New to reloading

[circlecityrabbit]

Hello all,
I am very new to reloading and understand the basics but im just getting started. I'm having trouble finding proper load data. Does anyone know what would be an appropriate load using 155gr HBRN copper plated bullets for 40 s&w? My powder is Hodgdon longshot and my primers are CCI. Thanks for any info!

[HighLander51]

Hodgdon website...

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

everything you need to know is online.

155 GR. HDY XTP Hodgdon Longshot .400" 1.125" 7.5 1129 24,900 PSI 9.3 1283 31,900 PSI

Start at maximum length and minimum powder weight. Oh, and get a case gage.

[Che762x39]

[glassparman]

If you really want to do it with your own choices of projectiles and such, get a chronograph, start your loads 10% lower than what you see published and then work up to the velocity and accuracy you want.

I tend to use the published data as only a starting point.

A decent chronograph is under $75 on Amazon.

[drdarrin@sbcglobal.net]

Hello all,
I am very new to reloading and understand the basics but im just getting started. I'm having trouble finding proper load data. Does anyone know what would be an appropriate load using 155gr HBRN copper plated bullets for 40 s&w? My powder is Hodgdon longshot and my primers are CCI. Thanks for any info!

If you're going to load plated or cast bullets, I'd suggest you get a manual like the Lyman 4th Edition Cast Bullet Handbook. They don't list a load for that particular powder for any 40 cal bullet in their manual.

Hodgdon website...

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

everything you need to know is online.

155 GR. HDY XTP Hodgdon Longshot .400" 1.125" 7.5 1129 24,900 PSI 9.3 1283 31,900 PSI

Start at maximum length and minimum powder weight. Oh, and get a case gage.

Not quite.

The Hornady XTP is a jacketed bullet and the OP is using Plated. Plated should be loaded like cast bullets.

7.5 grains of Longshot will push the XTP at 1129 fps and it will push a plated bullet faster, if I recall correctly (lead is softer and offers less resistance). 1129 fps is pretty close to the top end for the 150gr cast bullet so OP, if you start there, don't be surprised if you have some leading issues or have the plating fragment. (I speak from experience on the fragmenting.)

Personally, I wouldn't use that particular powder with that bullet. If you choose to give it a try, I'd reduce the starting load by 10% (that would be about 6.8 grains) and check very closely for pressure signs.

[Pauliedad]

.40 has a lot less published data for commonly used powders. Internet searches and all the conversations about loading .40 were very educational. Search here on calguns for some and go from there.
Good luck