[F106 Fan]

Whenever I see anyone talking about the .40 S&W, it usually centers around something like a 180 gr JHP. So I bought a couple of thousand Zero bullets and I'm ready to make my first attempt at loading .40 some time in the next month or so. I'll be using WSF and either Tula or Federal SP primers in once-fired Federal cases.

However, at some point I would like to load some lead bullets strictly for cost. No matter how cheap I get JHP, lead is about half as much.

Any recommendations for lead bullets? These will be shot in Sig P229s. Missouri Bullet makes some as does S&S Casting. My question is more related to bullet weight and profile rather than availability.

Any place to get load data? I looked briefly in Hornady, Speer and Lyman and didn't find anything for lead.

I did find some loads at HandLoads.com but nothing at Hodgdon or Alliant.

Lead bullets are made in .40 S&W so somebody must be using them. I'd like to join in...

Richard

[ColoCG]

I haven't loaded a lot of cast bullets in the .40, but have had good luck with a 180gr. LFP basicly a TC bullet and a 155gr LSWC bullet loaded in a G23 and a Kahr cw40. I usually load these with Unique powder.

The 2 different bullets I used were from 2 companies that are no longer in business. The bullet profiles are about the same as what missouri bullets handels. While the SWC bullet worked in my gun I would recommend a TC or FP style bullet at around 180gr. which should feed in most guns.

Good Luck

[dkf]

Wisky will be along soon to post the pic of his stolen printer paper with holes in it.

[ColoCG]

Richard, if you can't find any loading data for WSF and cast bullets, I would either use starting loads for the same weight of fmj bullet. You could also use starting loads for Unique powder for your WSF with same weight bullets. The 2 powders have about the same burning rate and characteristics. They just meter differently. Just work your load up slowly. While I do use WSF, I haven't used it with the cast bullets.

[SDGlock23]

I've had good luck with the Missouri 180gr TCFP bullets. One bullet I've used also with great results are 180gr RNFP .38-40 bullets. It's also got a wider meplat so I like to keep some around to load in my warm .40s in case I go out in the woods.

[CarryTexas]

I have been loading 155grain LSWC from Missouri Bullet. I use 5.2 grains of W231 which pushes around 980fps out of my G23.

[DoctaGlockta]

Originally Posted by dkf

Wisky will be along soon to post the pic of his stolen printer paper with holes in it.

My vote for best post of the day.

Well done Sir!

Edit: That reminds me that my order of 'WhiskyT Brand' target paper is still on back order. Take your money make you wait. Jeez.

[sig357fan]

If you’re gonna load lead, you need a lead specific load Manuel. I don’t know of any other Manuel that has as much info and load data as Lyman’s “Cast Bullet Handbook, 4th Edition”, get one, you won’t be sorry.

Sig357fan

[WiskyT]

Lyman has data for two different 175's. Just use that for your 180's. With a start load, the 5 grains won't matter.

If you want to duplicate factory ammo, 5.2 Unique is close enough to be called the same and it is below max. If you want a good "target" load, light recoil, use 3.5 Bullseye with a cast 180. It is well below max. I'm sure other fast powders could be used at similarly low levels with the same results. I don't think I clocked the 3.5 BE load, but it has more than enough energy to cycle the gun and fly straight. While it is a light load, it isn't one of those loads that you can see lobbing through the air and barely making it to the target.

There really isn't much more to add other than life is a lot eaiser with a TC bullet. Some SWC's work in some guns, but I don't understand the appeal of them. If you're going to be loosing your home to a possible miss on a scoring ring, use a 45 to nick it.

[WiskyT]

As for my targets, I'm taking my bat and ball and going home. None of you are worthy of viewing them. Not only was I going to start my own line of printer paper targets, I was going to include and autographed fired target with each order exsclusively for GTR members. Not anymore.

[F106 Fan]

Originally Posted by WiskyT

There really isn't much more to add other than life is a lot eaiser with a TC bullet. Some SWC's work in some guns, but I don't understand the appeal of them. If you're going to be loosing your home to a possible miss on a scoring ring, use a 45 to nick it.

I was so looking forward to those targets!

I think I'll try to find a TC bullet. These are just for practice and scoring won't count. If I want to shoot for score, I'll use a .45 with a LSWC! Bigger is always better!

