40 S&W starting from scratch

[mntbighker]

Greetings,

Since I have seen no replies to my question about reloading clubs in the SF South Bay area, I'm assuming there may not be any. So I am starting to assemble the bits and pieces to start reloading for my Glock 35. I am ordering range brass now at under 4 cents a shell. I talked to a guy in Petaluma at the show yesterday, and it looks like I will be getting Titegroup and CCI or Federal primers from him. That leaves the bullets. Can anyone suggest any reason not to go with Xtreme 180 gr fully jacketed at about 10 cents each? I have looked around, but so far found no local source for bullets. To be fair, I have not really checked Reed's or other local shops because I expect them to be over priced. But I could be mistaken. The place I'm buying my Glock doesn't carry reloading supplies at all. My general plan is to load for L major. I actually have not decided on a press yet either, but I'm leaning toward a Dillon 650 unless something pops up in the classified that I can't pass up. The last press I used was a Rock Chucker, but that was 20 years ago.

[MrElectric03]

I'm not local to you so can't comment on those questions.

As for xtreme I use most of what they offer. Different weights in 9mm, 38/357, 40, 45, 223, and 30 cal. I've never had an issue. I won't say they are perfect as none are but for the price they are tough to beat.

I've not used titegroup yet, simply because I haven't found it when I, in need of powder. In a better market where I can be choosey about what I buy Id like to try it. CCI primers are what I use and I e heard no horror stories about federals. I wouldn't hesitate to use them.

I use a dillon 650 and love it. Again nothing is perfect presses included, but once you get used to it and can listen to it when it talks to you, rounds Will easily and quickly crank out.

One thing I'll add as you are buying range brass .40, Id suggest getting a buldge buster or redding grx die to run your brass through. You can read up on "glocked" brass on your own. Only certain guns with only partially supported chambers cause it but as you are buying unknown brass Id suggest to run it all through to be safe. Also if it's been 20 years since you've reloaded, never hurts to pickup a manual and refresh your memory.

[mntbighker]

Awesome to get some moral support :-)

I asked my brass guy specifically about percentage of bulged brass, and he claims there will be none. But I appreciate the heads up, and I will likely want to have a bulge buster on hand anyway. But I'm hoping my gun and my shooting will not cause bulge issues. The whole idea of "fixing" bulged cases actually bothers me.

My powder guy was heavily pushing VihtaVuori to me?

[Voo]

I load on a 650 and it's a great press. I'm also on a 550 and between the two, the 550 is a dinosaur..

The components you have are good. Titegroup and CCI are good to go. VHIT is pretty pricey and while it's good stuff, if all you're going to be doing is plinking, it's a bit overkill. If you're shooting a few hundred rounds a month, then get whatever as the pricing won't matter too much. But if you're competing and looking at 10000's of rounds a year, then you might want to project your costs and see what the dollar difference will be running Titegroup vs Vhit vs powder a, b,c..

I just posted about Glock brass as well. The Lee Bulge Buster is pretty labor intensive setup. My friend recommends the EGW U-Die. He shoots A LOT and swears by the U-Die. Mine just arrived today so I havent' had a chance to set it up. You might want to do some research.

As far as recipes, you stated you wanted "L Major" I'm not exactly familiar with that? In any event, I say you start on the minimum side and work your way up. You need to have a chronograph (or have access) to one if you're going to be loading hot ammo, especially with 40 s&w. It's already a high pressure round. The learning curve could be pretty steep if you're not careful.

Good luck and go carefully!

[mntbighker]

Thanks for the verification the 650 is the better choice. The whole idea of manually rotating the shell holder bugs me.

There is a lot of really good loading info on the Enos forum for .40 with chrono data shot from the Glock 35. I think I have a good starting point. OAL seems to be the main thing to watch to avoid over pressure.

[tanks]

I had just bought "LYMAN 40 SW/10MM CARBIDE 3 DIE SET, S/H #15" for a .40 S&W, but ended up returning the gun due to the fact that it was not functioning. Hence, no need for dies. I can let you have it for $50 + shipping.

[mntbighker]

I had just bought "LYMAN 40 SW/10MM CARBIDE 3 DIE SET, S/H #15" for a .40 S&W, but ended up returning the gun due to the fact that it was not functioning. Hence, no need for dies. I can let you have it for $50 + shipping.

Thanks, I believe I will be sticking with Dillon unless something drastically changes my plans.

