.40 help

[ogolimu]

hello. im just starting to roading ive picked .40 to start
not able to find much powders in stores all I found was AA 2 and 155gr xtreme plated rnfp bullets
the lee die set I bought said I could use 5.6 grains aa2 . I havent been able to find much peoe using aa2 in searches.
was wondering if u guys might have some advice
guns id be using are a hkp30 and a xd40

[Bill Steele]

According to Accurate's online load data the start load for that bullet weight in a Berry's plated (basically the same bullet) is 5.9gr and the max is 6.8gr. 1.125" minimum OAL. Should work for your guns, just use start loads and work up slowly. AA # 2 is pretty fast, so make sure the weights are correct before setting the bullet.

http://www.accuratepowder.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/accurate_load_data_3.5.pdf

Good luck, have fun, go slow and stay safe.

[Artsville]

Can't help you much with your questions but just work your way up cause 40 is a high pressure round. If you can start with 45acp it would be better.

[ogolimu]

I was planning to start with .45 but my friend bought a .40
what would happen if I started with like 5.2 gr or 5.4? which is below the min charge?

[Bill Steele]

I was planning to start with .45 but my friend bought a .40
what would happen if I started with like 5.2 gr or 5.4? which is below the min charge?

It is not a problem to start conservatively, just don't make a ton at each level as loads below start levels might not cycle your gun. Single feeding 100 rounds is a bummer.

Good luck, have fun.

[EscalonShooter]

I use 4.6gr Accurate #2 on 155 gr HBRN Plated bullet. It gets me 822 Fps with a light crimp. Cycles my FNP-40 just fine. Great for target shooting.

[J-cat]

Can't help you much with your questions but just work your way up cause 40 is a high pressure round.

That's actually a good thing.

Whas nice about the 40 is you can run it at 45 ACP pressures by treating it as a mini-45 ACP. I run a Glock 24 (6" slide that weighs 25 oz, use the stock 17lb recoil spring) My favorite load is 4 grains of Titegroup under a 165 FMJ FP @ 1.150" OAL. 4 grains of Bullseye shoots good too. I have gone as light as 3.8 grains of Bullseye, but the OAL had to be shortened to ensure reliable cycling. That's what? 2 grains under max? But it works!

I would try 5 grains of AA#2 to see if it cycles your gun. If it does, go down in .2gr increments until it doesnt. Then work up from there, testing each batch for accuracy off a rest. I can tell you that the 40 does not like full-power loads with fast powders. You'll find best accuracy in the starting load range.

[ogolimu]

okay ill try 5.0 grains. oo idk if it matters but im using lee dies and press. . also whats a good oal to shoot for?

[Bill Steele]

okay ill try 5.0 grains. oo idk if it matters but im using lee dies and press. . also whats a good oal to shoot for?

It doesn't matter what dies and press. Say start at 1.130". OAL. At that load level you have some room for error.

Good Luck, have fun.

[Major Danger]

okay ill try 5.0 grains. oo idk if it matters but im using lee dies and press. . also whats a good oal to shoot for?

1.125" is usually standard length. You can go longer to 1.135 or more if it will fit in your mag and feed reliably. Check the OAL listed in your data. Err on the long side and seat deeper if needed, but don't go shorter than 1.125 or the min OAL listed.

[J-cat]

why not?

[nothing4u]

why not?

http://greent.com/40Page/ammo/40/180gr.htm

[J-cat]

He's not loading a 180.

He's loading a 155.

He's thinking of going BELOW a published starting load.

[Bill Steele]

http://greent.com/40Page/ammo/40/180gr.htm

This piece has been refuted many times.

Frankly, the only bullet I load in 40 is 180gr. I buy them in case lots as I also use them in 10mm. I have never had anything that might suggest the 180's are a problem in 40S&W, nothing, nada. I only load range pickup brass in 40 (really the only reason I load 40 is the free brass).

[undercow16969]

Sounds like someone needs to get a good reloading manual or three. Follow the published recipes and you should be fine.

I use Bullseye for the powder which has ben fantastic for me so far.