New to Reloading and Confused...

[allensm]

[Bill Steele]

Just use the Hodgdon data for the 180 XTP and you will be fine. The XTP is a long bullet, so your CMJ will be fine loaded to the XTP OAL (usually 1.125" for 40 S&W)

Good luck, have fun.

[Colt562]

If im not mistaken but I believe the Lee Reloading Manual has a special section for XTP bullets.

[bumpo628]

Looks like you're on the right track. As I understand it, you're basically trying to figure out why all the load data is different from each source. Basically, the data they published is specific to the gun they tested. They can be used as guidelines for you to start working up a load. Start on the low end and increase powder as needed to make your gun reliably cycle, feed, and control accuracy.

There seem to be some wide swings in the data there. I typically go with the data published on the powder manufacturer's website. They recommend the powder to start at 4.1 grains up to 5.0. I'd probably start around 4.2 or 4.3.

http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

180 GR. HDY XTP W231 .400" 1.125" 4.1 797 23,800 PSI 5.0 947 32,900 PSI

As for the OAL, you want to see if there is data in the lyman 49th or another source. You could use a piece of factory ammo to measure. Or, seat the bullet as long as possible without binding up in the magazine.

Always use the barrel of your gun to test fit your completed rounds. You'll basically be using it like a case gauge.

[Chief-7700]

Winchester-231 and HP-38 are the same powder just different packaging.

[gunboat]

I think you are just plain overthinking.
Reloading is not nuclear science or brain surgery.
Just pick a recipe and give it a try -

[the led farmer]

If im not mistaken but I believe the Lee Reloading Manual has a special section for XTP bullets.

yes it does


this is good example why as a new reloader it's important to buy bullet/powder combinations that are listed in a RELIABLE source (manual, manufacturer website) until you feel confident in your knowledge to branch out.

not to say that you can't figure it out (i did) but it adds a layer of confusion

[Bill Steele]

If im not mistaken but I believe the Lee Reloading Manual has a special section for XTP bullets.

The OP's problem isn't finding XTP data, he doesn't have XTP bullets.

As Gunboat pointed out he is over thinking the problem, but at least the OP has learned enough to be concerned, even if he is splitting hairs a little too fine.

Lee 2nd edition has loads for 180gr jacketed for both powders he has on hand (HP38/W231 and WSF) that will be fine to use with his MG CMJ bullets, or as I posted earlier he can just use the 180gr XTP data on the Hodgdon site. The OP will learn how to do safe substitutions as he learns the ropes.

[Colt562]

True but you said soemthing about XTP bullets

[Fjold]

A few thousandths difference in the OAL isn't going to make a big difference in pressure in a pistol round.

OAL is more critical to how the gun feeds the ammunition nd I often adjust OAL after working up loads to fine tune feeding in semi-auto pistols.

As long as you use develop loads watching for pressure signs and are not running right on the ragged edge of the pressure limits you'll be fine.

[Bill Steele]

True but you said soemthing about XTP bullets

Right, I said he could use the XTP data he had...

[stand125]

Where are you located? there may be some old salt living near you that can help you out. You got possibly the best all around press ever made so good on you for that. If you have the LEE disk type powder drop be aware that the disks usually drop less than advertised so keep a log of what the actual powder amount is per cavity. FMJ data is usually higher than lead so if I am ever concerned about a load I always start with lead minimum load data and go from there. I always shoot one round at a time when working a new load incase my load is way to weak but still manages to cycle the weapon. I also never make more than ten rounds when I start out to prevent me from having to pull a bunch of bullets if I under or over charge for my liking.

[em9sredbeam]

I load my 180gr FP at 1.125".

[allensm]

Stand125: I'm just down the road in Marysville (profile updated) and may indeed bounce some questions off you here and there in the future if you don't mind. I have the Lee Pro Auto-Disk Powder Measure with the Lee Micrometer Adjustable Charge Bar just because of the things I have read about the disks. I still plan on individually weighing every test round to make sure and then probably at least every 5 once I get into production.

Everyone Else: I appreciate all your help and confidence with my efforts. It was a long day yesterday and with my eagerness to get started and wanting to see something in print that matches what I had I guess I just needed to dump my thoughts somewhere. It's good to see that I was pretty much on the right track and the nudge to just validate my thinking and get started has helped.

I plan on working up various "safe" loads over the next couple of days and reporting back with my results.

Thanks again...

I already have load data labels tracking everything I load and will attach them to the targets I use for each grain step. That way I can have the data and the visual of how well I did with that particular test case.

[stand125]

you probably will not be able to use the adjustable charge bar. It is very innacurate with smaller charges. You should be fine with either the .43 or .46 disk if you use W231 or HP-38 powder.