Loading for small CCW gun

[TakeAbackRoad]

Hi all, I'm wondering if anyone has a load they like for compact .40 cal Specifically a M&P shield.

I just put my first 150 rounds through the gun and really like it, but I want to do some load work for it. I'm pretty new at reloading but have loaded quite a bit for my full size M&P .40 cal.

Do you guys change anything for the smaller carry guns? I would assume load them a little lighter then I would my full size.

[CSACANNONEER]

Many people advise against reloading or handloading for a SD gun. They think it will give the DA another reason to go after you in the event of a shoot. These people think that you should try to use the same ammo that your local LEA uses.

OTOH, I am not in that camp. I roll my own and use my own (sometimes) in carry guns. If you are punching paper that is threatening you, a lighter load would be good. However, in a SD situation, do you really want a light load? How light you go should be a balance between power factor and your ability to place a shot where you want it.

[rsrocket1]

At first, I was of the school "practice like you fight" and believed in duplicating the recoil of SD rounds to a "T". That's fine, but I don't think it is absolutely necessary. Since we reload, it is no problem but if anyone doesn't reload, then just about any reliable ammo will be satisfactory and certainly beats shooting less with more expensive ammo.

I wouldn't recommend these loads for SD, but if you want to know what a Shield 9 would feel like, load 180g bullets with 3.0g Red Dot or Clays and you'll get the same recoil as a 120g 9mm bullet at 1100 fps.

My typical practice round is a 180g LTC bullet with 5g Unique. Good recoil, but not punishing and comfortable even after 200 rounds. Well below max pressure and velocity, but not too different than a full power round. I've gone back and forth between 5g and 6g Unique and there is so little difference between individual shots, that you won't notice the difference when practicing.

[CAL.BAR]

Yep. For cub-compacts like M&P shield and HKP2000SK cut the load way down. I use 4.5g HP38 (or W231) For "normal loads" the books call for anything from 5.0 to 6.5. While the subbies can certainly handle the heavier loads, they are less pleasant to shoot over a long period of time.

[Germz]

Many people advise against reloading or handloading for a SD gun. They think it will give the DA another reason to go after you in the event of a shoot. These people think that you should try to use the same ammo that your local LEA uses.

I have always thought this was illogical. What is inherently different about ammunition I purchase and the ammunition I make? published data? regardless, the end result will be the same (if you so choose it to be).

what argument would could one make against you? the ammunition you make was designed to maximize suffering...or some BS like that? I'd love to see how they prove that intent...

[at_liberty]

Try the lower end of the data you have.

[twotacocombo]

Many people advise against reloading or handloading for a SD gun.

These are people who clearly haven't experienced a faulty factory round yet. I'd feel far more comfortable rolling my own SD ammo, taking the time to make sure everything was done as close to perfect as can be. Would you let an unattended machine pack your parachute? If it comes down to whether or not you were justified in a shooting, I seriously doubt who made the ammo would swing a jury one way or the other.

[at_liberty]

These are people who clearly haven't experienced a faulty factory round yet. I'd feel far more comfortable rolling my own SD ammo, taking the time to make sure everything was done as close to perfect as can be. Would you let an unattended machine pack your parachute? If it comes down to whether or not you were justified in a shooting, I seriously doubt who made the ammo would swing a jury one way or the other.

I think I might be really impressed, if I saw how brand name ammo was manufactured, and quality was controlled. Out of the box, typical rounds look like flawless jewelry.

[blkside]

These are people who clearly haven't experienced a faulty factory round yet. I'd feel far more comfortable rolling my own SD ammo, taking the time to make sure everything was done as close to perfect as can be. Would you let an unattended machine pack your parachute? If it comes down to whether or not you were justified in a shooting, I seriously doubt who made the ammo would swing a jury one way or the other.

No these are people who do not wish to explain to the court why they shot the burglar with the extra special homemade murder round the prosecutor is going to spin it as.

What is the chances that all of the shooters on here, you are one of a few to experience a faulty factory round. More people experience issues with home loads more than factory, I guarantee it. Then you add in the novice shooter now turned reloader who sees your post and takes your advice. Now they are carring on their 40th homemade SD round and it has no charge.

That is the reason why many of us dont suggest home loads. I feel much better about a factory round than a home load even my own for the facts stated. Not because I dont think I would get it right but there are too many variables that can make me look wrong.

Let me know if people were swayed against black talons by the media... oh thats right they were. Just checking.

[TakeAbackRoad]

I like the idea of loading my own SD ammo. I have had faulty factory ammo, and the only faulty reload I have had yet was my brother using my gear somehow didn't get a primer in a .45ACP round.

If I load my own SD pistol ammo obviously of extra care would be taken to make sure each is in spec and as perfect as I can make it.

I ran some loads that were pretty hot through my shield and it did better then I expected, but I felt that accuracy was affected. I will try some a little lighter. I have most of a pound of unique, and about half a pound of tite group left. Finding pistol power has been impossible!

[manny]

These are people who clearly haven't experienced a faulty factory round yet. I'd feel far more comfortable rolling my own SD ammo, taking the time to make sure everything was done as close to perfect as can be. Would you let an unattended machine pack your parachute? If it comes down to whether or not you were justified in a shooting, I seriously doubt who made the ammo would swing a jury one way or the other.

Exactly! buy and use quality components and carefully roll your own, best feeling of security in the world.

[echo6cavedog]

Exactly! buy and use quality components and carefully roll your own, best feeling of security in the world.

^^^ THIS!