Author Topic: Which Powders for .40 S&W w/Cast Bullets?  (Read 1803 times)

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Offline jasonprox700

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Which Powders for .40 S&W w/Cast Bullets?
« on: December 17, 2010, 09:53:54 AM »
I'm looking for suggestions on powders for my .40 S&W shooting both 165 & 180gr cast bullets.  If possible, I'd like to stick with one that I can use between both bullets.  I've never loaded for a pistol before, so any suggestions would be helpful.

Offline 1sourdough

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Re: Which Powders for .40 S&W w/Cast Bullets?
« Reply #1 on: December 17, 2010, 12:00:58 PM »
 I use Hodgdon Universal with 165 grn plated bullets. My loads are mild but have cycled fine in several guns. My charge is 5.1 grains.
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Offline calvon

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Re: Which Powders for .40 S&W w/Cast Bullets?
« Reply #2 on: December 17, 2010, 12:24:14 PM »
I've been using AA-7 with good results with a 185 cast bullet in a P-229 Sig. I've also used Winchester WSF with good results. I prefer the ball powders because they meter so good.

Offline GH1

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Re: Which Powders for .40 S&W w/Cast Bullets?
« Reply #3 on: December 19, 2010, 06:30:23 AM »
According to my Lyman 49th edition, you can use Bullseye, Unique, AA#5, 231, Power Pistol, and 800x, amongst others.  If you need a recipe you can contact the manufacturer, but you might want to think about getting a couple of reloading books.
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Offline Dand

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Re: Which Powders for .40 S&W w/Cast Bullets?
« Reply #4 on: December 19, 2010, 09:23:53 PM »
Universal Clays, Unique and Bullseye have all worked well for me in my Walther p99.
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Offline KansasPaul

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Re: Which Powders for .40 S&W w/Cast Bullets?
« Reply #5 on: December 20, 2010, 04:21:53 AM »
I've been using Winchester 231 for my cast loads in .40 S&W.  The bullets I am using are Missouri Bullets - 185 grain. Absolutely no issues with this powder.

Offline rybo

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Re: Which Powders for .40 S&W w/Cast Bullets?
« Reply #6 on: December 22, 2010, 10:41:46 AM »
I have had good results with AA#5, Unique & Universal Clays
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Offline Savage

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Re: Which Powders for .40 S&W w/Cast Bullets?
« Reply #7 on: December 23, 2010, 02:40:28 PM »
As others have said, most any relatively fast pistol powder works great with cast bullets in .40.  I currently using "Promo" with the 170gr LSWC from Missouri Bullet. Go to Alliant's web site for load data. Use Red Dot data for loading Promo.  I bought 4-8# jugs of Promo because of the price. It works great in the 9mm and .45 acp as well.
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Offline Hit or Miss

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Re: Which Powders for .40 S&W w/Cast Bullets?
« Reply #8 on: December 27, 2010, 02:19:30 PM »
Clays has been my go to powder for years in most of the pistols I load for.
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