Allright, I have started to reload, and I figured I would get a couple fo mags done while I am sitting around. Accoring to the 7th Edition Hornady reloading book, it says to use 4.7 gr of Win 231 to get 850 fps with a 180 gr .40 hard cast lead bullet. So here is the question. When I measure out 4.7 gr, it only fills the case halfway. Is this normal? I do trust my equipment, but the stuff is second hand, and I dont know if it was damaged or not. Any advice would be awesome. I'm sitting here with 20 rds of primered, flared, powdered, and ready to top ammo.
First time reloading question. 4.7 grs win 231 only half fills the case?
- Thread starter Draezin
- Start date
That's very, very close to the load I used to use with cast .40 bullets and W231 so I don't think you have any problem. I use only jacketed bullets now but that's only because I got tired of cleaning the bullet lube off of my dies. Lead worked fine in my Para and I use W231 for all my handgun loads.
- Location
- Montreal, Quebec
DO NOT deviate from the recipes in the handbook.
Cases are rarely "filled" with powder, which is of course dependent on the caliber and the type of powder.
The old saying of "more is better" does not apply to reloading.
Cases are rarely "filled" with powder, which is of course dependent on the caliber and the type of powder.
The old saying of "more is better" does not apply to reloading.
Different powders have different volumes.
For example 5.0gr of Vihtavuori has more volume than 5.0gr of W231 and 5.0gr W231 has more volume than Titegroup.
Never substitute any powder for another.
Never assume that since your powder measure was set to drop 5.0gr of W231 that it will drop 5.0gr of any other powder.
Always start with the minimum load and always use the same overall length shown for the type of bullet specified.
For example 5.0gr of Vihtavuori has more volume than 5.0gr of W231 and 5.0gr W231 has more volume than Titegroup.
Never substitute any powder for another.
Never assume that since your powder measure was set to drop 5.0gr of W231 that it will drop 5.0gr of any other powder.
Always start with the minimum load and always use the same overall length shown for the type of bullet specified.
That right there has seriously put my mind at ease! Thank you very, very much!
MauserMike
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- SW Ontario
Its not like loading rifle cases where the powder typically comes close to filling the case.
You have to be careful with handgun powder charges. Its very easy to to put a double (or more) charge into the case.
If you think its bad for the .40 autos you should see how little powder goes into a long by comparison .38 spl case.
You have to be careful with handgun powder charges. Its very easy to to put a double (or more) charge into the case.
If you think its bad for the .40 autos you should see how little powder goes into a long by comparison .38 spl case.
Typically many handgun cases were designed in the black powder days. You needed a lot more volume of black to make them work. When using fast burning smokeless pistol powder the same cases need much less.
This does make it possible to double charge, so be aware and double check your powder levels in your powdered cases.
A double charge of black powder would overflow the case mouth.
NormB
