Load Development -- Where to from here?

[BoxesOfLiberty]

I've got my press set-up, found the components I need, and made 5 small batches (15 rds each) of .40 S&W ammo using 165gr Rainier RNFPs, Federal small pistol primers, and varying amounts of Hodgdon Universal Clays.

I took my ammo to the range along with some Federal 180gr FMJ from as a control, and shot 5-shot groups at 25 yards from my Beretta 96D (4.9" DAO) supported on a sandbag.

After each batch, I recovered and examined my brass.

Here are my results:


Batch Powder Best Group
01A 4.2gr Universal ~6 inches
01B 4.4gr Universal ~5 inches
01C 4.6gr Universal ~4 inches
01D 4.8gr Universal ~4 inches
01E 5.1gr Universal ~4 inches

Federal 180gr FMJ ~6 inches


My handloads sounded a little odd ... a little bit like a rubber ball being bounced hard against cement... and the lighter ones had extremely low recoil. As expected, as the powder level increased, the felt recoil also increased, with my final batch (01E) felt very similar to the Federal 180gr.

I didn't have any cycling problems (FTE, FTF, or etc.), despite how light the first couple of loads were.

None of the expended cartridges showed any swelling and none of the primers showed signs of overpressure.

None of the batches grouped better than 4 inches at 25yds. I suppose this could be the limit of the gun (or more likely the trigger puller). Perhaps I should get some sort of rest more consistent than my sandbag -- any recommendation?

I'm not sure what to make of the results ...

I guess I will load some that are hotter yet to see if accuracy improves any, but if it doesn't I guess I will settle on 01C as my best load and crank out a few boxes of it.

Comments?

Suggestions?

[yoitsbruce]

good data. i got 2 get my 1st set to the range.

[bruceflinch]

Where did you get your beginning load data from?
Typically the middle of the road powder charges seem to be the most accurate.

[BoxesOfLiberty]

Where did you get your beginning load data from?
Typically the middle of the road powder charges seem to be the most accurate.

I had a hard time finding data for the 165gr RNFP. These are plated bullets and Rainier just says to use load data for lead bullets. My Hornady manual didn't have anything useful, and neither did the Hodgdon manual, so I scoured the interwebs and came up with a dozen or so loads for 165 grain TMJs and GDHP (also plated). I loaded all the data I could find for 165gr bullets into an Excel spreadsheet, and picked out a handful that seemed credible and made sense relative to other load data I could find for the same or similar bullets and powders. The data (and some forum comments I found on a couple of sites) seemed to indicate that 5.1gr of Universal was going to be a good load, but I intentionally started low (4.2gr) to try to be safer.

After loading these, my Lyman manual came in the mail (Midway just got it back into stock). The Lyman 49th edition has a good bit of data on the 165gr TMJ. It doesn't include any load data for Universal, but I can extrapolate from the load data it does have using Power Pistol and Unique as bracketing values that my loads are probably still on the light side and that I might find the max load at or around 5.3 - 5.5gr...

[SixPointEight]

[FONT="Courier New"]
Batch Powder Best Group
01A 4.2gr Universal ~6 inches
01B 4.4gr Universal ~5 inches
01C 4.6gr Universal ~4 inches
01D 4.8gr Universal ~4 inches
01E 5.1gr Universal ~4 inches

I guess I will load some that are hotter yet to see if accuracy improves any, but if it doesn't I guess I will settle on 01C as my best load and crank out a few boxes of it.

Comments?

Suggestions?

If you are just going to pick one, pick 01D. That gives you a cushion up or down, then if you're powder charge is a little off, your group would still be in the 4" range.

That's just me

[swifty]

Comments?

Suggestions?

The Beretta 92/96 pistols are built for combat and have a wide rear sight notch, to allow more light in and define the front sight in low light conditions. Be very conscious of this and make sure the sights are aligned while pulling the trigger.

When shooting for accuracy try to be as consistent as possible from shot to shot. When firing hold the trigger to the rear until recoil is gone and do not raise your head to look at the target until recoil is gone.

Use a smaller bullseye target and use a 6o'clock hold. The paper needs to be large enough to clearly see the outline of the sights. I prefer black sights for the contrast on the buff colored targets.

Shooting two-handed and sandbagged will make many light loads function the gun. Be sure to try to allow your loads to malfunction, shoot limp-wristing and one-handed. Your loads should be able to function the gun correctly with these "shooter errors", if not a heavier load may be needed.