I have always run factory 180gr rounds through my carry guns(XTP/JHP for carry and RNFP for practice). Now that I got my hands on a 2011 I plan to start reloading .40 S&W. I'm planning to run CFE pistol powder as I have a bunch and I run it in pretty much all my pistol loads. I'll likely go with Xtreme bullets as I have always had good luck with them, but weight and profile I am unsure. It seems like 200gr is soft shooting but from what I read it has a bit of "lag" when shooting. Also I know some run JHP for competition, but even with 9mm if there is an advantage the cost hasn't justified it for me. So for the folks running .40 major what projectiles have you settled on?
.40S&W LTD Major Bullet Weight
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When I was, coated 180s from SNS, Blue, or my garage.
I tried some cast 200s, and they were very nice, was gonna make a coated version my next order, but went back to minor only scoring.
JHPs are typically more accurate, fractions of an inch matter, but cost/benefit isn't there for me.
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I tried some cast 200s, and they were very nice, was gonna make a coated version my next order, but went back to minor only scoring.
JHPs are typically more accurate, fractions of an inch matter, but cost/benefit isn't there for me.
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FatboyFlash
Senior Member
I prefer the 180gr to the 200gr but not by much. I've also shot some 165gr and really liked those as well. In the end, I really don't think it matters as long as you practice and acclimate yourself to the timing of the round in your gun.
Don't know how true this is, but I will post it for whatever it is worth:
http://www.greent.com/40Page/ammo/40/180gr.htm
Personally, I've been shooting 155gn Xtreme almost exclusively. I load them with Power Pistol at reduced charge, less than 1000fps. BUT, these are just plinking loads, I don't shoot competition. They feed very well in my S&W M&P as well as my full size small frame Witness.
http://www.greent.com/40Page/ammo/40/180gr.htm
Personally, I've been shooting 155gn Xtreme almost exclusively. I load them with Power Pistol at reduced charge, less than 1000fps. BUT, these are just plinking loads, I don't shoot competition. They feed very well in my S&W M&P as well as my full size small frame Witness.
The bullet weight will be very dependent of the powder (for major p.f.) Faster powders, heavier bullet, loaded long. Lighter bullets, slower powders loaded shorter
Even then I bet it wont break a 130 pf.
My 40 minor loads of 3.0 gr of claydot are a 130 pf.
You have to use 3.05 to make major.
Slacker
Liquor and Whores...
3.07 out of a 4.25" barrel.
Only when its below 45 degrees, and primer brand can make a huge difference.
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I am in the 165 Gr Blue Bullet camp. As stated earlier, they seem to allow the gun to come back on target faster. I tried the 200s but it seemed like I was waiting on the gun. If I couldn't shoot the 165s, I would be shooting the 180 gr loads.
I use to use those purdy green 190gr from L13.... can't get them anymore. :-(
Try some of these.... http://www.acmebullet.com/bullets-reloading-brass/HiTek-Coated-bullets?product_id=510
Try some of these.... http://www.acmebullet.com/bullets-reloading-brass/HiTek-Coated-bullets?product_id=510
Slappy McTrigger
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200 blue.
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