Load Specs not in Manual

[VanLogan]

Hi Gang,

I am hoping someone can help me with this. I usually load Rainier Ballistics
RNFP Plated 180 Grain bullets with W231 @ 4.0 grns. Bullet length .59 OAL 1.12 for 40 S&W

I wanted to try a hard cast lead bullet so I bought a 100 sample pack of some lead FP pre lubed with this blue waxie stuff. They are 180 grain with a length of .61


The lyman book I have does not have 180 grain lead cast in 40 S&W. The closest it has is 175 Grain hard cast lead alloy bullet. It lists that one at 4.3 grains of 231.

What should I load these at? I loaded 10 at 4.0 W231 OAL 1.12 just to try. My goal is safety first and 8-900 fps. I am not loading these for extreme accuracy. they are for IDPA and other related action shooting.

Thanks,
~VL

[redneckshootist]

http://www.wwpowder.com/data/handgun/40sw.php

[mike100]

lead of the same weight usually comes out with less friction than jacketed or plated so it should have a lower peak pressure with an equal powder charge.

There are still factors like bullet shape and outer diameter being too tight. As an example- hollowpoints almost always list higher charge weights (even if the bullet weight is the same as a round nose one) because the rotational resistance is less because of the weight distribution. they resist the spin to engage the rifling less than a solid one and are more stable in flight.

There are still many things that you could overlook, but I'd say that load would be ok. Also try picking up older reloading manuals- the ones before the era of personal injury lawyers- lots of MAX-MAX loadings listed in those. powders do change- but still a good reference if you work up slowly like you are supposed to.

p.s. that 231 is going to burn off that blue bullet lube in a smokey haze that snoop dogg would be impressed with. Save those for outdoor matches..hehe.