[noylj]

If you want to get all the accuracy you can out of your pistol, I have not found any plated bullets to be very good.
.40S&W is a very temperamental round to load (it bites the hand that feeds it), and that is more true for many Glocks.
TG is a fast powder for .40S&W and loads should be from start (or lower if you are going for minor loads) and no higher than mid-range. I have found that it shows pressure spikes in my guns at light loads. I don't care what action pistol sports "require," I would be careful with any powder faster than AA5.

[mntbighker]

If you want to get all the accuracy you can out of your pistol, I have not found any plated bullets to be very good.
.40S&W is a very temperamental round to load (it bites the hand that feeds it), and that is more true for many Glocks.
TG is a fast powder for .40S&W and loads should be from start (or lower if you are going for minor loads) and no higher than mid-range. I have found that it shows pressure spikes in my guns at light loads. I don't care what action pistol sports "require," I would be careful with any powder faster than AA5.

Have you loaded for a 5 inch barrel .40? Here is one thread I found on the G35. My powder guy is heavily pushing N320, but a lot of folks seem to like Titegroup. I see you are NOT one of them judging by your other posts on Enos.

[csiddens]

I saw your thread on south bay clubs, and being in the south bay, I was interested as well. But I guess you're right, nobody is that organized.

I do reload .40 on my dillon 550.. I have both Sig and Springfield XDMs in .40, no glocks. I haven't used a 650, but the 550 loads more than my bro and I can shoot just fine, and I've heard the caliber changes are easier (I load 9mm, 357 sig, .40, .45 and .223).

My dillon doesn't like cci primers, they tend to jam in the loading tube, so I stick with winchesters.

I use Win 231/HP 38. Power pistol also has done me well.

I'm also a big fan of xtreme bullets, for all my loads. Berrys have also worked well for me. I've only used 165gr for .40.

[himurax13]

Greetings,

Since I have seen no replies to my question about reloading clubs in the SF South Bay area, I'm assuming there may not be any. So I am starting to assemble the bits and pieces to start reloading for my Glock 35. I am ordering range brass now at under 4 cents a shell. I talked to a guy in Petaluma at the show yesterday, and it looks like I will be getting Titegroup and CCI or Federal primers from him. That leaves the bullets. Can anyone suggest any reason not to go with Xtreme 180 gr fully jacketed at about 10 cents each? I have looked around, but so far found no local source for bullets. To be fair, I have not really checked Reed's or other local shops because I expect them to be over priced. But I could be mistaken. The place I'm buying my Glock doesn't carry reloading supplies at all. My general plan is to load for L major. I actually have not decided on a press yet either, but I'm leaning toward a Dillon 650 unless something pops up in the classified that I can't pass up. The last press I used was a Rock Chucker, but that was 20 years ago.

Are you using the stock or do you have an aftermarket barrel like a KKM?

In either case, you should get these:

http://www.egwguns.com/index.php?p=product&id=840

This will take care of the Glock Bulge

http://www.egwguns.com/index.php?p=product&id=851

The chamber checker is only usefull if you are making Sammi spec loads. If you use a longer OAL or a wider bullet than .401 then it may not work for you.

If you can score some Titegroup and Federal Primers, you should be good to go.

I used Xtreme plated bullets years ago. They look pretty but I was not impressed. You are better off using hard cast lead (if you have an aftermarket barrel such as KKM). I use Bear Creek, FMJ, or Hollow Points. I have had much better luck with the bullets in the 175 to 180g range. Look around, there are several places online that offer bulk purchase discounts.

A 650 is an excellent reloading machine but it is quite costly, especially if you want to change calibers. I have found some decent deals on Ebay and craigslist in the past.

A 550 is more versatile and is much cheaper and faster to switch calibers.

[JTROKS]

I use TG for 40S&W and works for me with 180 grn lead hardcast. When I load heavy jacketed bullets 180-200 I use a slower burning powder like Ramshot Silhoutte.

[mntbighker]

I use TG for 40S&W and works for me with 180 grn lead hardcast. When I load heavy jacketed bullets 180-200 I use a slower burning powder like Ramshot Silhoutte.

I'm sticking with the stock barrel (so far, so no lead), and actually the ONLY powder I can find "in town" that comes close to working is HS-6. Which appears will work, but I am working on finding Titegroup or N320 if I can. I will probably get a pound of HS-6 just to get started shooting and of course start very conservative. I have a source for Titegroup, but only 8 pound jugs, and probably N320 in only 4 pound jugs.

[himurax13]

Where is this source of 8lb jugs of titegroup?

You can easily make minor with Titegroup and you can just barely make a hair over major if you use the 180g Bear Creeks.

[mntbighker]

Where is this source of 8lb jugs if titegroup?

It says "sale pending".

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=902815