the guys that do it all the time that I compete with.

Hmmmmmm......

Rich

[Corbin Dallas]

I'm in the process of loading my first batch of .40 for my Glock 22. I am using 180 gr. Zero fmj over 4.9 gr. Universal and a CCI 500 with oal 1.124". Does this sound like a safe starting load? I've loaded thousands of 9mm and .38 Special with great success, but the repetitive warnings in reloading manuals regarding unsupported chambers has me a little spooked. The brass wasn't fired in a Glock so the bulge is not severe, but is slightly present, although mostly disappeared after sizing. I have a factory barrel and Rcbs carbide dies. Any words of wisdom/warning/encouragement?

Regardless of what you hear or read on the internet, ANY overloading of a charge in ANY caliber firearm WILL result in a catastrophic failure. Glock or otherwise.

With that said, I load 5.6g of Unique with a 180g Bear Creak at 1.125 OAL.

I don't care if it's 1x or 50x. As long as the brass is not cracked, over buldged or damaged in any way, I load it.

[Agent Tikki]

Honestly if you compare a fully supported aftermarket barrel with a factory Glock barrel its not very differently, Comparing the two there really isn't too much difference. Its only partially, on the lower bit where the round feeds into the chamber. If you are not pushing loads you will be A-OK.

I believe you are being maybe just a tiny bit overcautious as the factory glock isn't completely unsuported. Also I remember reading somewhere that all the quirks (like .40 cal glock smiles, and cracked frames) where all ironed out by Gen3 glocks. If you are gonna max out or load over recommended specs, then I'd HIGHLY recommend you going with a fully supported chamber. There are guys on the 10mm ring on glock talk that doing some heavy loads on factory "unsupported" chambers great results.