40SW First timer.......

ColdShot · 08-02-2010, 13:42

Well I loaded my first 50 and NO FTFs and I still have my fingers....

I am glad for all those who helped with the suggestions on my earlier thread..

Observation :
Using 180g FMJ,6.0g Unique 1.12OAL

I shot some walmart federals and some HSTs and my own reloads
and mine just felt sluggish ,less snappy....Slow even if thats possible ??
Or maybe its just me,I dunno but it needs jump thats for sure

Im thinking A) I need more powder ?or
B) Switch to something else like PowerPistol ?

I am not gonna lie,my ass was nervous with that first
50 reloads

fredj338 · 08-02-2010, 14:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by ColdShot

Well I loaded my first 50 and NO FTFs and I still have my fingers....

I am glad for all those who helped with the suggestions on my earlier thread..

Observation :
Using 180g FMJ,6.0g Unique 1.12OAL

I shot some walmart federals and some HSTs and my own reloads
and mine just felt sluggish ,less snappy....Slow even if thats possible ??
Or maybe its just me,I dunno but it needs jump thats for sure

Im thinking A) I need more powder ?or
B) Switch to something else like PowerPistol ?

I am not gonna lie,my ass was nervous with that first
50 reloads

It's almost impossible to gage vel by feel. If you are happy w/ the accuracy of that load, shoot it. Exactly duplicating your SD ammo is good, but not crucial.

shotgunred · 08-02-2010, 14:13

I only get nervous on the first one.

ColdShot · 08-02-2010, 15:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by shotgunred

I only get nervous on the first one.

Honest I was on all of them but now I am ready to load up a few hundred and relax a bit.....

MSgt Dotson · 08-02-2010, 15:58

Alliant shows up to 6.7 gr max with 180 gr Gold Dot, but, if I were you, I'd try to be content with 6.0 gr....; longer brass life (even so, I'd toss the cases after 6-8 full power loadings), better safety margin...

FLSlim · 08-03-2010, 06:20

If your reloads shot well and you are just punching paper, "don't worry, be happy." I've loaded around a thousand 40's with Power Pistol and am happy with that powder. If you just want to try different components, PP would be worth a try. Even with middle of the road loads, PP doesn't feel sluggish to me.

albyihat · 08-03-2010, 11:43

i went through 5lbs of PP and loved it except for muzzle flash. if you are looking to really push the limit with the .40 PP is a good choice but high power loads equal reduced bbl. and gun life and less loadings with the brass. (see Dotson's post above) 7.6gr of Power Pistol would run a 165gr fmj at around 1130fps in my g22 this is a darn snappy load but you can get similar results with unique using 6.9gr with a 165gr fmj. Spend the money on a chrono and you won't be dissapointed i have had heavy feeling loads be slower then the light feeling loads(felt recoil). A chrono can also show you that more powder in a load does not necessarly make a faster round. this will help save money and make your powder go further. a half a grain adds up over 10,000 rds

ColdShot · 08-03-2010, 11:46

I have 180G bullets right now......Maybe I need to try some 165s or lighter
Whats the advantages or disadvantages to lower and higher weight bullets (noob question im sure)

albyihat · 08-03-2010, 11:54

be careful with that question it can open a can of worms. lol shoot what feels best and fits your budget i recomend shooting all the bullet weights you can and making your own decision based on your gun and shooting. i like 165 and 180 in the .40 but that is just me and i mostly shoot lighter loads in IDPA as i am cheap and don't want to wear out the gun too fast. (still make PF but on the low end). I would stick with Unique though it works for everything pistol (almost) but it is nice to have a fall back powder that you have tested and worked up loads for, because you might not always be able to buy Unique

fredj338 · 08-03-2010, 12:07

A lighter bullet need more vel for reliable slide function. That higher vel can increase felt recoil. Lighter bullets are slightly cheaper.

shotgunred · 08-03-2010, 14:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by ColdShot

I have 180G bullets right now......Maybe I need to try some 165s or lighter
Whats the advantages or disadvantages to lower and higher weight bullets (noob question im sure)

I have an open 1k box of 155 that have been on my desk for over two years. In that time I have gone through over 16 boxes of 180.
180 feel softer. If you shoot games with a power factor it is easily met with a 180.