I have some Bullseye and some Unique although I bought 4# of WSF for my initial .40 loadings. Then too, I plan to get up toward the Federal LE loadings - about 990 fps with a 180 gr JHP.

For what little we shoot .40 S&W, even with 2 new guns, I might just stay with JHP. It's not like we'll shoot dumpster quantities.

I'll buy the Lyman Cast Bullet manual next time I order something. It will be a good thing to have around.

Richard

[dkf]

Originally Posted by DoctaGlockta

My vote for best post of the day.

Well done Sir!

Edit: That reminds me that my order of 'WhiskyT Brand' target paper is still on back order. Take your money make you wait. Jeez.

I am just jealous because I am self employed and have to buy my own paper.

[WiskyT]

Originally Posted by dkf

I am just jealous because I am self employed and have to buy my own paper.

I'm jealous because you can write it off.

[G21H30]

I have been using Missouri Bullet Company 140 TCFP IDP 7 in GSSF matches in my .40 this year. I switch to them because Bushwhacker (formerly E & E Bullets) from Lamar,MO. went out of business. I had been using the Bushwhacker / E&E bullets for the past ten years with great results (140 gr. RNFP). For me the 140's shot softer and were more accurate than 155 /165 gr bullets.I worked up a load ten years ago with VihtaVouri N-340 that was safe in my pistols and still use it today.

[WiskyT]

My mailbox is filling up with PM's from all of my fans demanding I post a target. Reluctantly, I must post this pic because I can't empty the box out fast enough. There is a very real danger of GTalk crashing if I don't do something.

Noblesse oblige

[WiskyT]

Okay, one more. But, that's it!

[DWARREN123]

I like SnS Casting 175gr lead semi wad cutters over Hodgdon's Longshot powder.

WWW.SnSCASTING.COM

[dkf]

Originally Posted by WiskyT

I'm jealous because you can write it off.

I am working on a source I can steal white paper plates from. I know I don't have to worry about you switching to paper plates. They are not big enough to hide the flyers with a Glock and a ruler.

[WiskyT]

Originally Posted by dkf

I am working on a source I can steal white paper plates from. I know I don't have to worry about you switching to paper plates. They are not big enough to hide the flyers with a Glock and a ruler.

I used to use paper plates until I found out printer paper, and outdated pay sheets, are cheaper.

[steve4102]

There is on-line lead data available from Accurate and Ramshot.
I'm in the process of working up 40 loads with 180gr TC and 170gr TCHP with True Blue.

http://www.accuratepowder.com/wp-con...d_data_3.5.pdf

http://www.ramshot.com/wp-content/up...dgun_rifle.pdf

[Bluescot]

I love the 40S&W and have three shooters in that caliber; G27 with a KKM barrel, Sig 226, and a Sig 2340. I've used that caliber to take a smaller mule deer buck a few years ago.

My go to powder in that caliber has been Power Pistol and have used it with Lazer Cast lead slugs in 155g and 180g as well as some Berry's plated 180g.

I've load the 155g with that Power Pistol out of the G27 at 1296 fps and with the 180g at 1149fps over my chronograph. Both are a wee bit snappy but do deliver a payload upon contact.

[PCJim]

Originally Posted by WiskyT

Okay, one more. But, that's it!

Zorro returns! Too bad he ran out of ammo to finish his tag.

[SJ 40]

When we don't have the time to cast our own bullets,I use these. http://shop.snscasting.com/40-SW-180-Gr-FP-40-180FP.htm
We use the same Magma mould design,depending on alloy mixture they weight 178 to 183 grains.
I have settled on 5.5 grs. of WSF. Not the top velocity but best accuracy,I have taken them to 5.7 grs but decided on 5.5 grs.
Seated at 1.135,out of a 4.5" barrel 937 fps
SJ 40

[F106 Fan]

Originally Posted by SJ 40

When we don't have the time to cast our own bullets,I use these. http://shop.snscasting.com/40-SW-180-Gr-FP-40-180FP.htm
We use the same Magma mould design,depending on alloy mixture they weight 178 to 183 grains.
I have settled on 5.5 grs. of WSF. Not the top velocity but best accuracy,I have taken them to 5.7 grs but decided on 5.5 grs.
Seated at 1.135,out of a 4.5" barrel 937 fps
SJ 40

This is really helpful! Thanks...

Richard

[freakshow10mm]

The best cast bullet for the .40/10mm is the 180gr TC. Either case, WSF is your friend.