Reloading the 40 S&W

[264fan]

My son just bought a 40 S&W and wants me to reload for him, I've been reloading for years but no experience with this caliber. What are some good powder choices for moderate loads?

[Larry L]

Any of the medium burn rate powders work good in the 40SW. I load Unique and AA5 mostly. Power Pistol is the King of the 40SW but that's for max loads as accuracy suffers from my experience when loading that particular powder at anything less than max. Most of my 40's like bullet weights around 135-165 gr. None likes the heavier end bullets. I plink a lot with Rainier 135 HPs light loads. Recoil is about that of a full load in a 9mm. So far, accuracy with all of the 40's is really good with groups commonly at 1" at 25 yds from bags.

[KansasPaul]

I have had great success with Winchester 231.  I load 180 grn Hornady XTP over 5 grains of 231. It has proven to be a great load in my guns (S&W 4006 and Springfield XD). I have also loaded 180 grn cast bullets from Missouri Bullet over 4.5 grains of 231 and some Berrys 180 grain plated bullets with the same powder weight.   

Be aware that reloading .40 S&W is not recommended for use in Glock pistols because the case is not fully supported in the Glock chamber.

Paul

[mauser98us]

231 for good accuracy and blue dot for a little more speed.

[gypsyman]

I like to use either 231 or AA No. 7. Not so much for speed, but very little chance of an overload due to case capacity. gypsyman

[1sourdough]

 I just shot off a few magazines worth in my USP 40c H&K. My plinking load is 5.2 grains H Universal & a 165 grn plated bullet. The load won't get you in any trouble and cycles very well. When I load for others(seldom), I leave a little room at the top end.

[Savage]

I haven't found anything different in loading for the .40 than other straight wall pistol cartridges. There is lots of data using most common pistol powders. I load for action pistol velocities using Bullseye or Promo. I have tried Unique and WW231, all with good results under the 175gr LSWC bullet. Accuracy is quite acceptable with them all, and function is 100%. That's all I need for my applications.
Savage

[zeke08]

I use AA5, and blue dot 165gr. JHP's very accurate loads great carry weapon.